Taylor Gautney is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Brophy High School for AZPreps365.com.

What started as Brophy’s chance for redemption after last week’s loss became another tough night for the Broncos as turnovers and a dominant Liberty rushing attack proved too much to handle for the varsity football team.

“We have to play better, period,” Head Coach Jason Jewell said after the game. “You can’t turn the ball over four times and expect to be in a ballgame.”

Brophy traveled to Peoria to play Liberty High School on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, in a top-10 matchup under the lights. The Lions ended up winning 38-3 in front of their home fans during the homecoming game. 

The Broncos’ defense set the tone early, forcing multiple punts and coming up with plays that put them within striking distance in the first half. Senior linebacker/safety James Pike made one of the highlights of the night, blocking a Liberty punt to give the Brophy offense its best field position of the game. 

Defenseman James Pike looks toward his sideline for the defensive play call during the third quarter on Oct. 24. (Taylor Gautney photo/ AZPreps 365)

Another highlight was senior defensive back Alex Buggie nabbing his first interception of the season late in the half to stall another Lions drive.

“I read the quarterback's eyes and read the route all the way through,” Buggie said regarding the interception. “I saw the receiver and I jumped the route just in time.”

After falling behind 14-0 in the first quarter, Brophy got on the board with a 22-yard field goal, which was sparked by the blocked punt. The Broncos’ sideline came alive after strong defensive play on the next drives from junior athlete Ryder Noche and junior linebacker Gregory Riddell.

Noche, a two-way athlete playing both offense and defense, also scored the night's longest gain. He lined up at receiver and beat his defender over the top for another highlight play, showcasing his athleticism and pass-catching abilities.

“At the end of the day, I want to make plays,” Noche said. “I want the team to have something on my back and trust me.”

Offensively, senior quarterback Case Vanden Bosch found rhythm at times, connecting with senior receivers Devin Fitzgerald, Daylen Sharper and Jayson Kubica. Brophy’s ground game also showed flashes of production with senior running back Harrison Chambers picking up tough yards between the tackles.

But turnovers and constant pressure from Liberty’s defensive line kept the Broncos from finding the end zone. 

“We have to be quicker and more precise,” Vanden Bosch said regarding his offense. “What we did tonight wasn’t us. We have to clean that up.”

In the second half, Brophy’s defense showcased the “bend don’t break” mentality that has defined the group all season. They stopped Liberty on fourth down twice early in the third quarter before the Lions' offense fully found its rhythm.

Liberty’s junior running back Jayden Sanchez and senior tight end Kam Segall led the Lions' charge with Sanchez scoring two rushing touchdowns and Segall two receiving touchdowns, combining for four of Liberty’s five total touchdowns. 

Brophy sings its alma mater after the Oct. 24 loss to Liberty. (Taylor Gautney photo / AZPreps 365)

Even as the score widened, Brophy’s players stayed engaged on the sideline: celebrating first downs, encouraging teammates and keeping their focus through the final whistle.

“I expect them to fight,” Jewell said. “It’s why you lift weights and play football - to stay in the football game. We just have to capitalize on mistakes … we made a whole lot of mistakes that made this score 38-3 when it didn’t need to be.”