The Broad Run Spartans (4-0) entered the 2010 season riding a 28-game winning streak and back-to-back AA Division 4 state titles. Thursday night, they extended that streak with a 42-6 victory over Washigton, D.C.'s Wilson High School.
However, the loss of 17 starters from last season's team—including 2009 Virginia AA player of the year T.J. Peeler, now a freshmen at the University of Pittsburgh—and the unexpected departure of head coach Michael Burnett leave many unanswered questions as the Spartans begin the quest for a third straight state title.
Matt Griffis, a long time assistant and offensive coordinator at Stone Bridge, has taken the head coaching reigns. During the offseason, Griffis overhauled the Spartan pro-I offense and installed Stone Bridge's hybrid version of the single wing/spread attack.
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Despite learning a new system, the Spartans have reeled off three straight victories to start the season and have outscored their opponents 104-19.
However, early victories have come with a price. Starting quarterback Connor Jessop suffered a significant collarbone injury that required surgery in the win over Heritage. It is unclear now whether Jessop, a junior, will play again this season. Stepping in at quarterback, junior Jack Sistare will rely heavily on the Spartans' trio of junior running backs—Derril Thomas, Steven Fields, and Markas Anderson—to keep the offense running smoothly.
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The Spartans hope their three returning starters on defense—linebacker Joe Walter, defensive end Caleb Lindsay, and safety Derril Thomas—continue to lead the unit's strong play the rest of the season. So far, so good.
