Broadneck High football coach Jeff Herrick didn?t know what to do with all the extra free time he had at this point last year. Usually, Herrick spends late November preparing for a state playoff game. After all, he has led the Bruins to the state tournament eight times since 1997.
Last year, though, a young and inexperienced squad finished 4-6 and was on the outside looking in after capturing Class 4A East Region titles the previous two years.
Now, Broadneck (11-1) is back among the area?s elite football programs after taking out Old Mill, 28-7, in last week?s regional final. The Bruins now are trying to return to the state final for the first time since 2003 when they play Saturday at Suitland (11-1). The Prince George?s County school defeated Broadneck, 14-0, in the 2004 state semifinals en route to the 4A championship.
Still, despite all Broadneck?s success, Herrick is not ready to place the Bruins in a group with some of the more storied programs in the state.
“We need to have a state championship to solidify ourselves as a member of that elite group,” said Herrick, who is 131-64 in 18 seasons at Broadneck.
To accomplish that goal, Herrick is using the same formula that got the Bruins to their current level: a balanced offensive attack, stifling defense and a special teams unit capable of coming up with points when called upon. The Bruins are not flashy by any measure. Instead, they are simply a fundamentally sound team that doesn?t make many mistakes.
Herrick said the team?s strength, rather than one or two players standing out, lies in its ability to work as a cohesive unit. Offensively, Tony Baker leads Broadneck with 899 yards and 13 touchdowns, while Bobby Jeter averages 4.5 yards a carry and 10.9 yards a reception to go along with his 31.9-yard punting average.
The defense has allowed only 68 points in 10 regular-season games. A big part of that production comes from the secondary, which has 21 interceptions, including five by Duncan Spenceand four by J.J. Hicks.
“We?ve just been lucky that we?ve gotten guys out for the team that really want to compete,” Herrick said. “Everyone here really places the emphasis on the team.”
Suitland coach Nick Lynch said he expects a similar low-scoring affair like the last time his team faced Broadneck.
“It?s going to be like deja vu playing them,” Lynch said. “They don?t make mistakes and don?t turn the ball over. This is going to be a tough, well-played game.”
BROADNECK NOTES
» Broadneck?s roster includes six players with three years of varsity experience each.
» The Bruins have had success getting to the quarterback this year. Nick Peterson leads the team with 14 sacks, followed by Rob Ciancaglini, who has seven.
» Broadneck kicker Chris McDermott has converted 11 of 16 field goal attempts this year, including a long of 37 yards.
