Ireland Horvat is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Brophy Prep High School for AZPreps365.com

From a COVID-19 season of 0-7 in 2020, to a comeback 6-4 season this year, the Brophy Broncos are on a mission to win a title. Friday night the Broncos defeated the Desert Ridge Jaguars, 22-9, to advance to round two of the 6A state championship.  

The Broncos have not won a playoff game since 2016, making this a big moment for Brophy Prep and head coach Jason Jewell. “We’re super fired up,” said coach Jewell. “Fantastic for our kids, we stayed undefeated at home. I couldn’t be more proud of my boys.”

Two minutes into the contest, Brophy quarterback Elijah Warner completed a 30-yard dart to wide receiver Max Ware for a touchdown. The extra point was missed because of a dropped snap—but kicker Marcus Lye would go on to drill four field goals during the contest. 

“We had one little mistake but I know I can trust my snapper and holder," said Lye. "From there, we just picked up momentum,” said Lye. 

In the second quarter, following Lye's first field goal, Brophy's Carlos Dominguez intercepted the ball in Jaguar territory and returned it just six yards shy of the goal line. Soon after, Warner rewarded Dominguez by tossing a six-yard touchdown pass to him. That put the Broncos ahead 16-0.

Bronco defensive end Zach Swanson, a University of Texas commit, was injured in the second quarter. On the sideline Swanson attempted to walk it off, but did not return. “Someone came from the sideline while I was on my ankle and kicked me so it twisted," said Swanson. "You’ll see me next Friday."

In the second quarter, the Jaguars put points up on the board with a 15-yard touchdown pass . A two-point conversion failed, but Desert Ridge recovered a Brophy fumble by Brophy in Bronco territory. That led to a 31-yard field goal, making the score at the end of the second quarter, 16-9, in favor of Brophy. 

After a scoreless third quarter, Bronco linebacker Luke Ulrich intercepted the ball in Jaguar territory. Lye sealed the victory with a 24-yard field goal for the Broncos, resulting in the 22-9 final score. 

Brophy Prep's next playoff foe is Mesa Red Mountain, whom they'll vist next Friday in the second round of the 6A playoffs.  Five years ago the Pride ended Brophy's season, also in the second round of the playoffs, with a 35-31 victory.