Brophy star and Notre Dame commit Cree Thomas anticipates a competitive duel Friday against Notre Dame Prep in the Holy Bowl. (Photo courtesy of Sweet Ma photo)
PHOENIX – For decades, the Catholic high school battle in the Valley revolved around Brophy and St. Mary’s. With their roots and history tied together, at one point the schools merged during the Great Depression. Once Brophy reopened in 1952, a rivalry was born. The two battled back and forth for generations, with campuses just miles apart. Fans and athletes bickered about mascots, school colors, and even engaged in territorial spats over which side commanded certain watering holes along Central Avenue.
But over the years, as Brophy grew bigger and bigger, the rivalry began to diminish. After 2012, the schools mostly stopped playing each other in football. However, a new rivalry has emerged, with Notre Dame Prep in Scottsdale filling the hole left by St. Mary’s, which gradually fell off the sports scene as the seasons changed.
On Friday, what is now called the Holy Bowl is set to be played for the fifth time in as many years, between Notre Dame Prep and Brophy. This Catholic school series started in 2020, and has developed into not just a rivalry, but a coming together between the two.
“As much as there’s this rivalry between us, there’s a mutual respect,” said Notre Dame Prep coach George Prelock. “We’re always praying together because their faith is as important to them as it is to us.”
The two schools’ similar values drew them together for the series, but their histories are quite different. Brophy College Prep, located in central Phoenix, was founded nearly a century ago, in 1928, and has a storied sporting life, including multiple state championships. Notre Dame Prep, meanwhile, is still paving its way.
“To be playing a school that has a lot more history than us, with us trying to catch up and still being in our infancy, it’s kind of what the vision always was for the program,” Prelock said.
The infancy described is their 22-year history, with the north Scottsdale school opening in 2002. In just a short time, though, the Saints have had success, winning at least one playoff game for seven straight years.
On the field this season, both teams have maximized their potential with 4-0 records. The stakes will be high Friday night at Central High School, home of Brophy, when No. 19-ranked Notre Dame takes on Brophy, ranked No. 4, with the series tied 2-2.
“It means everything. It means everything to our community, you dream of games like this, everyone’s going to be there, I mean it’s the Holy Bowl,” said Brophy cornerback Cree Thomas.
Thomas, who is committed to play at the University of Notre Dame, is half of a big-time matchup in this game. On the other side of the field is Cooper Perry, Notre Dame Prep’s star wide receiver who is committed to Oregon. Both stars are ranked top-five players in the state by 24/7 Sports.
“I have so much respect for Cooper, we talk all the time,” Thomas said. “Getting to go against guys like that, it’s going to prepare me for college, and that’s what I want. I wish I could have it every game.”
Steve Shaff, Brophy’s sports information director, previously worked at Notre Dame Prep, so it’s always a game circled on his calendar.
“I know both coaching staffs, and I’ve been associated with both schools, so it’s definitely a game I look forward to now,” Shaff said.
On paper, it’s a battle of two undefeated teams, battling to reach the open division playoffs. But behind the scenes, the Holy Bowl carries rivalry, shared values, highly-touted players and respect.
“It’s going to be our best (going against) their best,” Prelock said. “We’re looking forward to seeing that matchup, because those are two extremely talented players going to some big-time schools.”