In a Primetime Clash, Gorman Outlasts the Stags, by Tom Peace

From the opening bell neither team held any punches back. But it was the home team, Bishop Gorman that would deliver the knockout blow to give the Gaels the 35-23 victory over DeMatha Catholic in Las Vegas on Friday night.

The Gaels have now won 55 consecutive games.

In what was billed as a primetime matchup, being on the mothership ESPN, to open the high school football season. Both teams entered the game in the Top-10 of the national polls. 

The Gaels senior star quarterback Dorian-Thompson Robinson delivered the dagger with a 68-yard touchdown pass to give Bishop Gorman the 27-17 lead.

Thompson-Robinson completed 18 for 23 passes for 284 yards with three scores and two first half rushing touchdowns. The quarterback position is safe at Bishop Gorman.

DeMatha trailed 13-10 at halftime but the Stags opened the third quarter with the football and senior QB Ty Lenhart, who was making his first start, found DeMarrco Hellams for a touchdown for 13-yards putting DeMatha up.

But Bishop Gorman found some ideal field position in the third quarter when DeMatha was forced to punt deep in their own territory.

The Gaels and Thompson-Robinson retook the lead as the UCLA commit hit a 6-yard strike to Falcon Kaumatule.

“Our mindset is to fix the little things and go win the WCAC title for the fifth time in a row,” said Stags senior Anthony Toro.

Lenhart managed to put more points late in the fourth quarter. And the Stags were even successful on recovering an onside kick. But the DeMatha QB through a interception seconds later to deliver the TKO for the Gaels.

“The atmosphere was crazy but it’s nothing we weren’t prepared for, same as national TV because we are on it every year,” said Toro.

Probably the most devastating news for DeMatha was finding out that starting sophomore running back MarShawn Lloyd suffered a broken wrist injury according to Maryland Sports Access’ Kyle McFadden.

Tom Peace

Ricardo Report Contributor