Special teams, defense lead to Brophy upset over Desert Mountain

Brophy 13
Desert Mountain 6

By Chase Bayless ’15
THE ROUNDUP

Brophy’s special teams unit blocked three kicks Friday, Aug. 30 in route to a season opener upset over Desert Mountain.

Going into the game as underdogs, Brophy nearly shut down Desert Mountain’s offense.

All 13 of Brophy’s points came from the special teams unit as Phillip Mourikes ’14 connected on two field goals and Walker Adams ’16 recovered a blocked punt in the end zone for a touchdown.

Isaiah Oliver ’15 also contributed blocking two Desert Mountain field goal attempts in the first half.

“People talk about special teams being a third of the game. Tonight special teams was maybe more than a third of the game,” said head coach Mr. Scooter Molander.

It was a low-scoring game as Brophy entered the fourth quarter with a 6-0 lead.

With 2:14 remaining in the game and the score now 13-0 Desert Mountain’s offense was threating to score. Quarterback/safety Brian Woodward ’14 picked off a pass in the end zone returning it to the 50 yard line.

Desert Mountain finally got on the board after a 1-yard touchdown run, but it was too late as there were only 9.9 seconds left in the game.

Brophy recovered the onside kick and kneeled the ball to end the game.

The defense was able to hold a high-powered Desert Mountain offense to only 6 points.

“We knew where they were going,” said defensive coordinator Mr. Gary Galante. “We had pretty good indicators off of their signals the quarterback was giving.”

Woodward finished the game with 94 yards through the air and 66 yards on the ground, along with the interception.

“The coaches just drew up a great game plan and the players were able to execute it,” Woodward said.

Will Edwards ’14 had 92 yards rushing and 23 yards receiving. Fellow running back Ryan Velez ’16 also contributed with 55 rushing yards and 42 receiving yards.

Mr. Molander said this win is important for the Broncos as they set the tone for the rest of the season.

“To get a victory of this type early in the season, I think it’s something we can build upon and reflect back to later on as we make a playoff run.” Molander said.

Notes:                                                                                                                                 

• Brophy plays Hamilton, who is ranked as the 27^th best team in the nation by MaxPreps, next Friday, Sept. 6.
• While the offense didn’t put up any points, they also didn’t turn the ball over in this close game.
• The fewest points Brophy allowed last year was also six; it happened one time against St. Mary’s.
• Last year Desert Mountain was never held to less than 14 points in a game.

More photos from the game