The final score from last night's game was 17-10, in favor of the Broncos. That was also the halftime score, as both defenses stepped up in the second half. Brophy (No. 3 in our poll, No. 2 in the AZ Rep poll) got on the board first as Jr QB Conor Hearn (6-0, 185) nailed a 36-yard FG late in the first quarter. Brophy's defense had their hands full trying to contain Jr QB Kyle Hess (5-10, 170), who did a fine job running plays out of the shotgun formation. Boots, screens, options, dives, you name it. The problem, as Desert Vista found out in Brophy's first game, is that the Bronco linebackers are really, really good. Cole Graybill (6-3, 230, Sr) is the real deal. Wherever the ball is, that's where you'll find him and the other linebackers for the Broncos.

Brophy's 8-play drive at the end of the first quarter stalled with a couple of penalties and incomplete passes. QB Hearn was generally overthrowing receivers, and, he does not like to stick around in the pocket. The Wolves started a 10-play drive in the 2nd quarter, with QB Hess pretty much having his way, when Brophy's Allen Hunter (DB, 5-10, 180, Sr) intercepted the ball. The ensuing 10-play drive resulted in a Bronco TD, as Hearn completed 4 passes for 80 yards. Matt Smith (5-10, 155, Sr) took the pigskin in the end zone for the final 5 yards. Then lightning struck for Chandler. Hess, who had been pushing for short gains, threw a bomb to a wide open Jim Burnett (WR, 6-3, 180, Sr) for a 70 yard score, making it 10-7. Brophy started their next drive on their 20 yard line, and turned to their outstanding Sr RB Rahnee Dennard (5-10, 185). He hit for two big gainers (23 yards and 15 yards), and Hearn struck for a 43-yard TD play with all-purpose Hunter. With only 1:14 left in the first half, Brophy was marching as Hearn completed 4 passes, but then fumbled the ball away during a sack. Just as quickly, Chandler's Hess completed a bomb to the 15-yard line with 4 seconds on the clock. The 30 yard FG made the halftime score Brophy 17 and Chandler 10.

The second half was dominated by the defenses. Early in the 3rd quarter, Brophy's #51 intercepted a pass to set up a drive from the 33-yard line. Hearn was sacked (-9) on the first play, and then threw an interception. With 6 seconds left in the 3rd quarter, Brophy's Troy Taylor (TE/LB, 6-1, 214, Sr) made what could have been the play of the game, as he blocked a punt. Brophy took over on Chandler's 18-yard line, but Hearn promptly threw another interception, this one in the end zone. It was his third costly turnover of the game.

Chandler started the 4th quarter with a nice 9-play drive, but was forced to punt. Brophy made a decent return, was called for holding, and the ball was brought back to their 14-yard line. TB Dennard was really exploding for yardage, and Hearn hit Smith on a beautiful slant for a 44-yard TD. Problem was, a holding penalty brought the ball back to the 48-yard line. Dennard started cracking for more yardage, but Brophy had to settle for a 46 yard FG attempt, that just missed.

Chandler took over on their 20-yard line with 4:52 left in the game, but the 8-play drive stalled on 4 straight incompletions. Brophy took over with 1:30 left in the game, and ran out the clock. Brophy TB Dennard finished with 156 yards on 22 carries, and undoubtedly was the Player of the Game.

A very courageous effort and outstanding preparation by the Chandler coaching staff. Brophy has possibly more offensive weapons than any other 5A DI team in the state, with maybe the exception of Maryvale and Westwood. Brophy also is adapting to a new coach and system, has great athletes all over the field, and a very physical and confident defense. The kids on both teams played with great heart, and represented their schools with distinction.

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