After Brophy finished with a disheartening 1-9 record last season, the Broncos returning offensive line turned a page in attitude.

Senior lineman Van Scott credits a culture shift as a large part of the Broncos’ 5-1 showing.

“Especially as the season progressed the offensive line last year was kind of jokey and didn’t take things too seriously,” Scott said. “There were a lot of people who just didn’t show up to practice sometimes, but they still got in. Now if you’re late to anything, like two minutes late, then you’re missing the first series of the game.”

There is renewed vigor in the linemen as they reflect on their progress and what they still need to work on. Their enthusiasm for the game is still growing and is infectious as it has spread rapidly through the ranks of linemen from starters to bench players.

That enthusiasm has been the catalyst for the formation of a newer, tougher and singularly-minded offensive unit.

“After going 1-9, you have a realization that something needs to change. It really helped us start hanging out with each other and understand that we really need to work together to be great,” said senior lineman Ethan Broer.

Last season the Broncos averaged 17.3 points per game and 3.6 yards per rush attempt. Both were worst in the 6A Premier Section.

This season they are averaging 36 points and 5.4 yards per rush attempt.

In this year’s rebound season, the Broncos are fielding a less-experienced offensive line than many of their opponents. Only three seniors start on their line and only one of them was a regular starter last year.

“We’ve had to have people step up and the seniors this year are a lot more motivated than last year,” said Scott. “We want to move past last year and this year we have an actual opportunity to change the game and win.”

Both Scott and Broer praise new offensive line coach and ex-NFL center Dominic Raiola.

He has worked the O-line hard on technique and self-confidence.

“They can do it. They’re athletic,” said Raiola. “They just needed to believe in themselves.”

Raiola’s philosophy, echoing that of coach Jon Kitna, is building up this line in not only about teaching them how to play football but how to be men and work together. So far, it has been a success.

“There isn’t one guy who is a lead dog,” said Raiola. “They understand that in playing offensive line, five guys gotta work together. We’ve seen that when one guy’s off it doesn’t work.”

The Broncos next face Hamilton in a home game on Friday at 7 pm.