PRZNY Team Previews: Brighton Bruins

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Last Season (7-4)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Although they had a 7-4 record, the Brighton Bruins lost two of those games in overtime in the regular season against a tough Brockport team and eventual Section V AA champions McQuaid. They avenged their other regular-season loss to Victor in the playoffs but fell short of a talented East team that sent multiple players to Division 1 schools. The offense ran through Senior QB/ATH Tyler Martinovich, who was committed to Merrimack, and Seniors Thomas Welker and Val Kondratenko, who played a big part in Brighton's ability to move the ball on the ground. It was a group of underclassmen who did a lot of great things on defense, including multiple now juniors at linebacker and a sophomore on the defensive line. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Prospect</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1213835"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c60f66a34c5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Heininger, at 6'1.5 225, already looks the part heading into his Junior season. There are not any linebackers in the 2026 class in New York who close on the ball like Heininger does. He shows patience off the snap and does a great job of attacking open lanes to get in the backfield. He shows on tape he can shed blocks, but he shows he does an even better job of using that patience, chance of tempo, change of direction, and explosiveness to avoid and evade them while closing on the ball carrier. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are not a ton of coverage reps on tape for Heininger, but you do get to see the way he moves in space when you see him play the TE position. Heininger shows fluid hips and can change direction in space at TE, which should translate to the defensive side of the ball in space. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Next Three Prospects</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1294921"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c60f66a355f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">There is limited film for Tookes, but he comes into the season with some varsity experience and impressive measurables for an underclassman. Tookies has very long arms and does a good job of playing with a good pad level. He could end up as an offensive tackle depending on how he grows because his length is an asset, and on film, he shows quick feet and good movement skills. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["527733"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c60f66a35ad"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Matthews, who plays an SS/OLB role for Brighton likely plays that sort of Star or Rover position at the next level. He has a good frame that he can add weight to, and athletically on film, he shows some twitch and lateral quickness. There are not many reps where you see true long speed, but on film, you see him as a very consistent and willing tackler. Matthews is violent in how he tackles, and he can attack blockers on the edge and shed to make plays. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["527732"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c60f66a35ef"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Parks is part of a really strong group of running backs coming out of Section V this season, and he runs as hard as just about any of them. Parks does a really good job of being patient. He follows his blockers well and does an excellent job of knowing when to accelerate and use short-area quickness to sidestep defenders. He may not be the biggest or the strongest, but he plays with a great motor. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["726194"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c60f66a362e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Blake is one of the returning OLs for Brighton who has measurables that project to the next level. The Center shows on film a really solid explosiveness out of his stance. He is quick to get his hands inside and, overall, seems to move well on film. You don't see much outside of some reach blocks and down blocks from the C position, but based on the tape, Blake shows some traits that translate to the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Breakout Player</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1344744"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c60f66a366e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Snowden has excellent measurables and the frame to fill out well at the LB position. A long, lean athlete, Snowden shows good movement skills on tape and is a really solid special teams player for the Bruins. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Snowden can add to the riches Brighton has at linebacker, and I think he is a player who can play opposite [player_tooltip player_id='527733' first='Kaleb' last='Matthews'] and give Brighton two impressive playmakers on the defensive side of the ball who are athletic and physically imposing players. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Names To Know</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Name</th><th>Position</th><th>Year</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Jayden Lian</td><td>RB</td><td>2025</td><td>Returning RB/SAF - Quick and plays with a good motor</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='735822' first='Luca' last='Desandis']</td><td>LB</td><td>2025</td><td>No Recent Film but name to know on defense</td></tr><tr><td>Toby Martin</td><td>OL</td><td>2025</td><td>Returning Start on the OL - 6' 270</td></tr><tr><td>Xavier White</td><td>OL</td><td>2025</td><td>Returning IOL/DL - 5'9 240</td></tr><tr><td>Kyle Hilderbrant</td><td>OL</td><td>2025</td><td>No Film - OL/DL prospect</td></tr><tr><td>Grady Hopkin</td><td>WR</td><td>2025</td><td>Basketbal/Football Player - no recent film</td></tr><tr><td>AJ Rossignol</td><td>TE/DE</td><td>2025</td><td>Lacrosse Player with old FB film - 6'1 225</td></tr><tr><td>Zacchaeus Trice</td><td>DL</td><td>2026</td><td>Limited film - intriguing DL prospect</td></tr><tr><td>Nicholas Kochersberger</td><td>ATH</td><td>2026</td><td>LB prospect coming up from JV</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1217497' first='Titus' last='Nebbia']</td><td>DE</td><td>2027</td><td>Nebbia's JV film is sold - will add size to both sides of the ball - 6'1 250</td></tr><tr><td>Zack Rossignol</td><td>RB/LB</td><td>2027</td><td>Intriguing JV RB film - seems good enough to find the field on varsity</td></tr><tr><td>Omari Bonner</td><td>WR/DB</td><td>2027</td><td>JV WR last season - 6'2 185</td></tr><tr><td>Leo Hopkins</td><td>ATH</td><td>2027</td><td>Young CB/WR Prospect</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Key Losses/Commitments</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>OT - Val Kondratenko - Buffalo</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>QB/SAF - Tyler Martiovich - Merrimack</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>TE - Thomas Welker - Middlebury</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DL - Nasir Smith - Buffalo State</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>OL/DL - Montero Mays - Hilbert</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WR/LB - Kieran Hughes - Hamilton (Lacrosse)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2024 Schedule</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Brighton_FB/status/1830012880919347242","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Brighton_FB/status/1830012880919347242 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2024 Outlook</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>HC: Steve Lian</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brighton plays a fairly typical Section V schedule without any out-of-section matchups. They avoid last year's top Class A team, East, in the regular season and will face Victor to close the season a team they split games against last season. Last season, seven of their eight opponents were .500 or better in league play. The class AA Pittsford week 1, but you could argue that Brighton is just as talented, if not more talented, than the AA squad. Their schedule may not have a flashy non-conference opponent like many, but they play the better half of class A and have no easy weeks on this year's schedule. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3 Things Going For The Bruins</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Potentially the best group of Linebackers in the state</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They return a talented RB in [player_tooltip player_id='527732' first='Gavin' last='Parks'], who has proved he can carry the workload of the offense</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Multiple underclassmen can make a substantial impact on the Bruins</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">1 Area To Be Concerns</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The loss of Tyler Martinovich, do-it-all athlete quarterback, is tough to replace, arguably their most key player last season on both sides of the ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Last Word</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I think Brighton comes into the year as a team that can really be in the mix to make it to the state tournament. Although they lost their quarterback, they return a great blend of impactful young players and guys who were key parts of the team last season. They return really strong pieces in every position group and should again have one of the stronger defenses in Section V. They also add a couple of prospects from JV who have relatively decent JV tape. This team will live through their defense, and the offense will determine their ceiling, but it is probably one of the top defenses in New York headed into the season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->