Football: Jessop Lifts Spartans Past Eagles in Region II D4 Semifinal

By Carl Lukat
Times-Mirror Staff Writer
Special to VivaLoudoun.com 

Ashburn (Nov. 22, 2009) - Chris Jessop left a lasting impression as a standout football and baseball player at Broad Run High School. Jessop, now a freshman at Flagler College in Florida, was the starting quarterback on the Spartans' 2008 state championship football team.

Broad Run coach Mike Burnett felt finding Jessop's replacement was a main priority heading into the 2009 campaign.

Based on a four-touchdown performance from Chris' younger brother, Connor Jessop, in the Spartans' 34-27 victory over Liberty Friday in the Region II Division 4 semifinals, it appears Burnett has found his signal caller of the future.


"He's pretty special," Burnett said of his sophomore QB. "I've coached a couple of guys who are real good and I'll tell you what, his instincts and his poise are as good as anyone I've ever coached. If his physical tools come along, he's going to be one of the greats."

Connor Jessop, who took over as starting quarterback in the second game this season, turned in his best varsity performance Friday in his first playoff game.

With Liberty stacking the box in an attempt to contain running back T.J. Peeler, a University of Pittsburgh commit, Jessop tossed three touchdown passes in the second quarter and added a one-yard touchdown plunge in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.

"He's calm, it's an eery calm. Chris was very similar in that sense," Burnett said. "As a 10th grader, you sure don't expect it in a playoff game. But he stands in the pocket and he's patient. He makes such great decisions. In the entire game tonight he maybe made two or three bad decisions, that's unbelievable."

Jessop is hopeful his older brother will be in attendance Nov. 27 when the Spartans (11-0) host Sherando (9-2) in the regional championship game. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

"It feels pretty good, I’m not gonna lie," Jessop said of Friday's performance. "My brother might come up next week, I wish he was here to see this one."

Peeler delivered another strong effort, gaining 139 yards on 30 carries. David Weaver was Jessop's top target, catching four balls for 97 yards and a touchdown.

The Spartans' defense -- which did not have one of their better tackling games -- stood tall when it counted most in the second half. Clinging to a 26-20 lead for much of the second half, Broad Run held Liberty scoreless on four straight posssessions before the teams traded scores in the final two minutes of regulation.


Broad Run 34, Liberty 27

First Quarter
BR: Nelson 22 run (kick failed) 8:22
L: Porter 4 pass from Chiccehitto (Guevara kick) 1:48

Second Quarter
BR: Price 20 pass from Jessop (kick blocked) 11:51
L: Fleming 3 run (kick failed) 7:24
BR: Evans 5 pass from Jessop (pass failed) 1:59
BR: Weaver 20 pass from Jessop (Peeler run) 0:00.2

Third Quarter
L: Fleming 54 run (Guevara kick) 10:21

Fourth Quarter
BR: Jessop 1 run (Weaver pass from Jessop) 1:47
L: Rogers 14 pass from Chiccehitto (Guevara kick) 0:39


Individual leaders

Rushing: L-Williams (16 for 84 yards), Fleming (12 for 79 yards, 2 TD); BR-Peeler (30 for 139 yards), Nelson (3 for 27 yards, TD)

Passing: L-Chiccehitto (10 of 16 for 96 yards, 2 TD); BR-Jessop (10 of 16 yards for 149 yards, 3 TD)

Receiving: L-Rogers (5 for 52 yards, TD), Spindle (3 for 25 yards), Porter (2 for 19 yards, TD); BR-Weaver (4 for 97 yards, TD), Price (2 for 26 yards, TD)
For more great Loudoun sports coverage by Carl "Crazy Legs" Lukat, check out the Loudoun Times-Mirror weekly or log online to www.loudountimes.com