BY PETE MOHR | JUNE 30, 2010

Falcon ‘7-on-7s’ end Passing League Tournament play with quarterfinals berth

Quarterback Bryce Kinsler (iced) drops back to throw to his receiver targets (l-r) Max Gersh, Joree Schneider and John Leonard at Brophy’s “Passing League Tournament,” June 25-26. 
Photos by Pete Mohr


PHOENIX – After semi-stumbling to a 0-2-2 mark during Friday evening’s seeding play, the 7-on-7 Falcons came back 2-2 strong on Saturday, battling to a close loss in the quarter-finals to Tempe’s 5A-II Marcos de Niza June 25 – 26 at Brophy College Prep.

Head Coach Chad DeGrenier’s summary evaluation: “In Passing League competition over these last six weeks, we’ve gotten bigger, faster and stronger. I’m very pleased and excited about the progress these kids have made.”

Weight training and conditioning (on the “honor system”) continues through July, with Football Camp tentatively set to get underway on Monday, Aug. 2. The traditional Team Bonding Weekend will likely be scheduled Aug. 6-8, with the CSHS school bell ringing Aug. 9.

Freshman, JV and Varsity squads will begin practicing as separate units that afternoon. Barring yet another unpredicted schedule change, the Falcons will open, at home, against (Vail) Cienega, Friday night, Sept. 3.

At Brophy, this writer saw sophomore quarterback Bryce Kinsler in action for the first time. Clearly, he has a quick drop, smooth footwork  and, most importantly, a strong, accurate arm.  But what-the-heck can I foretell from glorified “touch football?” “Coach D.” to Sonoran News: “Obviously, Bryce has a way to go; but so far, he’s done real well.” Now read carefully: “I love coaching this kid!” Can he be Coach DeGrenier’s third successful quarterback protégé? Phillip Aholt (2004-2006), Dillon Classen (2007-2009) and now Kinsler?

I’m puttin’ my money on Coach D. and “B.K.” I take as a positive sign that he’s already earned the respect of a nickname from his teammates.