Week 2 Review: Broomfield Eagles vs Holy Family Tigers
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A look at the five best performances from this ranked, cross-division matchup. Review Coming into this contest between the 15th ranked Broomfield Eagles and the 13th ranked Holy Family Tigers, many expected this game between ranked teams to be a…
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Continue ReadingA look at the five best performances from this ranked, cross-division matchup.
Review
Coming into this contest between the 15th ranked Broomfield Eagles and the 13th ranked Holy Family Tigers, many expected this game between ranked teams to be a barn-burner…and boy, was it ever. Holy Family would strike first in the first few minutes, taking a 7-0 lead. Broomfield would respond with a score of their own on their ensuing possession to keep things tight. The Tigers would add another touchdown before the 1st quarter was over to make the score 15-6. The 2nd quarter wasn’t kind to Holy Family though, as the Eagles would score unanswered on three consecutive possessions to hold a commanding 26-15 going into the locker room at halftime. The Broomfield offense would sputter in the 3rd quarter, however – only mustering a field goal but still holding the Tigers scoreless to take a 29-15 lead into the 4th quarter. The 4th quarter is where the fireworks really started and the momentum of the game did a complete one-eighty, as the Eagles would be held scoreless and the Holy Family offense would add two scores to cut the Broomfield lead to 29-28. The Tigers, down by 1, would opt to go for the 2-point conversion and the win instead of the extra point; miraculously punching it in and sealing the thrilling 30-29 victory and handing the Broomfield Eagles their first loss since the 2021 season. In a game that was an instant classic like this one, there were stars on both sidelines who had incredible performances to keep their respective team in the game. With that being said though, here are the five players from this game who I felt had the most valuable performances.
Players of the Game
Rylan Cooney Rylan Cooney 5'8" | QB Holy Family | 2024 State CO , Holy Family Tigers (QB)(Sr.)(2) – Cooney was probably the most valuable player for the Tigers on either side of the ball in this game. The Broomfield defense was repeatedly gashed through the air and on the ground by Cooney as he went 9 of 20 (45%) for 179 yards passing, 3 passing touchdowns against an interception, and a QBR of 95.6 while also accounting for 94 yards rushing and a rushing touchdown on 17 carries (5.5 YPC) as well. When you dive into the tape of Cooney’s night against the Eagles you can see he displays outstanding athleticism for the QB position that makes him a threat to turn any designed run or scramble into a big play. Shows good touch on deep ball and boundary throws, consistently dropping it on the outside shoulder of the receiver. Displays good overall ball placement to all levels of the field, as he consistently gives his receivers a chance to make a play on the ball on deep throws, while also consistently hitting receivers in stride on short and intermediate throws. Very intelligent passer that rarely makes bad decisions with the ball that put the team in a bad position. His combination of excellent athleticism for the QB position and good overall accuracy make him a deadly passer on the run, consistently showing the ability to hit receivers downfield when forced out of the pocket or when off platform. Creative player with the ball in his hands that knows how to create outside of structure when the play breaks down. Cooney is currently ranked the number 15 QB and the number 129 player overall for the class of 2024, with his smaller frame for the position (5’8, 165 lbs) probably explaining his lower recruiting profile despite his tape and production. Regardless, Cooney is an immensely talented player that seemingly willed the Tigers to victory against the Eagles.
Jaxon Grable, Holy Family Tigers (WR)(Sr.)(0) – With Cooney having such a strong night, it only makes sense that his most prolific target also made the list. Despite probably having the best defensive backfield in the state this season, the Broomfield DBs couldn’t cover Grable as he accounted for an impressive 104 yards receiving and a receiving touchdown on just 3 receptions (34.7 YPR). Turning on the film of Grable’s night against the Eagles, you can see he’s an incredibly explosive receiver with great top-end foot speed that allows him to quickly get on top of opposing DBs on the boundary. Long, physical receiver (6’2, 175 lbs) that has the frame necessary to box-out defenders and high point the ball on fade routes in the red zone and other jump-ball scenarios. Shows excellent tracking ability when working back on under-thrown balls and on over the shoulder catches where he has to work the sideline. Displays strong, extremely reliable hands when working shorter and intermediate routes through traffic over the middle, consistently maintaining possession through the point-of-contact. Shows good elusiveness as a ball carrier in the open field after the catch, consistently making defenders miss in one-on-one situations. Highly aggressive, consistent blocking ability on the perimeter, often driving the defender downfield through the whistle. Grable is currently unranked on recruiting boards for the class of 2024, which seems very surprising considering his combination of tape, production against good competition, and frame that all translate to the collegiate level. Despite that, he’s a very talented player that was a key piece in the Tigers’ victory over Broomfield.
