5 Reasons Brookwood Will Win

Are you concerned about 's chances of beating undefeated M.L. King Friday night (at Hallford Stadium in DeKalb County) and advancing in the Class AAAAA football playoffs?

Don't be.

Here are five reasons why the Broncos can — and will — win:

1. Football Pedigree: Face it, Broncos fans, this isn't the best Brookwood team ever assembled. But it benefits from being a part of a program that regularly plays in big games. A year after winning the state championship, Brookwood hasn't forgotten how to win. There's a reason Brookwood has won two titles, and played in five finals and seven semifinals.

2. Playmakers: Brookwood has enough offensive playmakers to get it done. Running backs Nick Tompkins and Jamaal Cole, wide receiver B.J. Sammon and quarterback Zach Moon have all turned in timely big plays this season. Sammon scored three TDs, including the game-winner on an 8-yard run in overtime last week in a 30-27 win over Peachtree Ridge.

3. Broncos Will Play Well: It comes down to fundamentals at Brookwood, first established by former coach Dave Hunter and now coached to perfection by Mark Crews. Brookwood has a way of playing with teams that appear to be more talented. Assignment-oriented, each Bronco knows his role.

4. Defensive ... Enough: Conner Hennessey leads a Brookwood defense that has bent a good bit at times this season, but has been opportunistic, too. Last week, Peachtree Ridge gained more than 300 rushing yards, but Hennessey's 30-yard fumble return was one key to the win. M.L. King will be the speediest team the Broncos will have faced this season. The key will be making the defensive plays when they are most needed.

5. The Grayson Effect: Probably forgotten after Brookwood's 14-7 loss at nationally ranked Grayson three weeks ago was that the Broncos were a missed field goal away from scoring the upset. And, without the heartbreaking interception return for a TD by Grayson in the final minute, Brookwood arguably outplayed the Rams, who were unable to do much against the Broncos' defense in the second half. That game showed Brookwood can play with anybody.

FOOTBALL ON PATCH

Check back with Snellville Patch later this week for more coverage of the high school football playoffs.

Live Blog: Follow Friday's action on our live blog of the playoffs, including Brookwood.

Score Updates: Want a score? Have a score? Check out our list of playoff scores, compiled from all over Atlanta and Georgia.