It’s Mike Bradley’s
time to shine

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

Ryan Bradley helped his football team make history at St. Joseph’s Preparatory School.
The 2005 graduate rushed for 299 yards and scored 44 points his senior year on the gridiron, helping the Hawks win the Catholic League Red Division championship.
It was the sixth consecutive year that Prep earned a spot in the finals, and the fourth time that the team captured the title.
Prep compiled 48 consecutive victories in the Catholic League Red regular season during that time. The streak, which started in 1999 and is still going today, has included 18 shutouts and 1,709 points scored.
Now Bradley’s younger brother hopes to continue the legacy.
"Prep is a great school and they have an incredible football team," said Mike Bradley, who is entering his senior year at Prep. "It’s exciting to be a part of it. The guys are great."
Mike Bradley, a 215-pound linebacker, grew up watching his brother in action.
"One of the reasons I decided to go to Prep was because Ryan went there," said Mike. "I really enjoyed watching him play, and knew I wanted to be a part of that team."
Although Mike Bradley didn’t see much playing time his first two years with the Hawks, he had a good season as a junior last year.
"Mike is a very good football player. He really progressed last year," said coach Gil Brooks. "He has the ability and he has the size, and we’re expecting some great things from him this year."
The Mayfair resident has been training hard during the offseason to build his endurance and strength. It wasn’t always easy, but Mike did have some extra encouragement.
"I’m practicing three nights a week and lifting four days a week," he said. "But most of the time, I lift with my brother. And he’s bigger than me, so that’s definitely a motivation."
Ryan Bradley came home for the summer after completing his freshman year at Fordham University in New York. He didn’t get to play with the Rams, however, because of a foot injury that disabled him for the season. He is fully recovered now and hopes to get another shot at playing fullback.
Mike Bradley, meanwhile, is looking forward to his final year at Prep.
"I’m working hard," he said. "I’m excited to come back and lead the team as a senior. This is going to be a great season. I want to get a championship this year."
In a few weeks, their football seasons will kick off, and the siblings hope they’ll have the chance to cheer each other’s success.
"We watch each other play as much as we can," said Mike. "Ryan came to a few games last season — the Thanksgiving game and the championship. It’s great to have him there."
Mike Bradley ran onto a football field as a 6-year old, when he played for St. Matthew’s. Now that his Prep career is winding down, he’d like to play at the college level, though he has yet to decide on a school.
His immediate concern is doing well at St. Joe’s.
"I work hard. And when all the preparation is done and it’s game time, the only thing going through my mind is how I can help the team," he said. "I think about football all the time. I live for game day." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com