2021.11.26 Football: VHSL Region 4C Championship

Ashburn, VA (November 26, 2021) - This title game had all of the makings of a classic. The stands on both sides of the field were packed early with everyone in a festive holiday mood. The mid-day start meant bright and clear skies instead of Friday night lights.

Separated by only a few miles,  backfield excellence and stout defense were hallmarks on each sideline. Both teams had big semi-final wins, and their recent regular season-ending meeting was itself one to remember with the Tuscarora Huskies building a brilliant first half lead only to fall to an amazing second half surge by the Broad Run Spartans. In other words, the game was expected to be tight, but potentially high-scoring.

Chas Sumser Photography was there to capture the action and published a gallery of images from the game.

Taking the opening kickoff, Tuscarora began as expected with a series of runs featuring Bryce Duke. After gaining little yardage, the Huskies punted and the Spartans took over. Leading a methodical drive down the field, Broad Run quarterback Brett Griffis mixed in a few short passes with productive runs setting up a short touchdown at 4:32 of the first quarter.

Trailing 7-0, Tuscarora began their second drive again depending on Duke to break through the defense, but Broad Run was ready and held him in check. On the last play of the quarter, Huskies quarterback Sonny Mannino rolled to his left, but fumbled. When the Spartans recovered they were already well on their way to another touchdown. A few plays later, Griffis scampered into the end zone for the first of his four touchdowns and a 14-0 lead.

After the Huskies' next drive stalled, the ensuing punt was clearly blown sideways by the wind and Broad Run took over inside Tuscarora territory. It didn't take long for Griffis to score again, giving the Spartans a dominating 21-0 halftime margin.

The Huskies defense tightened somewhat after halftime, but their offense still couldn't break through the Spartans' line. The third quarter looked more like the tight contest everyone expected, but Broad Run came out on top with a Griffis touchdown--and a 28-0 lead--with just a minute remaining in the period.

On the ensuing kickoff, the wind played a role again and caused a muff which the Spartans recovered. When Griffis ran it in once more, making the score 35-0 midway through the fourth quarter, it was all over but the celebration. And when the horn sounded that's exactly what happened as players, coaches, students, families and alumni swarmed the team on the field holding the regional trophy high.

Broad Run advances to a state semifinal matchup at Salem High School.

Final Score: Broad Run 35 - Tuscarora 0