Bishop Gorman players celebrate with the trophy after defeating Liberty, 35-14, in the Southern Region football championship at Bishop Gorman High School Friday, Nov. 12, 2021.
Friday, Nov. 12, 2021 | 11 p.m.
Prep Sports Now
Liberty, Gorman rematch is finally here
We've waited two years for this high school football game. Gorman hosts defending state champion Liberty for the class 5A Southern Region championship and a spot in next week's state championship game. The last time these schools met Liberty handed Gorman its first local defeat since 2008 in breaking the powerhouse program's string of 10 straight state titles.
Zach Branch scooped up the punt near the Gorman 5-yard line late in the first quarter Friday night against visiting Liberty.
The Southern Regional championship game between the local powers was billed as a can’t-miss affair, and Branch delivered on the hype by racing untouched up the sideline for an electrifying 94-yard touchdown to bring the standing-room-only crowd to their feet.
Just like that, a back-and-forth game that appeared to be even started to tilt in Gorman’s favor.
The Gaels scored on three long touchdowns in the first half in building a double-digit lead, avenging their 2019 loss to Liberty with a 35-14 victory to grab a spot in next week’s class 5A state championship game.
Gorman will be attempting to start another championship streak after its run of 10 straight titles was snapped by Liberty in 2019. The game on Friday was two years in the making after the 2020 season was canceled because of the pandemic.
“We were waiting two years for this,” Gorman coach Brent Browner said. “Obviously the emotions were high on both sides. Hats off to (Liberty) for everything they have done. This was a hard-fought game and we knew it would be that way.”
The big play was the difference for Gorman, which also received long touchdown receptions from Branch and senior Jonathan Brady. Brady’s catch and run went for an 80-yard touchdown and followed a similar script as Branch's punt return — he appeared to be contained for a small gain and then used his athleticism to break free.
“It was a team effort on that play,” Brady said. “All credit to the offensive line. This whole offense, everyone does their part and that is how we succeed. I love being part of this offense.”
For as good as Branch was for Gorman, Liberty’s Germie Bernard was equally dynamic in changing the course of the game. You can argue that he single-handedly kept the score close.
On Liberty’s first touchdown drive, he broke free down the sideline for a 53-yard gain to bring the ball to the Gorman 6. Then, on fourth down, he muscled his way through the line for a touchdown to make the deficit 14-7.
At times it felt like a battle between Gorman’s Branch and Liberty’s Bernard.
“Two phenomenal players on the field and (Branch) was one of them,” Browner said. “That kid is electric. It is special and fun to watch.”
A 21-7 halftime deficit wasn’t the end of world for Liberty, who during the 2019 upset also trailed by double digits at halftime before mounting a comeback. But Liberty couldn’t get going offensively and the third quarter was scoreless.
The teams exchanged touchdowns midway through the fourth quarter and Gorman padded its lead with a touchdown in the final seconds.
“This is what high school football was supposed to look like,” Browner said.
Gorman will face Northern Region champion McQueen Thursday at Allegiant Stadium for the championship. Game time will be determined later.
