St.Mary’s @ Brophy: Defensive Standouts

Nick Rock September 6, 2021 @ 08:08 PM

The Brophy defense was dominant all night on the 49-0 win over St. Mary's. The renewed rivalry was completely one sided, as St. Mary's didn't cross midfield and I am not so sure they even got a first down on Friday night. Nearly every defensive starter for Brophy is deserving of a spot on this list from how dominant they were from the get go, but here are five names that stood out on Friday night:   Defensive MVP: [player_tooltip player_id="42784" first="Zac" last="Swanson"], DL, Brophy ’22<img class="size-medium wp-image-197411 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/09/IMG_6417-crop-1242x816-1630976506-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /> Swanson showed why he is one of the top defensive linemen in the state, as he racked up 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble, all while being double teamed throughout Friday night. He’s explosive and powerful at the POA with the ability to overpower anyone in front of him. A flat out bully against anybody who was willing to go toe to toe with him. He flashed good quickness of the ball and frequently penetrated through the St. Mary’s offensive line to be a menace all night in the backfield. Texas landed a gem in Swanson.   [player_tooltip player_id="169402" first="Mardale" last="Rowe"], DL, Brophy ’24 Along with Swanson, Rowe was another beast up front for Brophy as he frequently made his way in the backfield to blow up plays. Very similar night for Swanson and Rowe, as Rowe showed excellent quickness and bend off the ball with strength at the point of contact. Rowe had 2 sacks along with 1 hurry on the night, and was a complete mismatch against any St. Mary’s offensive lineman in terms of quickness, strength, and athleticism all around. A very promising 2024 prospect.   Luke Ulrich, LB, Brophy ’22<img class="size-medium wp-image-24527 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/06/Generic-Featured-Image-2-300x187.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="187" /> Ulrich recorded 4 total tackles on the night, but seemed like he found his way to the ball carrier nearly every play. He flashed solid instincts and football IQ and frequently flew to the ball. He sizes up with a strong build at 6’0" 200lbs and is a very underrated player for Brophy. Good pursuit as well as he should be a sleeper 2022 LB to get on your radar.   [player_tooltip player_id="42785" first="Benjamin" last="Morrison"], DB, Brophy ’22 Although the stat line for Morrison won’t "wow" you, Morrison was locked in all night. The first play of the game he blew up a St. Mary’s screen, flashing excellent instincts and closing speed as he processes the game so quick. Although Brophy’s pressure was too much for St. Mary’s to handle, they couldn’t throw even if they had all day as Morrison locked up any and every St. Mary’s receiver he lined up against. I expect a big season from Morrison as they face teams they will air it out a little more as the season goes on.   Matthew Diaz, LB, Brophy '22 Diaz had a good night for Brophy. He displayed solid play rec and flashed strength at the POA. Good instincts with the ability to read and react quickly. Diaz will have to step up next week as Brophy will travel to Mountain Pointe, who looks like a well-rounded team so far. Big test for Diaz and Brophy throughout the next 2 weeks with Mountain Pointe and Basha.