Mica Mountain defensive coordinator Brett Darling earned his second consecutive Frank Broyles Assistant Coach of the Year Award for Arizona after helping the Thunderbolts earn a repeat 4A state championship in December.
Darling, a longtime assistant under Pat Nugent before remaining at Mica Mountain to coach with Jay Campos, has led a top defense in the state annually, including his years at Cienega with Nugent.
Mica Mountain had five shutouts en route to its 12-2 championship season in the fall.
The Thunderbolts allowed only 104 points all season, an average of 7.4 points a game.
Phoenix Arcadia was 13-0 entering the state championship game at Arizona State’s Mountain America Stadium. The Titans scored a season-low 17 points in the Thunderbolts’ 42-17 victory.
Mica Mountain totaled 91 tackles for loss, including 36.5 sacks, led by New Mexico-bound linebacker Broden Schmidt (159 tackles, 18 for loss) and defensive end Najean Anderson (18 sacks).
The Thunderbolts also had 18 interceptions with safety Nic Regina’s four picks and three each by safety Riley Carson and cornerback Blake Beltz.
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