Category: The Bronco Beat

First Down: Brophy defense getting their game back together

When the Broncos lost their first game of the year against rival St. Mary’s on Sept. 10, the defense surrendered 16 points to the Knights.

At that time, it was the largest amount of points in a game the defense gave up to the opposing offense.

A week later on Sept. 16 against the Centennial Coyotes, the Brophy defense capitulated 30 points, resulting in a 30-7 loss which is still the biggest defeat of the season for the Broncos.

As the team emerged onto the field, Aug. 27 against Deer Valley, senior linebacker Ethan Cooper burst through the Brophy banner as music blared and the crowd cheered.

Cooper looked to the sidelines and locked eyes with one of his closest friends on the team, Joe Maggi ’11, then pounded his fist against the white No. 7 emblazoned on his jersey.

Cooper, a team captain and defensive leader who was since been injured, normally wears No. 44. The Deer Valley game was a tribute to an injured teammate.

By Justin Janssen ’11
THE ROUNDUP
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.

First Down: Rivalry picks up steam with exciting finish

In the last few years, fans have murmured that the long-standing rivalry between the Brophy and St. Mary’s football programs was over.

Brophy had moved on to a new division and the games between the Broncos and Knights did not have the same impact they used to.

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.

First Down: Airing it out with a new passing-based offense

For years Brophy football has been oriented towards tough defense and a solid running game complemented by the pass but in 2010, it appears as though that while the defense will remain the same, the offense has changed up a bit.

Quarterback Tyler Bruggman ’13 threw the ball 41 times for 317 yards while starting running back Kevin Molloy ’11 totaled just five carries the entire game.

Tyler Bruggman ’13 did more than lead the Broncos to a 30-13 season opener Aug. 27.

Bruggman went 19 for 41 in Friday’s victory over Deer Valley, throwing for three touchdowns and an interception as he made his first varsity start for the Broncos.

But the major story of Bruggman’s night was his passing yards, 317.