Fairfax, VA - Robinson's Mike Imoh has earned the spotlight's glare over a brilliant four-year career, but last night his supporting cast proved it too deserves its names in lights.

The host Rams put forth their most balanced offensive performance of the season and defeated Lake Braddock 35-18, dashing the Bruins' hope for a playoff spot. With the win, No. 2 Robinson (8-1, 5-1 in the Patriot District) successfully defended its district crown. The Rams enter the playoffs as the second seed and will host third-seeded Oakton (7-2) in a Division 6 Northern Region semifinal next Friday. Fourth-ranked Lake Braddock finished at 5-4, 4-2 in the district.

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While Imoh turned in his usual stellar performance with 160 yards and a score on 23 carries, he had plenty of help. Senior quarterback Brian Gulley (6-of-8 passing for 156 yards) had his best game of the season, as did senior wide receiver Joe Rovansek (four receptions, 115 yards). And junior running back Chase Anastasio (37 rushing yards, two touchdowns) also helped the Rams show Imoh is not their only weapon.

``We knew Lake Braddock was going to key on Mike - every team keys on Mike," said Anastasio. ``That gives the other players a chance to step and show what they've got."

Lake Braddock never found a way to slow Robinson's balanced attack. Of the Rams' first seven drives, five ended in touchdowns and one with a missed field goal.

``A lot of people were saying we were just a one-man team," said Imoh. ``In football you can't win that way, and that's what other people need to realize. It was a good effort from the whole team tonight. "

The Bruins did stage a comeback with a touchdown to close the first half and a 10-play, 67-yard drive to open the second half led by senior quarterback B.J. Quigley (11-of-28 passing for 139 yards). Lake Braddock junior running back Steve Whittenburg's 1-yard scoring plunge cut the Rams' lead to 21-18 with 7 minutes 47 seconds left in the third quarter.

The Rams responded with touchdowns on two of their next three drives, and Anastasio's 7-yard touchdown run with 6:43 left in the game gave Robinson a 35-18 lead, sealing their victory. Robinson's offense in the first half showed its balance in both approach and personnel, and it took them just three offensive plays to light up the scoreboard. Facing third-and-8 at their own 31, Gulley lofted a perfect fade 25 yards down the sideline to Rovansek, who caught the ball in stride on his way to a 69-yard touchdown.

After Lake Braddock answered with a field goal to trim the lead to 7-3, Robinson crafted a 14-play, 73-yard drive finished off by Anastasio's 21-yard touchdown run. Thirteen of the drive's 14 snaps featured running plays, and fullback Kris Kiley twice converted first downs with tough inside runs.

Robinson's fourth drive was equally impressive. Imoh capped the nine-play effort with a 15-yard touchdown run on which he leapt over the goal line. The score was the 61st of Imoh's storied high school career, breaking the school record of 60 set in 1997 by current William & Mary tailback Marcus Howard.

``It was the culmination of everything, and it was a great feeling," Imoh said. ``I didn't know what to do, so I just dove in the end zone."

When the Bruins got the ball back with 1:29 left in the first half, Quigley led them down the field with pinpoint passing. With just seven seconds left, Quigley's 16-yard strike to senior wide receiver John Malone cut the lead to 21-9. The two hooked up again on the two-point conversion attempt, and Lake Braddock entered the locker room down 21-11.