Vikings Selected to All-State Football Teams

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The Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) has recognized three Broadwater Academy students with All-State honors for their football achievements during the 2018 season.

Viking sophomore Gunnar Gustafson was named VISAA’s Division III First Team All-State kick returner.  Gustafson returned 25 kickoffs for 581 yards, or an average of 23.2 yards per return. He scored two touchdowns on kick returns including a thrilling 95-yard return against Blessed Sacrament Huguenot High School and a 79-yard return against Quantico High School.

Gustafson was also named Second Team All-State running back. He carried the ball 103 times for a total of 617 yards, an average of 6.0 yards per carry. He scored 11 rushing touchdowns, including runs of 52 yards, 52 yards, and 47 yards. VISAA also honored Gustafson with Second Team All-State punt returner. He averaged 35-yards per punt return and returned a punt 67-yards for a touchdown against Quantico High School.

Overall, Gustafson amassed 1,643 all-purpose offensive yards and scored 19 touchdowns, including three receiving and two on interceptions while playing defensive back.

Sophomore Clay Wardius received Second Team All-State honors at tight end. He played a solid role as both a key blocker and wide receiver. Utilizing his height and strong hands he created mismatches in the secondary pulling down passes that were floated to him in the post and slant routes. Despite missing three games to injuries, Wardius ended the season with one touchdown. He played both sides of the ball, starting on defense as a linebacker or defensive end. He was very effective at containing the run and pressuring the quarter back.  

Senior Co-captain Finn Kelly was awarded Honorable Mention All-State for his play at defensive back. As one of the Viking’s co-captains, Kelly has been a key player for the Vikings for his entire high school career. Kelly’s play was characterized by his ability to apply hard hits coupled with blazing speed.  An outstanding student-athlete, Kelly has been accepted at the University of Virginia and the Virginia Military Institute.

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