By Justin Janssen ’11
THE ROUNDUP
First down: First blowout loss since 2007
Going into the game against the Centennial Coyotes on Sept. 16 not many people were predicting the Brophy Broncos to come out victorious.
Many people consider Centennial, who has won three of the last four 5A-II titles, to be a perennial Goliath in a fight versus David. On Thursday Brophy struggled throw a pebble at its Coyote predator.
The 30-7 loss to Centennial at home is the first blowout loss suffered by Brophy since the beginning of the 2007 season.
In that year, Brophy was thumped 29-6 against rival Hamilton at home.
Since the first Hamilton-Brophy game in 2007 until Thursday, the biggest loss for the Broncos was 12 points, which was against Centennial last season.
Second down: Lopsided rushing game
Centennial was able to run the ball effectively against the Broncos, which proved to be game changing. With the Coyotes already up 7-0, Centennial quarterback Justin Sanchez faked a handoff to Vegas Johnson and took off 73 yards down the left sideline for a touchdown.
Brophy, on the other hand, was not able to generate much on the ground. Starter Kevin Mulloy ’11 and versatile Josh Dennard ’11 combined for 15 carries and 31 yards.
When asked how the team can improve following the loss, head coach Mr. Scooter Molander said “we need to get back to basics.”
Third down: Second half turnovers, miscues prove costly
Going into half time, Brophy was down 17-0. Many might have been tempted to think the game was over, but if you look at the recent history of Brophy football, second half comebacks are often the story.
In the 2009 game against Centennial, Brophy was also down 17-0 at the half. Brophy stormed back and trailed 17-12 late in the fourth quarter. The Broncos were about to take the lead in that game, however, an inadvertent whistle blew a Brophy touchdown dead on a fumble return.
On Brophy’s opening possession of the second half this time around, the Broncos made it to the red zone. However, the Broncos missed a 37-yard field goal attempt wide right.
Later in the quarter, after Brophy’s defense forced a three and out, Tyler Bruggman ’13 threw an interception on the first play of the drive.
On Brophy’s next possession, after forcing a punt, Bruggman completed a four-yard pass to Molloy. But a fumble gave the Coyotes great field position.
Matt Cahal ’12 gave his offense another chance by intercepting a pass in the end zone. Cahal was drilled on the play, and had to be helped off by three teammates.
“The turnover margin is an absolute joke,” Mr. Molander said.
He went on to say Brophy needed to be more consistent and to “bring it on every play.”
Fourth down: Bronco fans outnumbered by Centennial fans
Looking between the home and visitor stands on Thursday night, Centennial filled their section of Phoenix College while the home team left many seats empty. This was most apparent in the beginning of the game, when the student section could fit in the first few rows of the stadium.
Some people may not have gone because it was a school night. However, that did not seem to affect Centennial fans, whose school is half an hour away.
Some students indicated they did not go to the game because the team had lost to rival St. Mary’s in the previous week. It is sad to think some students are fair-weather fans, meaning they will only go to the game if the team is winning.
Bottom line is the team needs the students to support them at games.
Next week’s game against Chandler is on the road and is also on a Thursday night. Brophy fans will need to decide if they are going to stand by the team.
