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March 28, 2024

high school football:

Live blog: Gorman downs Reed 48-14 for fifth straight state championship

Randall Cunningham II has more than 200 rushing yards, five total touchdowns in victory

Randall Cunningham Jr. Warms Up

Steve Marcus

Bishop Gorman High School quarterback Randall Cunningham II warms up before the Division I state high school football championship game against Reed High School of Sparks at Sam Boyd Stadium Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013.

Updated Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013 | 3:29 p.m.

2013 High School Football Championship

Bishop Gorman High School players celebrate after defeating Reed High School of Sparks, Nev. in the Division I state high school football championship game at Sam Boyd Stadium Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013. Launch slideshow »

The Bishop Gorman High football team is the last team standing — for the fifth straight season.

Randall Cunningham II accounted for five touchdowns today for the Gaels, leading them to a 48-14 victory against Reed of Sparks in the Division-I state championship game at Sam Boyd Stadium for Gorman’s fifth straight title.

After Reed took a 7-0 lead less than two minutes into the game, Gorman scored 41 unanswered points to become the first large-school classification team since Reno High in 1928 to win five straight championships.

Cunningham, in his first year as the Gorman starter, showed why he is a heavily sought-after college prospect. He rushed for 213 yards and four touchdowns on 22 carries, and completed 9 of 11 passes for 111 yards and a touchdown. He had touchdown runs of 12, 22, 28 and 11 yards.

Gorman scored three touchdowns in 91 seconds in the third quarter to put the game away, including a 27-yard interception return for a touchdown from senior Daniel Stewart. Stewart scored on a 1-yard run earlier in the game.

Check back later for more coverage.

Gorman leads Reed by 14 at the half, close to winning fifth straight championship

Bishop Gorman has scored 21 unanswered points against Reed High of Sparks in the Division I high school football state championship game to take a 21-7 halftime lead.

Quarterback Randall Cunningham II, playing on the same field at Sam Boyd Stadium were his father became a UNLV legend, has been brilliant all game. He has a pair of touchdown runs — 12 and 22 yards — in rushing for 95 yards on 12 carries. He’s also completed 6 of 8 passes for 62 yards, finding success in the air despite heavy winds in east Las Vegas.

Daniel Stewart scored the second Gorman touchdown on a 1-yard run with less than two minutes to play in the second quarter, capping a five play, 35-yard drive. The drive was setup by Nicco Fertitta’s interception.

Reed took an early 7-0 lead when it need just five plays to drive 80 yards and score the game’s initial touchdown on a pitch-and-catch from Chris Denn to Trae Wells. Denn has completed 7 of 11 passes for 101 yards.

Pregame — Will the weather hamper Gorman in a quest for a 5th straight title?

The weather for today’s Division-I high school football state championship game at Sam Boyd Stadium could be a factor.

When Bishop Gorman takes on Reed High of Northern Nevada, looking to become the first large-school classification team since Reno High in 1928 to win five straight state championships, the powerhouse Gaels will also have to battle uncharacteristic low December temperatures. It could also snow this afternoon in Las Vegas — yes, snow in Las Vegas. What are the odds, right?

The elements could favor Reed High, which is playing Gorman for the fourth time in five seasons in the state playoffs. Reed players are familiar with playing in low temperatures and even snow; Gorman players are accustomed to playing in the Las Vegas desert.

On the flip side, the weather will likely dictate more running plays for each team, which definitely favors Gorman. Earlier this week, I wrote about Gorman’s defense surrendering just 14 points and 240 rushing yards — just 2.8 yards per carry — in three playoff games.

And when on offense, Gorman has four capable ballcarriers in quarterback Randall Cunningham II and running backs Russell Booze, Jonathan Shumaker and Daniel Stewart. In last week’s Sunset Regional championship game, each scored a touchdown.

I’ll keep everyone posted once the game begins. If you are in Las Vegas, you can watch on Cox Channel 12. I look forward to talking with everyone once the game begins. Send your comments on Twitter using the hashtags #sunstandout or #702hsfb.

 

Ray Brewer can be reached at 990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21.

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