Chaparral at Brophy: 8 Players to Watch
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Brophy College Prep, boasting a 2-1 record, is rapidly finding its groove after a heartbreaking one-point defeat in their season opener. On the other side, Chaparral, standing at 1-2, is looking for redemption, aiming to erase the memory of a…
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Continue ReadingBrophy College Prep, boasting a 2-1 record, is rapidly finding its groove after a heartbreaking one-point defeat in their season opener. On the other side, Chaparral, standing at 1-2, is looking for redemption, aiming to erase the memory of a costly late-game mishap against Desert Mountain. With both teams having something significant to prove, this clash is shaping up to be a must-watch.
Chaparral Players to Watch
Plas Johnson Plas Johnson 6’1″ | 165 lbs | WR Chaparral | 2024 State AZ boasts the build of a commanding receiver, and mixing that with crisp and refined routes tends to make defenders’ jobs nightmarish. Beyond his route-running, Johnson showcases his physicality, both off the line and with his run after the catch. His ability to consistently get open makes him reliable in the short game, while having the explosive ability to make big plays too; a dangerous combination.
Against Brophy, watch out for Johnson’s ability to turn routine catches into splash plays. His combination of route precision and post-catch dynamism can shift the momentum in a heartbeat.
Tytus Gomez
Tytus Gomez
Tytus Gomez is the embodiment of electrifying speed on the football field. His explosive quickness makes him a perpetual threat for the opposing team. With his elite speed and quick twitch make him incredibly hard to tackle in the open field. Gomez is finding himself to be a true dual threat, lethal both when handed the ball in the backfield and when lining up in the slot. This was on full display against Shadow Ridge, racking up 126 total yards and punching in two touchdowns – one on the ground and another through the air.
Keep a vigilant eye on Gomez whenever he’s on the field against Brophy. His unmatched acceleration and potential to break away from defenders can lead to game-changing plays, be it from a handoff or through the air.
Justin Fisher
Justin Fisher
Size isn’t always everything in football, and Justin Fisher is a testament to that. Despite his relatively smaller stature, he plays with the tenacity and force of someone much larger. His skills in coverage are top-tier, rarely in the wrong position and the speed to make up for it when he is. Fisher has also been able to provide valuable support against the run from the defensive backfield, and his willingness to make big hits shines through. This dual role, particularly from a safety, showcases his versatility on the field.
Fisher’s instincts and feel for the game have often resulted in the ball seemingly magnetizing towards him. Whether its with pass defenses, big hits, or interceptions, he’s sure to make an impact on this game.
Jordan Williams Jordan Williams 6’0″ | 175 lbs | DB Chaparral | 2025 State AZ embodies what coaches and scouts look for in a modern-day cornerback. With an ideal build, he’s well-suited to contest larger receivers in physical battles, while his impressive speed ensures he doesn’t get left behind by the speedsters. His proficiency in press coverage, bolstered by his inherent physicality, essentially takes his assigned receiver out of the equation. Williams has a natural feel for the flow of the game and the situation which helps him to make big plays in key moments.
Keep an eye on Williams whenever the ball is in the air. With his combination of physicality and speed, coupled with his football IQ, I expect him to be a thorn in the side for the Brophy offense.
Brophy Players to Watch
Cole Ruther
Cole Ruther
In the heart of Brophy’s defense, you’ll find Cole Ruther redefining the expectations of a linebacker’s role. Versatility is his calling card. It’s hard enough to find a real hard hitting linebacker or a standout coverage linebacker, let alone finding both in one player. That’s what Ruther is, a physical presence in the run game; unafraid to meet a running back head on in the hole. Who can also cover like a defensive back. His ability to read the quarterback without losing his receiver allows him to excel in both man and zone coverage.
Keep an eye on Ruther as he’s bound to make key stops, both against the pass and the run.
When surveying Brophy’s defense, Devan Kennedy Devan Kennedy 6’4″ | 240 lbs | DL Brophy | 2024 State AZ immediately captures your attention. His physique alone, being 245 lbs. with an exceptional wingspan, is a clear signal of the threat he poses. Where Kennedy is even more unique, is his ability to move. For his size, his speed is uncanny; he moves like he’s 6’1″ 200 lbs. With smooth and quick feet partnered with excellent hand work, getting to the quarterback can seem effortless for him.
Keep an eye on Kennedy’s potential to deliver key sacks or tackles for loss, especially during critical offensive drives.
Daylen Sharper Daylen Sharper 6’4″ | 195 lbs | WR Brophy | 2026 State AZ is the prototype for the modern receiver – he possesses all the requisite physical attributes: size, athleticism, and speed. Being a basketball player, you can see elite agility in his routes. He’s the type of receiver that when 50/50 balls are thrown, he has more than a 50% chance to come down with it. While his routes may not be the cleanest, his innate talents often compensate for any raw edges in his game. As a sophomore, Sharper’s growth within the offense is evident. His breakout performance, racking up 102 yards during the team’s trip to California, was more than just a stat; it was a statement to the football community.
Be on the lookout for Sharper during those critical contested catches against Chaparral. His ability to convert in tight coverage might just be a game-changer.
Charlie McGinnis Charlie McGinnis 6’3″ | 205 lbs | QB Brophy College Preparatory | 2024 AZ is the quintessential “slice and dice” quarterback, with incredible accuracy that allows him to really thread the needle when he needs to. His sneaky athleticism and impressive football IQ have been on full display whenever he’s got the team in the redzone, with a rushing touchdown in each game so far this year. What truly sets McGinnis apart is the cerebral aspect of his game. As the games have gone by, his decision-making has noticeably sharpened. His ability to rapidly dissect defenses, coupled with the maturity in cycling through full progressions within a play, is on par with some QB’s playing at the next level.
Keep an eye on McGinnis’ poise, especially when the pocket starts to collapse. His ability to stand tall and deliver pinpoint passes in pressured situations could dictate the game’s pace and outcome against Chaparral.