Broadneck endured an 0-3 start this season — its worst this century. With eight new starters on offense, coach Rob Harris admitted he “put a little too much pressure on them.”
It’s been a complete reversal in the three months since, including Friday.
The Bruins’ win streak reached eight with a 37-22 win over host Paint Branch in the Class 4A state quarterfinals. Junior quarterback Nate Kropkowski, who tossed two pick-sixes in Broadneck’s season-opening loss, accounted for three touchdowns and played turnover-free.
“He grew up a lot. He’s had a great last two weeks, two playoff games he’s been phenomenal,” Harris said. “He’s understanding what we want to do, and he’s attacking, getting the ball off quickly.”
Two of Kropkowski’s touchdowns went to leading receiver Aidan Tupper, one from 17 yards and another from a yard away. Kropkowski’s final score was a 36-yard rushing touchdown with a few minutes remaining when he faked a handoff to running back Gabe Denius on a play Kropkowski said the Bruins were waiting to dial up.
Harris said Kropkowski is still learning to make correct reads, especially in the run game. The coach added that he possesses sneaky athleticism and is a very accurate passer, despite missing all of last season with a back injury.
Tupper didn’t start last season, but entered Friday leading the Bruins with 650 receiving yards.
“My guy for over a decade now, growing up together, we’ve been doing this,” Kropkowski said. “It’s nothing new to us. We’re just getting our names out there, continuing to thrive.”
The Bruins’ defense hasn’t allowed more than 20 points in a game since Week 3. They kept the ball in Kropkowski’s hands throughout on Friday, holding the Panthers to one first down in a shutout first half. Linebacker Caydin Evans recorded multiple sacks and defensive back Preston Gordon snagged an interception — one of Broadneck’s two.
Evans admitted the Bruins questioned themselves amid the challenging start this season, but said the team knew they had to come together.
“We knew we had to set the tone,” Evans said. “I consider myself a leader on the defense, so I knew I had to do it myself … hoping the offense could feed off our momentum.”
Defensive lineman Marlo Brown and Kemarri Collison, two players who battled injuries, both of whom Harris expects to be Division I players, started alongside each other for the second straight week. It marked the third time this season, including week one.
Harris described Brown as the creative, explosive rusher, while Collison possesses arms that extend to his knees and does more typical duties that coaches ask of him. Collison seemingly slightly hurt himself late in the game and was able to walk off.
Denius added a late touchdown at the goal line and scored the Bruins’ first touchdown. Kropkowski, who came in with 1,547 passing yards and 13 touchdowns, finished without an interception for the fifth straight game.
Broadneck next faces Quince Orchard, the team that ended its season last year. Kropkowski cited how this year’s Bruins team is different, though, and Quince Orchard is yet to beat them.
“I think everybody counted us out,” Harris said. “It’s interesting to be here when we’re supposed to be at the end … eight in a row, so here we go — we need nine.”
Have a news tip? Contact sports editor Anthony Maluso at [email protected], 567-230-6024, x.com/TonySunSports and instagram.com/TonySunSports.