By Greg Taylor
Contributing Writer

Where/When:
Powhatan High School at 1:30 p.m. this Saturday

Last week:
Broad Run beat Sherando 36-13 at home in the Region II final.
Powhatan beat Chancellor 34-18 at home in the Region I final and in the process set a record for most points scored in a season, 545 and counting.

What’s at stake:
Broad Run’s 26 game winning streak and a chance to play for the state title in Blacksburg.

Keys to the game:
When Powhatan is on offense, they will face a formidable defense that is only allowing 10 points per game.  Up front, the line has size but overall is smaller compared to Powhatan but is very active and led by All-Dulles District First team defensive end Alex Evans (6’5, 225 lbs) and lineman Frank Foreman (6’, 210).  The Spartans defense is a senior laden squad with Evans, Foreman, LBs Johnny Meier and A J Schmetzer, and DBs Joey Quigg and David Weaver, all seniors who have earned post season accolades.

Once again, Powhatan must use their size advantage to make holes for Landen Bradley, who should be healthy, and the rest of the running game in order to be effective and wear down the defense.  Minor must have another solid game at quarterback and needs to be as efficient throwing the ball as he has been in the playoffs (20-25, 257 yards 3 tds, int) to help keep the chains moving and keep the Spartans offense off the field.  For the Indians to win, they must have another big game rushing and not turn over the ball.

When Broad Run is on offense, the Indians will face a more traditional offense led by senior running back and Pittsburgh Panther commit T.J. Peeler (6’1”, 210 lbs, 1910 yds, 21 tds).  The Spartans offense mainly runs out of the I formation with toss sweeps going to Peeler or running a dive play inside.  Peeler has the speed to get the corner and the vision to cut back if a defender over pursues on a play.  The offensive line is not that big overall but has two starters with size in Mike Riegal (6’4, 270 lbs) and Taylor Evans (6’4”, 285) to go along with Alex Evans at tight end.  However, the Spartans will sometimes run the I formation out of a four wide set.  Powhatan has to respect the run and the pass as Connor Jessop (6’3, 170) has stepped into the QB role that his older brother Chris had last season.  Jessop has only two interceptions on the season to 18 touchdowns and has an imposing target to throw to in Syracuse commit Adrian Flemming (6’4, 210 lbs, 9 tds). 

The secondary will be tested in this game and must do a better job against receivers who are more talented then they have seen all year.  Dion Berry will likely start if the lower arm injury to Ray Brown prohibits him from playing.  Phillip Schoeffel needs to have a big game in the secondary to slow down the Spartans attack as he will likely shade over to Berry’s side.  The defense line needs to control the point of attack and the outside linebackers will be the key to stopping the sweeps.  If Powhatan holds Broad Run to 125 yards rushing or less, then they will have a good shot at winning this game.
The final analysis shows Broad Run has the experience and the desire to repeat as state champions as a majority of last year’s squad returned. 

They did not face a challenge in the regular season or in the Region II final as Sherando only had one first down in the first half. 

However, this season Broad Run has to travel for the state semifinals and Powhatan’s home field advantage is a huge benefit in Powhatan’s favor.
 
If Powhatan can control the line of scrimmage and have a big game rushing the ball, while holding Peeler in check, then Powhatan will win this game.

However, if the defensive line does not get pressure in the backfield and the secondary does not tighten up and gets exposed by a more accurate quarterback, then this game will be won by Broad Run.