Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2010 | 9:26 p.m.
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Las Vegas Sun reporters Ray Brewer and Case Keefer sign off on football season by discussing this weekend's state championship game between Bishop Gorman and Reno's McQueen High. They also look back at the two semifinal games from last weekend — and get fired up Gorman-style with a pregame chant.
The Bishop Gorman High football team’s opponent for Saturday’s state championship game will be playing without two of its top players.
McQueen running back Nick Shepard (leg) and wide receiver/safety Rollins Stallworth (concussion) were both knocked out of last week’s state semifinal game against Liberty and aren’t expected back for the championship game, McQueen (12-1) coach Jim Snelling said.
“We’ve had numerous guys injured throughout the year and someone always finds the way to pick up the slack when called upon,” Snelling said. “We’ll have to have other guys step in and give us their best effort.”
Shepard was part of McQueen’s state title team in 2008 and one the state’s top running backs. He’s rushed for 19 touchdowns and 1,545 yards this year, meaning the McQueen offense will be crippled without its top threat. They run 90 percent of the time.
Stallworth scored on 69-yard halfback pass from Shepard against Liberty and is one of the team’s top athletes. He also stars on McQueen's basketball and defending state champion track team.
Gorman coach Tony Sanchez said losing someone of Shepard’s caliber was a big blow to the game.
“We would rather Shepard play in the game,” Sanchez said. “He deserves to play in the game. He’s earned it.”
Gorman is going for its second straight title and third championship in four years. This will be McQueen's third appearance in the state finals in four years. The game is at 12:07 p.m. at Sam Boyd Stadium.
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