Eric SorensonThey’re an opposing defensive coordinators worst nightmare…and they’re not going anywhere for another year.
Meet Paradise Valley High juniors Daniel Bridge-Gadd and Jacob Brown.
If you haven’t already heard about them, you will.
Bridge-Gadd, a smooth duel-threat quarterback with a rocket arm, and his favorite target Brown have the 8-1 Trojans thinking big with the playoffs just a couple of weeks away. The duo is putting up Madden-like numbers for a team lighting up scoreboards under the Friday night lights.
The two have combined for over 50 touchdowns and 5000 total yards. They found each other early and often as PVHS (8-1) rolled overmatched Notre Dame Prep on homecoming 59-14.
“They’re both guys that people want to follow,” first-year head coach Greg Davis told Sports360AZ.com. “They’ve always had great character. As leaders…they want to lead. They’ve been doing a great job.”
Bridge-Gadd, who started as a sophomore last season, has adjusted quite well to his new spread offense and is quick to praise the players around him who have led to his Madden numbers.
“We have a great o-line, a great running back,” the 6’2, 185-pounder explained. “I think there’s no better wide receiver in the state than Jacob Brown and he gives me confidence. Whenever a play breaks down he’s going to be open.”
Confidence certainly isn’t something Brown lacks and who’s to argue with his success following older brother Jordan who now plays for South Dakota State after starring on the same north Phoenix field.
“I come out here and try to compete with him,” he explained with a smile. “All of his records I just try to break ’em…I’ve already broke a lot of them.”
“Jake is a special player,” Davis said. “I’d argue he’s the best wide receiver in the state. His [best] ability is to read the defense and get open.”
Bridge-Gadd and Brown complement each other like few tandems in the state. Add to the mix workhorse senior running back Bailey Thompson and the triple-threat is complete.
With the success comes attention from college programs. Bridge-Gadd is scheduled to take a recruiting trip to Duke and Rich Rodriguez’s Arizona Wildcats have shown interest in the rising star. Brown has already been offered by South Dakota State and figures to get more looks this summer.
“I think these two guys are diamonds in the rough as far as D-1 athletes,” Davis said. “They’re well-deserving young men.”
Who will be providing sleepless nights for opposing coaches until their time as Trojans comes to an end.
Fortunately for PV fans it won’t be anytime soon.
