Gorman beats Durango to capture Southwest crown

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Friday, Nov. 5, 2010 | 11:04 p.m.

The Bishop Gorman High football team had its streak of shutouts snapped Friday, but the defending state champion Gaels still posted a lopsided victory in topping visiting Durango 56-6.

Durango’s Julio Mora scored before halftime to cap an 80-yard drive for the Trailblazers. It was the first time Gorman had been scored on in 23 quarters, as the Gaels blanked their previous four opponents.

The victory gives the Gaels the Southwest Division title and the league’s No. 1 seed in next week’s Sunset Regional playoffs. The Gaels will host Shadow Ridge Nov. 11. In seven leagues games, the Gaels recorded five shutouts and only gave up 12 points.

“Durango is a good football team,” Gorman coach Tony Sanchez said. “It was good for us (in preparing for the playoffs). We had to work later in the game.”

Anu Solomon threw three first-half touchdown passes for Gorman, connecting with Ryan Smith for two scores and Jamir Tillman for the other.

Jordan Welte added a touchdown on a long run, and Justin Sweet and Marcus Brouwers added rushing scores. Evan Zeger added to the tally with an interception return for a touchdown, and defensive lineman Jaylon Jackson had a short scoring run.

Gorman’s lineup will receive an upgrade next week with the return of two starters from injury — junior tailback Shaquille Powell and senior defensive lineman Bryson Mook.