Dylan Ledahl is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Trevor G. Browne High School for AZPreps365.com

Two years ago, two quarterbacks by the names of Andrew Romero and Nico Alvarez transferred to Trevor G. Browne.

Romero transferred from Centennial High School and Alvarez from Shadow Mountain High School.

Romero decided to go to Browne to battle for the starting spot, looking for a fresh start. But for Alvarez, his reason to transfer was more personal.

“My dad is an alum at Trevor G. Browne, and so is the rest of my family,” said Alvarez, who finished in the top 100 in Arizona for passing yards his sophomore year at Shadow Mountain.

Coming into Browne after their sophomore years, both quarterbacks felt they had a weight on their shoulders. Their mindset was to show their new teammates that they have what it takes to be a Bruin.

Both had to miss five games due to the Arizona Interscholastic Association’s rule on athletes transferring schools. This ended up being difficult for Trevor G. Browne head coach Francisco Rangel.

“When they both came in, they were following the most decorated passer in the history of Bruin football, [Alex Rivera IV]” Rangel said. “Heading into the offseason, splitting reps between three quarterbacks was tough because they both had to sit half the season. It was tough to sit there and look at them watching the game from the sideline.”

Heading into camp, Rangel said he was looking for Romero and Alvarez to be their authentic selves and for one of them to stand out as a fit in his offense. Romero ended up winning the starting job and was the Bruins’ starting quarterback after the five-game suspension.

“They both are very different in styles and personality,” Rangel said. “Ultimately, I decided to go with Andrew. I felt that he was a better fit for what we were trying to accomplish offensively. Nico also got hurt before we made the decision.”

Alvarez has obtained multiple injuries playing football throughout his high school journey, especially his first season with the Bruins.

“I broke my thumb at my first practice with Browne,” Alvarez said. “Then I got a serious concussion against Thunderbird late in the season and that kept me out the rest of my junior year. I have sustained several concussions which has been really hard on me, but I kept going and the first game of my senior year against Ironwood, I had the game winning interception.”

Romero and Alvarez didn’t let the quarterback competition get in the way of their friendship off the field.

“Me and Nico have a good connection,” Romero said. “We hang out with each other at school we learn what we can from each other while still being competitive. He is a big help with my football journey, and I see myself being lifelong friends with him.”

Both Romero and Alvarez have started several games during their senior year. The Bruins season is close to over, and they currently sit at 2-7. Neither Romero nor Alvarez thinks this will be their last football game played, as they both want to play football at the next level.

“I plan on playing college football and continuing my football journey,” Romero said. “I’m going to see what coach Rangel can do for me and how much better I can get in the offseason.”

For Alvarez, it’s more about going somewhere he is able to continue to play football and pursue his preferred major.

“I want to go to a college and walk-on, maybe go to a junior college and get into sports psychology,” Alvarez said.

Rangel said he has enjoyed being able to coach both Romero and Alvarez, and is excited to continue see them at the next level.

“They both work hard, and both see the game in unique ways,” Rangel said. “I’m excited to continue to be in their corner as they go to their next steps in football, but more importantly life.”