Battle of the 'Burn at Broad Run Friday Night

Local high school football fans are in for a treat Friday night when the Broad Run Spartans host the Stone Bridge Bulldogs in what has been dubbed "The Battle of the Burn."

Both schools are steeped in strong football tradition, with the Spartans capturing back-to-back AA state titles in 2008 and 2009, and the Bulldogs claiming a AAA state crown in 2007, among several other state playoff appearances. 

Last year the two squared off in an epic game that saw Stone Bridge overcome a 24-0 lead en route to a remarkable 31-30 overtime win in front of a packed home crowd.

This year the Spartans will host this must-see event for local high school football fans. The game has captured regional and even national attention, as the rivalry is explored in a Washington Post article found here, and features two of the nation's biggest football recruits in Stone Bridge's quarterback Ryan Burns and linebacker Jonathan Allen.

This year the Bulldogs have started the season undefeated with a 3-0 record, including big wins over traditional powers Robinson and Chantilly. The Spartans (1-2) have stumbled a bit out of the gate, with tough losses to their other Ashburn rival Briar Woods and Prince William County power Woodbridge.

Will you be at the game? Who are you pulling for? Start the rivalry off right with some friendly smack talk in the comments section. More importantly, be sure to get out to the game Friday night. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. Can't make it to the game? Follow me on Twitter @locosportsbeat for score updates, highlights, and possible witty banter.