By Tyler J. Scott ’12
THE ROUNDUP
Turnovers and a strong second half helped the Brophy Broncos ruin Desert Vista’s homecoming game Oct. 30.
By night’s end senior running back Max Leonesio ’10 had four touchdown runs and the Broncos topped the Thunder 47-24.
The Broncos jumped to an early three point lead but Desert Vista senior Michael Ingrassia ran back the kickoff 99 yards for a score.
The extra point was missed, putting the Thunder up 6-3 with 8:07 left in the first quarter.
The Thunder would get another field goal before the quarter ended making it 9-3 Desert Vista.
The first play of the second quarter was a big momentum shift for the Broncos as senior Andrew Lundahl ’10 blocked the punt and ran it in for a 41-yard score.
The extra point was no good making it tied 9-9.
What appeared to be a botched Alex Garoutte ’10 onside kick resulted in a Desert Vista recovery and a 44-yard Thunder drive that ended in a touchdown making it 16-9 Thunder.
Leonesio tied the game with a 33-yard touchdown run with 3:35 left in the half.
The Broncos got a field goal before the half to give them the three point lead, 19-16.
A Desert Vista three and out to start the third quarter allowed the Broncos to march 35 yards for another Leonesio touchdown.
Desert Vista junior quarterback Cody Sokol threw an interception to Brophy’s Ross Luther ’10 in the next series.
Leonesio capped the drive off with yet another touchdown run, putting Brophy ahead 33-16.
With about 3:44 left in the third quarter, Sokol threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to receiver Ryne Rezac. The Thunder went for the two point conversion and got it, cutting the Brophy lead to 33-24.
An Eric Hernandez onside kick was recovered by Desert Vista and they began driving down the field again.
But in a play reminiscent of the end of the Brophy/Mesa matchup earlier in the season, Brophy’s defensive back Joe Maggi ’11 intercepted Sokol in the end zone and extinguished Desert Vista’s comeback hopes.
Leonesio scored yet again and Kevin Molloy ’11 got his first rushing touchdown of the season to silence the Thunder at home.
Sokol went 17-37, passing for 159 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions in the Desert Vista loss.
Leonesio rushed for 166 yards and four touchdowns. Maggi picked off Sokol twice, both in the red zone during desperation drives.
“We made good adjustments both ways and were able to establish a running game in the second half,” said coach Mr. Scooter Molander. “I’m really proud of our offensive line and both of our running backs, Leonesio and Molloy. We got the turnovers when we needed them.”
Mr. Molander also had high regard for Sokol and Desert Vista.
“Desert Vista has a very athletic team and their quarterback is tremendous, one of the best in the state,” he said.
