Lake Braddock (Burke, VA) head coach Jim Poythress decided to build his 2009 offense around the talents of junior quarterback Michael Nebrich . Nebrich came through for his coach, racking up 4,520 yards of total offense (3,290 yards passing and 1,230 yards rushing) and guiding the Bruins to the Group AAA, Division 6 state championship game (played at Scott Stadium).

“We felt like we had a tremendous athlete to begin with,” Poythress said. “He has speed, arm strength and good vision. We knew he could throw a decent ball. We wanted to take advantage of those gifts, so we decided to move to a 5-receiver offense. Then Bill Renner became available and I knew he was kind of an expert with that offense. Once we added that piece, it really helped Michael. Then, I felt like all the pieces were in place for a reasonable season. When the dust settled, Michael broke several VHSL records.”

Nebrich broke the VHSL Group AAA record for total yards in a season. He rushed for 24 touchdowns and threw for 22 more. He completed 53 percent of his passes but threw 21 interceptions, with 12 of those came in the first four games of the 15-game season.

“He can throw the football and he can run it,” Poythress said. “He is a legit 6-1, 190 pounds. At camp at UVa, he ran a 4.55 in the 40 as a 10th grader. He ran it in cleats and on grass. He can really run. He’s not Michael Vick , but he can run.”

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