Football: Battle of Unbeatens in Ashburn Tonight

Follow the progress of this game on our Twitter accont tonight: http://twitter.com/LPSMonkey



By Dan Sousa
LoudounPrepSports.com Senior Content Editor

Ashburn (Oct. 24, 2008) - Tonight's big match-up in Ashburn between Broad Run (7-0) and Potomac Falls (7-0) is the second time in two seasons that BR has played host to a key Dulles District contest that should figure the district title.

Last year Broad Run hosted Park View in the final week of the regular season in a match-up of 9-0 teams that was one of the biggest contests in Loudoun in football history and the Spartans went on to win the game and the district title. Tonight Broad Run can take a giant leap towards a second straight title with a win over unbeaten PF and the Panthers can put a firm grasp on their school's first ever title and playoff berth with a win.

Here is a look at the game:

Running Game: Both teams have potent running attacks with PF led by Michael Baker at RB and don't overlook QB Greg Woodlief who has broken off several long TD runs this year and has a habit of making defenders miss on the first try. Baker is the type of back that get stronger as the game goes along and could be a major factor in the fourth quarter. Broad Run is led by Breon Earl and T.J. Peeler at RB. Earl has been steady and is a big-game player. Peeler has missed a good chunk of the season with an elbow injury and last week, his second game back after a long layoff, he took his fresh legs for 249 yards and four TDs against LC. BR quarterback Chris Jessop, like Woodlief, is comfortable running the ball and will keep it on the option but will doe most of his damage on scrambles, especially if the defense doesn't contain on the ends.

Passing Game: Both Woodlief and Jessop have a wealth of targets with Woodlief looking to Tarrell Owens for big plays and Chad McMichael is one of the best possession receivers in the area. Chris Pelto gives PF a third option. BR has Adrian Flemming, with all the tools to play college ball, and Didier Saidi who has come on this season along with newcomer David Weaver. Earl and Baker can do damage out of the backfield on swing passes and screen passes, especially if the defense brings the heat.

Special Teams: Both teams have field goals that they aren't afraid to trot out on the field if they get stopped in the Red Zone. BR is known to run the ball to Jessop out of their punt formation. Both teams will try some tricks on extra points and kickoffs. McMichael and Woodlief give PF a threat on returns and Earl is somebody to watch on punt returns for the Spartans.

Defense: Offense sells tickets ... defense wins titles ... so says the LPS Monkey! PF will put pressure on Jessop and the Panthers aren't afraid to blitz. BR has been solid in their front eight, not allowing teams to run between the tackles. Both teams have fast corners who can tackle. If the two defenses live up to their billing ... this could be a low-scoring game with 17 points enought to win.

Two-way: Both teams rely on key players to go both ways such as Earl, Flemming, Kenny McAdow for BR and Baker, Woodlief, Owens, etc. for PF ... conditioning and injuries will be a big factor as a player sidelined will be like a loss of two players if it is a two-way star that has to sit.

The keys: Look at penalties and turnovers ... both teams have been known to have a yellow flag or two thrown in their direction ... especially when they play each other. Which team will play smarter football tonight? A bad penalty at the wrong time could turn the tide. And finally when teams are evenly matched it almost always comes down to turnovers ... both Woodlief and Jessop have thrown some interceptions this year and the two D's have shown the ability to go "Pick 6" if that happens. The team with least amount of turnovers should be on the road to the Dulles District title.