Football Preview: Herndon at Broad Run

GAME TIME: 7:30 p.m. at Broad Run

After blowing out a team that’s held a seemingly perpetual spot in the AAA Division 5 state championship, the Spartans learned just how tough the Stone Bridge Bulldogs can be, falling 31-30 to its neighbor last week. This week the Spartans aim to regain the edge they’ve had over their other opponents this year – including the early shut 14-0 against Briar Woods, last year’s AA state champion – against the visiting Herndon Hornets.

By halftime of last week's game, it appeared the Spartans had turned into an unstoppable football force, and would continue to steam roll opponents right through to the playoffs. But an injury to running back Derril Thomas and second-half miscues contributed the Spartans eventual collapse and heart-breaking overtime loss.

Even with the loss, there is no doubt that Broad Run (4-1) has a great team. One bad half of football usually does not change a team's entire season. But this emotionally charged loss has the potential to linger for some time, and head coach Matt Griffis will have to rally the troops quickly to get them back on track for the rest of the regular season and the team's presumed playoff run.

This week the Spartans host a Herndon team (1-4) coming off two straight losses of more than 25 points. Herndon has a tough running game led by senior running back Josh Schow, who has two 100-plus-yard rushing games this season, including a 107-yard gem in the team's only win over South Lakes. But Herndon struggles passing the ball, which should allow the Broad Run defense to focus on stuffing the run.

Prediction: Don't expect the Spartan coaching staff to allow any hangover to linger from the Stone Bridge loss. The Spartans will get back on track this week in a big way. Broad Run 45 Herndon 7.