CT Worley CT Worley 6'2" | 210 lbs | QB Broomfield | 2025 State CO , Broomfield Eagles (QB)(Jr.)(17) – While I’m sure Worley would trade the individual accolades for the win, he certainly left it all on the field in this game. Worley made his presence felt against the Holy Family defense through the air and on the ground as he went 11 of 23 (48%) for 163 yards passing and a QBR of 71.5, while also adding a remarkable 102 yards rushing and a rushing touchdown on 11 carries (9.3 YPC). When you put on the film of Worley’s performance against the Tigers, you can see he shows a combination of incredible athleticism and size (6’2, 210 lbs) from the QB position that adds a lethal second element to the Broomfield offense. Well-rounded ball carrier that is both an elusive runner and a physical runner in the open field, consistently showing the ability to break tackles in a multitude of ways. Great top-end foot speed and acceleration that allows him to easily separate from 2nd and 3rd level defenders. Exceptionally live arm with a smooth, over the top release that makes the ball look like it’s coming out of his hand effortlessly. Highly accurate passer on short and intermediate throws, while also displaying consistent ball placement while on the move. Smart QB that rarely makes bad decisions with the ball that put the offense in a tough spot. Worley is currently rated the number 3 QB and the number 12 player overall in the class of 2025, which feels well-deserved especially after his night against the Holy Family defense. Although the loss is tough to swallow, the Eagles are still one of the better teams in the state and will certainly rebound.
Mason Smiley Mason Smiley 5'8" | 155 lbs | ATH Broomfield | 2025 State CO , Broomfield Eagles (DB)(Jr.)(13) – Although the Broomfield defensive backfield had a rough night as a unit, Smiley didn’t as an individual. Smiley made his presence felt the entire night by the Holy Family offense as he registered 5 tackles, a pass deflection, and a huge interception. Turning to the tape of Smiley’s performance against the Tigers offense, you can see he displays a highly tenacious and aggressive playing style as a DB despite his smaller frame (5’8, 160 lbs). Brings plenty of force to the point-of-contact when asked to come down in run support and make a tackle on a ball carrier. Displays an incredible ability to stack-and-shed opposing blockers when pursuing the ball carrier. Combination of excellent top-end foot speed and explosiveness out of his backpedal allows him to run with most receivers on the boundary. Tremendous explosiveness out of his stance also allows him to crash downhill quickly in run support. As versatile a DB as a player can be sowing the ability play on the boundary, in the slot as a nickel, or as a deep-middle safety role all at a very high level. Smiley is currently ranked the number 7 athlete and the number 62 player overall in the class of 2025, which is starting to feel more and more like it’s too low considering how much of a ball hawk he’s been to start the season. Nevertheless, the Eagles DB room will learn from this game, but as long as they have Smiley and the other play makers on the back end, they’ll continue to be one of the best defensive backfields in the state.
Dominic Gabriel, Holy Family Tigers (RB/LB)(Sr.)(6) – Gabriel probably had the most well-rounded night of any player in this game, being a force on the ground for the offense and a tackling machine for the defense. Gabriel was unstoppable on both sides of the ball as he accounted for 92 yards rushing on 20 carries (4.6 YPC) on the offensive side of the ball while also registering 15 tackles, a tackle for a loss, a sack, and a pass deflection. While Gabriel had a strong showing on both sides of the ball, for the sake of this piece we’ll just focus on his defensive tape since that’s the side that I believe felt his presence the most. When you watch the film of Gabriel’s performance against the Eagles, you can see he displays an outstanding nose for being around the ball. High motor, extremely intelligent LB that is rarely out of position; whether dropping into zone/man coverage or maintaining his gap responsibilities when coming up in run support. Displays outstanding pop/strength at the point-of-contact with the ball carrier despite his smaller frame for the position (5’9, 160 lbs). Shows good form at the point-of-contact when making the tackle on the ball carrier, consistently getting his head across the core of the ball carrier, wrapping his arms, and driving his legs through contact. Versatile player at the LB position that has enough athleticism to play a hybrid LB/safety role for the defense on the outside or lined up as a Mike backer on the inside. Gabriel isn’t currently ranked on any recruiting boards for the class of 2024 with his smaller frame for the position probably explaining why. Recruiting profile aside, Gabriel is an extremely talented player on both sides of the ball, with the result of this game maybe being different had Gabriel not been on the field.