August 2011 – Brophy Roundup

Three and Out: Top four storylines from Brophy vs. Mountain Ridge

By Ian C. Beck ’12
THE ROUNDUP

First Down: Defense shuts down opposing offense

On Friday Aug. 26, opening their 2011 season against Mountain Ridge, the Broncos locked down the Mountain Lions from the first drive to the very last in a 32-0 shutout.

Mountain Ridge mustered up only one trip to the red zone, one that originated when a punt bounced off a Brophy blocker and was recovered by the Mountain Lions on the 18 yard line. They would drive to the one yard line but a costly five yard penalty on fourth down and goal forced them to settle for a 29-yard field goal attempt that sailed wide.

The longest play from scrimmage the Mountain Lions had was a 14-yard pass in the third quarter.

Broncos spread the wealth in season opening victory

In an interview with The Roundup previewing the 2011 football season, head coach Mr. Scooter Molander pointed to consistency on offense and great defensive as the keys to success.

Both of those themes were on display in the Broncos’ 32-0 victory over Mountain Ridge in their first game of the season Aug. 26 at Phoenix College.

Season Preview: Brophy football on the mark

The 2010 season for the Brophy football team saw changes to their starting quarterback and running back position among others, a rash of season-ending injuries to key players and the adoption of a spread offense.
In 2011, the Broncos will attempt to grow in their second year in the new offensive scheme while welcoming back numerous starters who bring experience to a young group.
The Roundup’s sports reporters take a look at the upcoming season with a complete preview package, including player profiles and a recap of the AIA’s new division format.

Broncos approach new season with young core

By Ian C. Beck ’12, Erik T. Masingill ’12, Tyler J. Scott ’12 & Michael Moroney ’13
THE ROUNDUP

In 2011, the Broncos will attempt to grow in their second year in the new offensive scheme while welcoming back numerous starters who bring experience to a young group.

Higgins committed to caring in first year as dean

By Ian C. Beck ’12
THE ROUNDUP
Brophy Dean Mr. Patrick Higgins sits behind the black desk in his first floor Brophy Hall office, calmly reflecting on his answer to the question “What one piece of advice do you have for the students?”
He takes a moment to think, then smiles wide before leaning forward to deliver his response.
He said that there are so many things to say, then settles on four simple words that carry a lot of weight: “Be a loving person.”

New divisional and sectional system changes sports schedules

By Michael Moroney ’13
THE ROUNDUP

The AIA instituted divisional realignment over the 2011 summer that moves the Brophy football team to Division I/Section III for the 2011 football season after having played in the 5A-I Fiesta Region since 2009.

Division I is now the highest classification for Arizona high school sports just like 5A-I was in past years. Division II is roughly equal to what 5A-2 was and Division III is nearly the same as 4A.

There are five total athletic divisions and three sections for each division. The sections will replace the regions from the previous format and are based on location.

Allen brings speed and experience to Bronco offense

By Michael Moroney ’13
THE ROUNDUP

Brophy wide receiver Devon Allen ’13 was last year’s leading receiver and he returns for the 2011 season regarded as one of the best in the state.

AZCentral.com ranks Allen as the No. 4 receiver in Arizona and Scout.com ranks him at No. 7. Both websites have him ranked as the best junior receiver.

“I try not to pay attention to those kinds of things. I didn’t even know about it until my teammate told me they saw me on the Internet as a ranked receiver,” said Allen.

Dennard working back from injury, still contributing

By Erik T. Masingill ’12
THE ROUNDUP

Brophy running back Marche Dennard ’13 is the fourth Dennard brother to play football at Brophy.

It goes to show that football is in Dennard’s blood.

“I have always been a part of football,” Dennard said. “I’ve been playing football since the fourth grade. My dad, my grandpa, my uncles all played football. It is a part of my family. It is like second nature for the Dennards to play football.”