Binns builds a dynasty

Ron Counts, Staff Writer
Published: October 23, 2008

Perfection.

It’s something every team strives for but few actually attain.

That’s not the case for the Floyd T. Binns Blackhawks, who beat crosstown rival Culpeper Middle School 30-6 at Broman Field Wednesday to finish the season undefeated for the third time in the school’s seven year history.

“Last year I didn’t realize how much of a rivalry this was,” Binns coach Kemp Pullen said. “But the stands were packed. I bet both teams could be 0-8 and it would still be a big deal.”

The Blackhawks’ game plan was no different than it has been all season, run the ball until the other team gets tired, then run it some more.

“Our offensive line is the reason we’ve won games all year,” Pullen said. “We don’t really have superstar running backs, but the line opens holes five yards wide to run through.”

Binns (10-0) racked up 281 yards of total offense against the Cougars, 269 of which was earned on the ground. And that’s nothing new. Earlier in the season, the Blackhawks piled up 400 yards of offense against Fluvanna, with 390 coming via the running game.

“Before the season, I told the line we were going to win games on their backs,” Pullen said. “They take pride in what they do and really work well as a group.”

The most impressive thing about the Binns offensive line is their understanding of the game, according to Pullen.

“We have linemen calling out blocking assignments before every play,” said the second-year coach at Binns. “That amazed me. I’ve never had a team that could do that.”

Monte Mosley led the way against the Cougars with 125 yards and a touchdown on five carries. That’s nothing new either. He finished the season as the Blackhawks’ leading rusher with 640 yards and nine touchdowns.

Austin Jenkins, Chris Hundley, Marcellus Green and P.J. White also found the endzone on the ground Wednesday.

“My theory is, at the middle school level, the less you throw the better,” Pullen said. “We didn’t throw the ball down the field to a receiver all year. We just pound the ball and wear teams down.”

Binns has produced some familiar names over the past few years. Stevie Strother, Moe Saffren, Maurice Strother, Cortez Rollins and many others that are in action every Friday night once roamed the halls of the school on Grandview Avenue.

And that’s not likely to change with the likes of Mosley, Brandon Settle — who led the team with 16 touchdowns — and Cody Lillard, who led the Blackhawks with 37 tackles and three forced fumbles, joining the high school ranks next year.

“Eastern View is going to be hard to deal with in the coming years,” Pullen said. “You mix a solid line and some great athletes, and you have a winning combination.”

Ron Counts can be reached at 825-0771 ext. 166 or