Dylan denDekker is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Brophy College Prep for AZPreps365.com 

PHOENIX-- In a homecoming game thriller, Brophy College Prep came from behind late in the fourth quarter to edge Scottsdale Chaparral High School, 28-27. The two schools met at Ray Liano Field at Central High School, Brophy's home field just across the canal from its campus.

Brophy registered points on its opening drive, marching directly down the field after receiving the kickoff. Senior quarterback Elijah Warner found David Lopez for a 10-yard touchdown pass with 9:51 left to put the Broncos up 7-0.

"We set the momentum right," said Elijah Warner. "Might have gotten too excited".

Brophy's defense stopped Chaparral's offense on its first drive. Brophy then mounted another successful drive that ended with seven points. David Lopez carried the ball across the goal line for a one-yard score to put the Broncos up 14-0 with 1:31 left in the opening quarter.

"David Lopez has been one of our most improved players," said Coach Jewell. "I'm so proud of David."

In the second quarter, the Firebirds were quick to score. Firebird quarterback Brayten Silbor threw the ball for a 33-yard completion to halve the deficit, 14-7, with 10:32 before the intermission.

Later, Brophy's defense came up with a big stop on fourth-and-one with 6:52 left in the half. Brophy's offense was unable to generate any points, though. Chaparral tied it up just before the break, as Silbor completed a 30-yard pass to Lukas Garvey to tie the score 14-14 with 1:29 left.

The defenses would go back and forth during the third quarter until Brophy's punt team had a low snap which led to a short kick. The Firebirds took over on Brophy's 35-yard line. Chaparral seized the positioning on the field and was able to score on a one-yard touchdown plunge to take a 21-14 lead with 6:08 remaining in the third. 

With 9:33 remaining in the contest, Brophy faced second-and-12 from the Chaparral 16-yard line. That's when Taj Hughes scored a 16-yard touchdown to tie the score 21-21. The touchdown invigorated both Brophy'sfans and players.

With 4:22 left Chaparral's Silbor connected with 6'5" tight end Anthony Lucas to retake the lead, 27-21. Brophy blocked the PAT. On the ensuing kickoff, the Broncos returned the ball to their own 42-yard line.

Brophy's offense before scoring the game-tying touchdown.(Dylan denDekker photo/AZPreps365.com)

Next, Brophy quarterback Warner found Brady Ruther on a deep route. Ruther toted the ball to the three-yard line. Warner would then connect to no other than David Lopez for the three-yard touchdown that tied it up. "We just know where we are gonna be", said David Lopez. 

Marcus Lye kicked the game-winning point-after-try to put the Broncose 28-27 with less than four minutes remaining.

"It feels great, this is a big win for us," said Taj Hughes. "But we have to stay ready for our next games."

"It was amazing, the whole game was close," said Marcus Lye. "I knew it may come down to me. I just stayed ready and when the opportunity came I just put it through the uprights. We fought to the end and I'm proud of us."

 Brophy's defense would end the game with an interception by Matthew Diaz. 

As the student section chanted "overrated", they rushed the field to celebrate the victory. 

"We put up enough (points) tonight just to win," said Brophy coach Jason Jewell, "and that's all that matters."