Gorman looking to avoid Spring Valley homecoming upset

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Friday, Sept. 26, 2008 | 9:47 a.m.

Defending state champion Bishop Gorman is considered by several as the clear-cut favorite to win the Southwest Division.

Just don’t expect the Gaels to buy into the hype. That’s holds especially true when playing Spring Valley, who they host at 7 p.m. tonight.

Gorman scheduled Spring Valley for its homecoming game two years ago and expected the Grizzlies — a third year program at the time — to be an easy victory.

Gorman, unlike most schools in Southern Nevada, draws a significant crowd of alumni for the homecoming game. The crowd went home unhappy as Spring Valley pulled of the upset with a 28-14 victory and celebrated like it had won the Super Bowl.

While Gorman made amends for the loss with a 40-19 win last year, a handful of players who were part of the team two years ago still remember the setback.

It’s also a rallying cry for the underdog Grizzlies (3-0).

“I’m sure everyone thinks we will get pounded, that we will get killed, and that’s OK,” Spring Valley coach Kelly Murphy said. “People have thought that before and looked what happened. Once the whistle blows it is a regular football game.”

Gorman (4-1) coach Bob Altshuler said his team will have its hands full stopping Spring Valley’s running attack. Spring Valley tailback Jacques Adams averages 12 yards per carry and has rushed for seven touchdowns in three games.

“They are flat out going to come right at you,” Altshuler said. “They have some good looking kids (size-wise) on that team.”

Gorman opened league play Sept. 19 with a 62-7 victory against Durango, while Spring Valley topped Clark 56-21. Both coaches feel the outcome Friday will play a big factor in determining the league champion.

“This is a big game,” Altshuler said. “It pits possibly the best two teams in the conference.”

Gorman is led by defensive end Justin Chaisson, who verbally committed to Oklahoma last spring, and relies on a handful of others who will play Division I football.

Murphy doesn’t dispute Gorman’s talented roster, but said he feels his team will be able to stack up.

“We have good football players on our side, too,” Murphy said. “It doesn’t bother me being the underdog. Both teams are going to have to go out there and perform.”

Sports Editor Ray Brewer can be reached at [email protected] or 990-2662.