Bishop Gorman quarterback Micah Bowens (1) sits on the field after getting knocked down on a play during a game against Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) at Bishop Gorman Friday, Aug. 24, 2018. Mater Dei shut out Bishop Gorman 42-0.
Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022 | 2 a.m.
This is one of the most anticipated out-of-state games in Bishop Gorman football history.
The Gaels host Mater Dei of California at 7 p.m. Friday in a battle of teams ranked in the top 10 of the Max Preps poll. Mater Dei is No. 2; Gorman No. 6.
The winner, arguably, will have an inside track at the mythical national championship — something Gorman won in three straight seasons from 2014-16.
The hype surrounding the game brings back memories of Gorman’s 2014 contest against visiting St. John Bosco of California, when the Gaels stormed out to a big lead against the Josh Rosen-quarterbacked opposition and hung on for a 34-31 victory.
The 2014 game had such interest that television executives moved it from ESPNU to the more-watched ESPN.
It turned out being a program-changing win, as a few months later Gorman was voted as top team in USA Today’s final rankings.
We’ll soon find out if this season’s Mater Dei game — televised online by NFHS network — has a similar impact.
The showdown is included in this week’s picks column, which started the season strong last week with a 17-2 showing.
Virgin Valley at Chaparral
My Cowboys will be a much better team once league play rolls around. Virgin Valley 37, Chaparral 19
Mater Dei (Calif.) and Bishop Gorman
Mater Dei beat Gorman 42-0 in Las Vegas. They win again — just not in a blowout. Mater Dei 28, Bishop Gorman 24
Liberty at Lone Peak (Utah)
The Patriots won’t win all of their out-of-state games, but this isn’t the game they lose. Liberty 33, Lone Peak 14
Canyon Springs at Desert Pines
Outside of Gorman-Mater Dei, this will be the most entertaining game of the week. Desert Pines 31, Canyon Springs 21
Centennial at Basic
Giving the Bulldogs one more chance. Centennial 23, Basic 19
Green Valley at Palos Verdes (Calif.)
One rule of picking games: Never take the Nevada team in California. Palos Verdes 20, Green Valley 18
Rancho at Cheyenne
Good spot for class 3A Rancho to beat a class 4A opponent. Rancho 32, Cheyenne 11
Shadow Ridge at Arbor View
Arbor View won’t be limited to seven points this week. Arbor View 38, Shadow Ridge 19
Durango at Sierra Vista
There shouldn’t be many points scored in this game. Sierra Vista 12, Durango 7
Faith Lutheran at Legacy
The Crusaders flexed their muscles in the second half last week. Faith Lutheran 28, Legacy 13
Del Sol at Sunrise Mountain
Sunrise Mountain is a much better team this season. Sunrise Mountain 41, Del Sol 13
Boulder City at Valley
Tough spot on the road to open the season for Boulder City. Boulder City 23, Valley 7
Clark at Coronado
Closer than you think. Coronado 20, Clark 16
Spring Valley at Cimarron-Memorial
Anyone have a coin? Spring Valley 22, Cimarron-Memorial 19
Pahrump Valley at Western
Pahrump gets a rare win on the road. Pahrump 29, Western 13
Palo Verde vs. Slam Academy (at Eldorado)
One of the rare games this season featuring a 5A opponent against a 3A opponent. It’s too bad that 3A opponent isn’t Moapa Valley. Palo Verde 42, Slam 7
Desert Oasis at Bonanza
Desert Oasis has played already. Bonanza hasn’t. Desert Oasis 13, Bonanza 6
Pine Creek (Colo.) at Las Vegas
Hate to pick against our local program, but Pine Creek is the better team on this night. Pine Creek 31, Las Vegas 18
Inglewood (Calif.) at Foothill
Bad spot for Foothill coming off long road trip. Inglewood 23, Foothill 21
