Chandler Hamilton has gotten all the scrutiny for its abilities on the field and alleged ways off the field. Phoenix Desert Vista has surprised few by putting its uber-talented team together late (hey, it’s better than never). Mesa Red Mountain knew it was a state title contender from the get-go.
So as quietly as possible when you’ve won the 2005 state title and reached the semifinals last year, there’s Phoenix Brophy.
The Broncos have re-established themselves as a perennial contender in recent years, so this isn’t exactly George Mason in the Final Four or Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl.
It is, however, a significant feat for this year’s bunch, a group loaded with new starters (especially on defense) and hit hard by injuries midway through the season.
“You’re not going to reach ultimate goals unless you set ultimate goals and constantly remind not only yourself, but your players,” Broncos coach Scooter Molander said Tuesday. “Those things sometimes come to fruition, sometimes they don’t. ”
Scooter Molander
Defensive end Trent Murphy suffered a serious injury midway through the season, but returned weeks ahead of schedule.
Ray Polk was an All-State running back last year behind a large, veteran offensive line. He hasn’t been the same. The offensive line began as a smaller, younger shell of lines past. They grew up, just in time for Polk to get injured. Twice.
The Broncos were beaten soundly by Hamilton at Phoenix College in late August, which now feels like half-a-world-away to both teams, especially Brophy.
Hamilton is and should be considered the favorite in this game, but I wouldn’t flinch if Brophy pulled this one out. Not with a healthy Polk and Bobby Rodrigues in the backfield, senior quarterback Bryan Berens, Sean Lieb, Drew Maggi and a defense you haven’t heard about.
Bryan Berens (left) and Ray Polk are two leftovers from the 2005 championship team. Both will be essential to Brophy’s chances Friday.
Since there’s still talk about the 2005 championship thriller (of which Berens was the Broncos quarterback and Polk was a defensive back), the Huskies are still annoyed by that night.
The Broncos, obviously, aren’t. Nor are they bothered by facing the undefeated.
Like everyone else in high school football, winning Friday is the team’s second-to-last goal, but getting here has been more than half a battle.
“The thing that is special about this team is they have tremendous leadership and a real heart and soul to it,” Molander said. ”God strike me dead, it’s a special team from that aspect.”
