On a blistering, dry evening at Central High School, Brophy opened its 2025 football season against one of the state’s top ranked teams, Basha. The Broncos looked to avenge last year’s narrow 35-32 loss, but this time the Bears controlled the game from start to finish, winning 42-6 in front of over 1,000 fans.
Basha struck late in the first quarter with two quick rushing touchdowns, then added a blocked punt that set up another score early in the second. A 58-yard touchdown run in the third, combined with turnovers and a blocked punt returned for a score, put the Broncos in a deep hole.
Brophy’s lone highlight came in the fourth quarter when senior wide receiver and captain Devin Fitzgerald ’26 hauled in a 16-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Case Vanden Bosch ’26. The extra point missed, leaving the final margin at 42–6.
“We played poorly in all three phases of the game,” said Head Coach Mr. Jason Jewell. “That’s as bad as we’ve played in the seven years I’ve been here.”
Fitzgerald said the loss was about more than Basha’s talent. “I think really, we beat ourselves tonight,” he said. “Our attention to detail—we all just have to lock in a little bit.”
Mr. Jewell emphasized growth and perspective as the team prepares for a road trip to Colorado. “It’s one game. We’ll be all right,” Mr. Jewell said. “Keep supporting us and we’ll turn it around.”
For Brophy, the opener was a tough reminder of the standard set by Arizona’s elite, but also a chance to regroup, reset, and refocus for the season ahead.
