After being defeated by Basha, a team that they have never lost to before, Westview High School looks to turn its fortunes around Friday against a equally struggling Brophy team. 

Westview’s 13 point fourth-quarter rally fell short against Basha two weeks ago, while Brophy is already 0-2, having lost to dominant programs Desert Ridge and Pinnacle. The Broncos will be looking to continue their four-game winning streak against Westview.

“The biggest thing after the Basha loss was fixing our mistakes," Westview head coach Nick Gehrts said. "Offensively, defensively, and special teams I think were all three phases two weeks ago that we needed to correct.” 

The Knights are coming off an early season bye week that has been filled with mental and physical preparations for the matchup. Gehrts said he found the extra practices helpful for preparing for this matchup, and his players said the same.  

“Brophy is always a tough school to beat and they are always disciplined, but we have a chance if we do what we are supposed to do.” said senior left guard Jomari Santos, “These extra practices have definitely helped us.”

Last year Brophy dominated Westview 35-14, fueled by an explosive run game, but this year is different. Without former running back Noah Pittenger, who rushed for 1,550 yards last year, Brophy has relied more on their passing game to get into the endzone. 

 “So far we have noticed their slot receiver #11 [Donovan Arthur] is targeted every time he’s out on the field. Also their fullback [Erik Dimaria] is the key,” Westview senior linebacker Joel Zurita said. “Wherever he goes is where the ball goes.”

Last week against Desert Ridge, Arthur proved to be an offensive weapon as he went for 85 yards and a touchdown on just four receptions. Zurita is confident that their 4-3 defense will be able to shut down Arthur’s effect on the game. 
    
Offensively, Westview will look to senior quarterback Scott Fallers to lead the charge. Fallers threw for 242 yards and three touchdowns on 16 completions against Basha.

“We hope to control all aspects of the game.” Faller said. “In order to win we need to utilize our clock management, and we have to be able to run the ball better. We also have to take advantage of the shifts they make.”
    
So far this young season has been one of changes for this Knights team. For Gehrts, it’s been his second season at the helm of a traditionally winning team and he continues to implement his offensive scheme.

“I wouldn’t say I have changed the offense I have just expanded the offense more.” Gehrts said.

Westview has always been known for running their offense out of the Wing-T, but have adopted more spread into the offense, adding the threat of the passing game to an already consistent ground game.

Brophy takes on Westview in Avondale this Friday at 7 p.m.