Bishop Gorman students attend a game against Mater Dei at Bishop Gorman High School Friday, Aug. 26, 2022.
Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022 | 12:42 a.m.
Fans walking up to Bishop Gorman High’s Fertitta Field at 7:20 p.m. Friday night looking to watch two national high school football powers were out of luck.
The game had already started and there were no more empty seats. They missed a show that was as good as advertised — physical play, a second half comeback and tons of talent on both teams.
Bishop Gorman was defeated 24-21 by visiting Mater Dei of California, squandering a second half lead to the nation’s No. 2 ranked team in a game that went down to the wire as expected.
“We said it all week, ‘It’s going to come down to who has the ball last,’” Gorman coach Brent Browner said. “...We just couldn’t score on our last possession, so hats off to them.”
Gorman had the ball on the Mater Dei side of the field with less than a minute to play, but quarterback Micah Alejado was sacked to take the Gaels out of field goal range at the 47 yard line. Gorman’s desperation fourth down play didn’t work.
Gorman led 21-7 in the second half, but surrendered 17 unanswered points to end the game against the defending national champions. Gorman, ranked No. 6, could have very easily won. But, then again, this was no ordinary opponent.
“Obviously, that’s the No. 2 team in the nation for a reason,” Browner said. “They always come ready, and have a lot of good kids. There are 31 Division I dudes over there, and we played right there (with them) and took it down to the wire.”
Gorman, like every team in the initial weeks of the season, will take the result — win or lose — and build toward the future. The goal, after all, is to win the last game in November. And now they have a little extra motivation.
“Whether we win or lose, the kids stay locked in,” the coach said. “This one hurts, hurts them all. But, you know, we’re still a pretty good team.”
Elija Lofton and Wisconsin commit Trech Kekahuna had touchdown receptions in the first half from Alejado to help Gorman build a 14-0 advantage. And the tight end Lofton had the play of the game, racing the length of the field after Mater Dei forced a turnover and knocking the ball loose near the goal line to prevent a touchdown and again give Gorman possession.
If Gorman wins, Lofton would be considered the hero for his hustle.
“I’m proud of the boys. They fought their butts off,” Browner said.
Mater Dei scored the winning points with about three minutes to play on a field goal.
