By Ian C. Beck ’12
THE ROUNDUP

First Down: Defense thrives thanks to consistent pressure

The Brophy defense has been exceptional in the first two weeks of the season, holding their first two opponents to a combined three touchdowns.

They have forced five turnovers in their first two contests on three interceptions and two fumble recoveries.

Danny Riggs ’11 has three sacks on the season and linebacker Charlie Beck ’11 has two, both of which came in the game against Gilbert.

That pressure on opposing quarterbacks has been key for Brophy’s defense early this season.

Consistent and effective pass rush forces the quarterback to rush his throws, which can lead to wild passes and inconsistency for opposing offenses.

After Brophy’s win against Gilbert, a game in which they recorded four total sacks, head coach Mr. Scooter Molander praised the scheme and game plan set forth by defensive coordinator Mr. Gary Galante.

The saying defense wins championships definitely applies for this team as they will have to rely on their defense while a young offense that returned just two full time starters from last season adapts to a new, passing-based system.

Second Down: Passing game slows from record pace the second time around

In the first game of the season, Tyler Bruggman ’13 passed for 317 yards which was the third most single game yardage in Brophy history.

That record pace slowed a bit against Gilbert.

Bruggman passed for 176 yards against Gilbert and completed 10 of 30 passes.

After having three receivers with 85 or more receiving yards in the season opener against Deer Valley, Devon Allen ’13 was the only Bronco with more than 55 receiving yards.

Allen had 115 yards on four catches, including a touchdown.

But while Josh Dennard ’11 had just one catch for a single yard against Gilbert, he was used primarily as a running back in sweep plays and pitches, racking up 65 rushing yards and one touchdown on 10 carries.

Third Down: Penalties, deliberate play calling make for methodical pace

After a fast paced season opener against Deer Valley, Brophy’s contest against Gilbert was significantly slower and more methodical.

Combined, Gilbert and Brophy had 17 penalties in the game, including seven for the Broncos.

“That’s inexcusable, that’s not Brophy football,” Mr. Molander said.

He said that the penalties were physical mistakes that resulted from being lazy with their feet and was an issue that the team would work on.

In addition to the penalties, the team moved at a deliberate pace offensively.

Mr. Molander said that Gilbert did some things Brophy hadn’t expected and the team was focused on making sure the correct play calls were getting in.

Fourth Down: Running back by committee for the Broncos?

A year ago the running back position was a rock for Brophy. Senior Max Leonesio ’10 was the sure fire starter. Before Leonesio, Ray Polk ’08 was a backfield consistent.

Now the team seems to be sharing the load.

Last week, Mr. Molander said that the running game would still be important this season.

The opening day starter, Kevin Molloy ’11, had four carries for 20 yards against Gilbert.

Sophomore Marche Dennard ’13 had five carries and racked up 40 yards.