Dylan denDekker is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Brophy College Prep for AZPreps365.com 

PHOENIX-- In the second edition of 'The Holy Bowl', Brophy College Prep defeated fellow Catholic school Notre Dame Prep of Scottsdale 20-7 Friday night at Central High School (Brophy's home field).

The game was a tightly contested defensive struggle, with Bronco kicker Marcus Lye's field goals of 42 and 46 yards helping to secure the victory. "One kick could change the momentum of the game," said Lye, who also converted both of his extra point tries, "so I always stay ready."

Brophy had lost two road games following its season-opening 49-0 win versus arch-rival St. Mary's. The stands at Central's Ray Laing Field were packed with enthusiastic and noisy Brophy fans and students, which spurred the Bronco defense on to a stingy first half. The Saints did not get their first first down until late in the second quarter and did not score until there was just :06 remaining on the clock in the first half.

That touchdown brought Notre Dame Prep within three points, 10-7. In the first quarter Brophy junior David Lopez had scored on a short run. "“We had a chip on our shoulder, we know we needed this win," said Lopez, a wide receiver who took the bulk of the carries at running back due to injuries. "So we came out fighting, trying to get the most out of every play.”

In the third quarter, Brophy's defense again brought the heat. Linebacker Parker Maggio's interception led to a short drive that resulted in Lye's 46-yard field goal. The holy warriors of Brophy and Notre Dame Prep entered the fourth quarter with the outcome still very much in doubt, the Broncos leading 13-7.

 

Brophy Kicker Marcus Lye with a field goal attempt. Dylan denDekker/AZPreps365

In the fourth quarter the Broncos finally put some distance between themselves and the Saints. Senior quarterback Elijah Warner, son of Hall of Famer Kurt Warner, connected on a 23-yard touchdown pass to Max Ware to put Brophy ahead 20-7. That would close out the scoring.

 “I had to show a little athleticism tonight," said Warner, who was pressured most of the night when he dropped back to pass. "Most people count me out for that, but it was fun to get out there. I just had to trust my linemen." 

Brophy coach Jason Jewell had three keys to victory: “Don’t turn the ball over, protect our quarterback, and stop the run." What he had not stated was, Play suffocating defense, but that's what the Broncos did. In two home games this season Brophy's defense has surrendered just one touchdown. 

"One little blemish," said Jewell of his defense. "They played fantastic."

 The Broncos will have a bye week in which they are looking forward to healing and getting better. Their next game will be at Anthem Boulder Creek High on October 8.

Brophy Prep and Notre Dame Prep pray after game Dylan denDekker/AZPreps365