T H E M A R I LY N 32 OCTOBER 2024 By Sherry Sklar High school football has moved beyond the field and into the spotlight as the Brophy Broncos take center stage with Unfinished Business, a docu-series on Arizona’s Family Sports. The series captures the Broncos’ journey through a season defined by determination, camaraderie, and the drive to finish what they started. With the community rallying behind them, every game becomes more than just football – it’s a story waiting to unfold. Jason Jewell has led the charge as head football coach at Brophy for the past six years and views the series as an opportunity to showcase his players’ diverse talents, the football program and the school that helps them shine. “We have a dynamic, unique group of students and coaches. What excites me most is the opportunity for people to see the diversity, culture, and everything that makes Brophy special,” Jewell said. The Broncos have been on a journey of growth and grit. Two seasons ago, they struggled through a 3-8 record, but last year, they bounced back with a 10-3 finish and advanced to the state semifinals. Now, with a roster packed with talent and high expectations, they’re determined to take things further. “We have a very talented group of kids,” Jewell said. “With the added layer of being on TV, and even the show’s title, Unfinished Business, we want to finish what we started last year.” Discussing Brophy’s reputation as a private, all-male Jesuit school, Jewell acknowledged that the community’s perception doesn’t always reflect the school’s true diversity and culture. “Brophy is unique and more than what people might assume. Our students come from various religious beliefs, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. I want people to see that through this series,” he explained. Jewell’s philosophy of caring and accountability is the foundation of his coaching style. “I care deeply for my guys. I coach them hard and keep it real. The conversations aren’t always what they want to hear, but sometimes it’s what they need. I’m tough on them, but I also love and support them every step of the way,” he said. A strong connection and dedication to development set the stage for an unexpected opportunity: television. The idea came about with a simple mistake, when a cameraman left a piece of equipment behind at a Brophy football game. “Chris Peterson, who’s producing the show, was a cameraman for Channel 12 and was shooting a segment in 2019. The Broncos were the team of the week, and he liked the energy around our football team,” Jewell said. “After the shoot, he realized he had left his camera battery behind. I had it returned, and we stayed in touch.” In 2021, the pair did a microphone session for part of a game and last year, Chris approached Jewell about Unfinished Business. “The timing wasn’t right in 2021 – I didn’t want to rush things – but we spent the next year putting it together, lining everything up, and now here we are,” Jewell said. Peterson expressed his excitement about collaborating with Jewell and the team and hiring a crew of veterans of local sports journalism to work on the series. “I’ve been talking with Jason for a couple of years about this project, and the timing finally felt right. I’m excited because this team is dynamic, with great depth and diversity. It’ll be great to showcase the hard work these athletes put into becoming elite players,” Peterson said. “I know many of them aspire to play at the next level, and hopefully, this project will shine a light on a few players who might not normally get noticed and provide an opportunity to advance.” This season, the Broncos are set on proving their potential and showing that last year’s success was just the beginning. Viewers can watch episodes on Arizona’s Family Sports Fridays at 9 p.m. and on Saturdays at noon throughout the season. Brophy football is on a quest for redemption LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! Unfinished Business captures the Broncos’ journey through a season defined by determination, camaraderie, and the drive to finish what they started. PHOTOS COURTESY OF BROPHY PREP