Sam Goodman is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication student assigned to cover Brophy Prep for AZPreps365.com.

 

“Wake up defense,” screamed Jake McSpadden from the Desert Vista sideline as Brophy Prep quarterback Case Vanden Bosch completed a 26-yard touchdown pass to receiver Devin Fitzgerald early in the first quarter on Friday, October 18.

Brophy Prep dominated Desert Vista 51-10, bouncing back from a close 35-32 loss to top program Basha.

The Broncos’ offense came out scoring on every drive of the first half at Desert Vista High School, spreading the ball between the team’s weapons.

Brophy Prep Head Coach Jason Jewell said this was the game plan all week.

“I wanted our kids, obviously, to have energy and not overlook Desert Vista,” Jewell said. “We wanted to show that we could send the ball around, not just be known as a running team.”

Coming off of a bye-week, Jewell said he expected his players to rebound from their recent loss.

“I told our boys, we control our own destiny, so one week at a time,” Jewell said after the game. “If we do what we’re supposed to do, we can have a chance to accomplish one of our goals, which is to play in the open.”

The key for Brophy Prep was its continued offensive dominance, Jewell said. The Broncos thrived with the air attack, with not just one, but two different quarterbacks. 

Vanden Bosch threw for two touchdown passes early in the first half.

“When I come out and do my job early, and I think that this performance was good, it allows my teammates to get in, get reps and our teammates get that experience,” Vanden Bosch said.

With a 21-point lead, backup quarterback Ryland Umphrey saw the field and added a touchdown of his own on a read option to make the game 28-0. 

Umphrey entered the season as the expected starter before Vanden Bosch took over. With Umphrey getting significant snaps against Desert Vista, he said he felt that he didn’t need to shake off any rust.

“I always want to come in with a lot of confidence, no matter what happens, because I always want to stay ready for the moment,” Umphrey said. “I don’t think that I got too high emotionally or too low in this game.”

Vanden Bosch said he doesn’t feel like Umphrey is breathing down his neck for the starting job, adding that he supports Umphrey and only wants what is best for the team.

This is a mentality echoed throughout the team's mindset, according to Brophy Prep tight end, Nassim Isaac, a senior leader on the team, who scored on a flip pass from Umphrey to make the game 21-0.

“Say it's our position, your second string, he goes in over the first string, that first string guy is his biggest cheerleader on the team,” Isaac said. “It’s never jealousy. He is always glad for the next person to come up.”

Umpherey scored again for Brophy Prep to make it a 28-0 game at the half.

The Bronco’s backups played most of the second half, not just at quarterback, but for the entire team. According to Jewell, every player on the roster made it into the game.

Even without its full starting lineup in most of the second half, the Broncos managed 51 points.

Desert Vista added a late field goal and a blocked punt for a touchdown to make the final score 51-10.

Going forward, Jewell gave no clear answer about who would have the start at quarterback next week.

“I give you all the answers and the keys right, then I won’t have any secrets for Corona Del Sol’s (defensive) coordinator,” Jewell said.