Game stories
For the past nine years, the Bishop Gorman put these kinds of defeats on opponents.
The Gaels were soundly beaten tonight by visiting Mater Dei 42-0, with the final quarter being played under the mercy rule of a running clock.
Gorman, the nine time defending state champion, has many first-time contributors in the lineup. The debut tonight didn’t play out as expected, or like many games since the dynasty started in 2009.
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We play good football in Southern Nevada with double-digit former high school players in the NFL and many others playing major college ball.
Tonight, a few high school teams have a chance to reaffirm the claim.
Seven programs are playing against out-of-state opponents, whether that’s Bishop Gorman hosting Mater Dei at 6 p.m. on ESPNU in a battle of the past two national champions, or Shadow Ridge traveling to Idaho to face state power Highland in the Rocky Mountain Rumble.
Many Las Vegas teams fill their schedules in the initial weeks of the season with games against non-local opponents. The theory is simple: Playing these teams is good preparation for league play and traveling out of town helps with team bonding.
Liberty, which is ranked No. 41 by Max Preps, plays tonight at Arizona power Saguaro, which is ranked No. 22.
Also, Faith Lutheran hosts Valor Christian, Colorado’s top team, and Legacy hosts respected Utah program in Dixie High. Arbor View, which last week put up more than 60 points against a California opponent, plays at Valencia of California. The Aggies are No. 180 by Max Preps.
There are also plenty of in-state games on the slate, including Foothill traveling to the Reno area to face Galena High, and Durango hosting Desert Pines.
We’ll keep everyone posted as scores become final. Join the conversation on social media using #sunstandout.
Ray Brewer can be reached at 702-990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21