BROOKVILLE - The Brookville High School defense went to the movies (videotape) Tuesday afternoon following their afternoon practice.

The Bees got a sneak preview of James Handley quarterback Lang Campbell whom they will see often Friday night (7 p.m.) in the Group AA State, Division 3 football championship game at James Madison University.

Behind the 6-foot-3, 185-pound Campbell, the Judges (12-1) have reeled off eight straight wins with their controlled passing game, the likes of which the Bees (10-3) haven't seen this year in the Seminole District.

Campbell has hit on126 of 236 passes for 1,921 yards and 13 touchdowns and has rushed for just over 600 yards and five touchdowns.

"Their passing game is lot like a West coast offense and he (Campbell) throws the ball well even on the run," said Brookville coach Bobby Johnson.

"We haven't seen anybody with their type of offense. Gretna (with Carlos Vanhook) threw about 25 times and Gate City was forced into throwing a lot last week (after getting behind 21-0). Gate City surprised us with their shotgun but with Handley, we know passing is a big part of their offense."

The Brookville secondary, with Steven Kee, Levar Anthony, Billy McDaniel and Lamar Kennedy is no slouch. The Bees have 19 interceptions including six by Kee and five by Anthony and have allowed opponents to complete just 74 of 199 passes (37 percent) and 79 yards per game. Anthony has also recovered four fumbles.

In a 59-13 win over Southampton last week, Campbell hit on 13 of 21 passes for 208 yards and three touchdowns. Afterwards, Campbell told the Winchester Star, "I truly didn't think we were capable of this. I hope we haven't peaked, although if we haven't, we're pretty close. If not, I fear our offense myself."

The previous week (a 31-7 win over Harrisonburg for the Region II title), Campbell hit on just 4 of 5 passes for 33 yards. However, he rushed for 96 yards and a touchdown as the Judges were content to run the ball against a Blue Streaks team that was determined to shut down the Handley passing game. 

Campbell has two outstanding receivers in 5-11, 170-pound Adam Dutton and 5-10, 160-pound Daniel Vipperman, both juniors. Dutton has caught 47 passes for 770 yards and six touchdowns while Vipperman has 46 catches for 583 yards and four touchdowns.

"They spread you all over the field and he (Campbell) takes a three step drop for the timing passes," said Johnson. "We're going to give up some stuff underneath but we're going to play physical Seminole-type football. And we don't want to give up the big play."

In watching the video of Handley Tuesday, the Brookville defenders found that Campbell will pull the ball down and run if his receivers are covered. "He's a real good athlete with good speed," said Johnson.

Even Handley coach Todd Hill said of Campbell, "He's a tough kid to tackle in the open field. He's tall and lanky, so they can't get a good shot on him."

According to Johnson, Brookville plans to make Campbell and Co. throw the ball. "We still have to stop the run and we want to get some pressure on him," he said. "We want to keep the ball in front of us. It's hard for a high school team to go 80 yards without a penalty or a turnover."

The Judges, who won the 1994 state Division 3 title, have an outstanding running back in 5-10, 175 pound senior Adam Woods who has rushed for 1,609 yards and a school record 28 touchdowns.

"Their strength is their offense and our strength is our defense, so it should be an interesting game," said Johnson.

A big key for the Bees, according to Johnson, will be the offense, led by tailback Dejon Kennedy (1,400 yards, 23 touchdowns) and fullbacks Russell Lomax and Matt Burch who have combined for 799 yards.

"We need to have a great week on offense and try to limit the times they (Handley) can have it (on offense)," he said.