Football: Big Challenge Awaits Broad Run

Broad Run (12-0) at Powhatan (12-0)
What: Division 4 state semifinals
When: Dec. 5, 1:30 p.m.
Region finals: Broad Run 36, Sherando 13; Powhatan 34, Chancellor 18
Points scored: Powhatan 545, Broad Run 430
Points allowed: Powhatan 65, Broad Run 125

By Carl Lukat

Times-Mirror Staff Writer

Special to VivaLoudoun.com

Ashburn (Dec. 3, 2009) - Broad Run High School has grown accustomed to the friendly confines of its home field in Ashburn during its perfect run through the last two football playoff seasons.

The Spartans hosted five games and played one neutral site game on their way to winning the 2008 Division 4 state championship and advancing to this year's Division 4 state semifinals.

That changes Saturday as Broad Run will make a nearly 150-mile trip to play the Powhatan Indians. Powhatan is about 30 miles west of Richmond. 

"We are excited. We have been very fortunate to play at lot of important games at home the last few years," Spartans coach Mike Burnett said. "We are trying to embrace this opportunity to go somewhere else and play a big game."

Broad Run (12-0) will not only play on the road, but will also face a very accomplished team. Powhatan (12-0) won all of its regular-season games by 25 or more points.

The Indians defeated Chancellor 34-18 in the Region I championship game, avenging a loss to Chancellor in the 2008 regional final.

Powhatan features a massive offenisve line that averages 280 pounds per lineman. Senior QB Shawn Minor is a playmaker with his arm and his legs. Minor passed for 200 yards and rushed for 135 more in the win over Chancellor.

The Spartans -- winners of 26 straight games -- counter Powhatan's size up front with team speed. Broad Run is stocked with playmakers, including Division I commits RB T.J. Peeler (Pittsburgh) and WR Adrian Flemming (Syracuse).

"We believe in athleticism and explosiveness," Burnett said. "We kind of hope that will give us an advantage."

Amherst hosts Christiansburg in Saturday's other Division 4 semifinal. The two winners will square off for the Division 4 state championship at Virginia Tech's Lane Stadium in Blacksburg Dec. 12 at 4:30.

Broad Run defeated Amherst 13-0 in last year's state title game. The Spartans are two wins away from repeating as state champions.

"Every game, we play for each other and to be the best we can be," Burnett said. "Our first goal was to win our district and we did that. We then focused on regionals and we were able to accomplish that goal. Now, we are at our last goal of winning states. It's coming down to the end of the road."

Editor's Note: VivaLoudoun and the Loudoun Times-Mirror are teaming up this week with two football teams in the state semifinals. LTM editor Carl "crazy legs" Lukat is covering Broad Run and Dan "Single Zing" Sousa is covering Stone Bridge. We hope to be doing the same thing next week at UVa and Tech!