For Ashburn, It's All About States

Stone Bridge and Broad Run Prep for Semifinals

By Paul Tenorio

Thursday, November 27, 2008

No. 1 Stone Bridge at Phoebus, 1:30 p.m. Saturday

Trailing by 10 points last year in the Virginia AAA Division 5 state semifinals at home against Phoebus, Stone Bridge turned to its star player, Jeron Gouveia, to help lead it to the state championship game.

The senior running back embraced the opportunity and rushed for 90 yards and three touchdowns in the final two quarters to guide the Bulldogs to a 38-24 win, and Stone Bridge would go on to win its first state championship the following week against Potomac.

This year, the No. 1 Bulldogs (13-0) won't have a go-to player like Gouveia-Winslow, as he now calls himself, who redshirted this season at Virginia Tech, as they travel to take on the undefeated Phantoms in a Virginia AAA Division 5 state semifinal rematch. Starting running back Daniel Allen is doubtful for the game after spraining his ankle against Edison, and sophomore Marcus Harris will probably see the bulk of the carries.

But one thing that hasn't changed from last year's state championship team is the effectiveness of the Stone Bridge offensive line, which as Coach Mickey Thompson pointed out opened the holes for Gouveia.

That unit will play a crucial role Saturday afternoon for the Bulldogs, who average an area-best 49.2 points per game, as they square off against Phoebus, which has posted nine shutouts and allowed just 32 points this season.

"It just got to the point where we wore them down up front, and I thought that was the difference maker," Thompson said of last year's win. "I think we're as good or better up front, and we've got more weapons, so I'm not that concerned about having that go-to guy. We've just got to get it done."

Last Friday in the Northern Region championship, Stone Bridge showcased its ability to slow a versatile and athletic offense as it smothered Edison in a 35-6 win. Led by linebacker Mike Olson, who showed off his range and speed throughout the contest, the Bulldogs held Edison to just 146 total yards of offense, with a large chunk of that coming on a 53-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter.

The Stone Bridge defense will face its biggest test of the season against the Phantoms (13-0), whose offense is led by Tennessee-bound quarterback Tajh Boyd and West Virginia-bound running back Shawne Alston.

Several players said the matchups in the secondary would be especially key, as the Bulldogs defense has been particularly dominant against the run this season.

In the season opener against one of the area's top passers, West Springfield's Bryn Renner, the Bulldogs were effective bringing pressure on blitzes and limiting the Spartans dangerous passing attack.

"It's like a two-headed monster back there," Bulldogs linebacker Mike Olson said. "We did a really good job stopping the rush last year, came up big and got that key defensive touchdown that was big, a game-changer. So we definitely have all the talent, we know we can [stop them], it's just whether we can get it done."

No. 7 Chancellor at No. 9 Broad Run, 2 p.m. Saturday

Making its first appearance in the state playoffs in school history, No. 9 Broad Run will face its most difficult challenge of the season as the Spartans host No. 7 Chancellor in the Virginia AA Division 4 state semifinals.

Broad Run (12-0) features a well-rounded defense that boasts tremendous team speed and all-around depth, often dominating its opponents.

But against Chancellor (12-0), which utilizes an option offense, the Spartans will see the most dangerous game-breaker they have faced all season in Virginia-bound running back Dominique Wallace, who has rushed for 1,574 yards and scored 34 total touchdowns.

The ability of the Spartans' defensive line to generate a push that can slow Wallace as well as their ability to stay disciplined in assignments to prevent a big play in the option will be critical.

"When that [defense] plays their best, I like our chances," Broad Run Coach Mike Burnett said. "Now, the question is, what about against a guy like Dominique Wallace? But I was telling our kids today, we've seen some pretty good players. Ross Madison is a heck of a tailback, Deandre Reaves, Michael Baker - we've seen good players. Maybe not ones quite his caliber, but we've seen some pretty good ones. So we're optimistic."

Tagged: Broad Run High School, football, high school sports, Stone Bridge High School

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