Gorman defense tightens after allowing long run, leads charge in lopsided win against Centennial

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Friday, Nov. 14, 2014 | 11:30 p.m.

The Bishop Gorman High football team had given up 13 points to five instate opponents entering its Sunrise Regional semifinal game today against visiting Centennial.

But on Centennial’s second play, running back Rhamondre Stevenson did what others couldn’t against the five-time defending state champion: He broke free for an 81-yard touchdown run, using his speed to outrace the Gorman defense and a nifty cutback move to get into the endzone.

But the Gorman defense didn’t give up much the rest of the game, forcing four turnovers and blocking a field goal attempt in a 52-7 victory. Gorman advances to next week’s Sunset championship game to face host Arbor View.

“We just missed our assignments,” Gorman defensive end Ryan Garrett said of the touchdown. “We were able to come back and make some adjustments.”

Centennial recovered an onside kick after the Stevenson touchdown and picked up a first down to bring the ball near the Gorman 30-yard line. But Nicco Fertitta intercepted a pass and Gorman scored three plays later for a 14-7 lead.

Gorman, who scored 45 unanswered points to close the game, twice stopped Centennial from scoring when the Bulldogs had the ball inside the Gorman 10. Alex Perry blocked a field goal attempt, defensive lineman Noah Tialavea had an interception and Garrett returned a fumble 26 yards for a touchdown to close the scoring.

The senior Garrett, one of the team’s unheralded standouts, has a great memory in his final home game.

“It was great. I told myself before the game I had never got a touchdown in high school, so I had to score one in the home stadium,” he said.

Gorman scored four plays into the game on Brandon Gahagan’s 30-yard touchdown reception from Tate Martell. Martell passed for three touchdowns and nearly 200 yards, finding Tyjon Lindsey for a pair of scoring strikes. And Russell Booze had more than 100 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Stevenson had 140 rushing yards for Centennial, who gave Gorman a competitive game for the first quarter.

“He’s the real deal. He was the bright spot of the night,” Centennial coach Leon Evans said of Stevenson. “He can definitely play at the next level, so we are excited he is coming back next year.”

Arbor View beat Palo Verde 24-7 in the other semifinal to set up a showdown of undefeated teams next week for the Sunset championship. It’s the opponent Gorman wanted to face.

“We are excited to play them,” Sanchez said. “I will be honest with you. If they didn’t win, it would be a home game here. But we wanted them to win. We wanted to go to Arbor View.”

Ray Brewer can be reached at 702-990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21