Brophy finally has their QB, and without the drama

By Justin Janssen

There's an old football cliche, "If you have two quarterbacks, you actually have none."

For the first time since Bryan Berens, Brophy Prep has a crystal clear situation at quarterback without any controversy. Berens was the starting QB for the only two state championship teams (2005 and 2007).

Junior Tyler Bruggman is by without a doubt, Brophy's starting QB. As a sophomore, Bruggman threw for 1304 yards with 11 TDs and 6 interceptions before injuring his ankle in a "freak accident" the day before a game.

Scouts and sportswriters are high on Bruggman. "[Bruggman is] returning from a broken ankle suffered in mid-October, has worked hard to put himself among the state's elite quarterbacks," said Richard Obert of The Arizona Republic. "Strong, accurate arm, smart, manages the game well." Jason Jewell, scout.com's southwest recruiting expert rates Bruggman as the sixth best QB prospect in Arizona (and first among juniors).

The stability Bruggman brings to the most important position in sports for Brophy is a blessing for a program that has had 7 QBs in the past three years.

In summary:

2008: Brophy used two different quarterbacks, substituting them in even in the middle of drives.

2009: There was controversy over three different quarterbacks Chase Knox, Garrett Wilson, and Billy Freeman. Freeman transferred to Red Mountain where he would switch positions, while Knox started throughout the season, but many felt Wilson was not given a fair shot at the starting gig.

2010: Knox transferred two days before the season begam because coach Scooter Molander wanted him to split time with sophomore Tyler Bruggman. Bruggman hurt his ankle in what was described as a "freak injury" midway through the season.

In order to get some playing time for his last gig, Wilson, who switched positions, was out for the season a couple weeks before, leaving receiver Fred Gammage at the helm. Gammage held up the fort for the remainder of the season and played surprisingly well, considering the position switch, and led Brophy to the quarterfinals.

Bruggman has all the weapons to succeed in 2011. Speedster Devon Allen caught 60 passes for 915 yards and six scores. According to The East Valley Tribune, the 60 catches and 915 yards are school records. Gammage caught 41 passes for 462 yards and hauled in four touchdowns. Almost all of those numbers for Gammage came in the first half of the season because he had switched positions. Marche Dennard was Brophy's X-factor last season, mainly being used in trick plays, but he ran for more than six yards a carry.