Talented Gaels squad will face three out-of-state opponents in 2011.
From left to right: Shaquille Powell, Ronnie Stanley, Jarrett Solomon
Photo by Jann Hendry
Following a 4A title-winning season in 2010 with a young team, Bishop Gorman will be difficult to contain in 2011.
The Gaels return quarterback
Jarrett Solomon and running back
Shaquille Powell, both of whom could be the top players at their respective positions in Nevada this season. They'll have the benefit of lining up behind an offensive line that features
Ronnie Stanley,
Ron Scoggins and three other returning starters.
Bishop Gorman will be able to dictate the pace of most games by grinding out first down after first down. However, head coach Tony Sanchez can also rely on Solomon to pick apart defenses through the air — he tossed for nearly 2,500 yards last season.
Defensively, the Gaels will return five starters but will also rely on some impressive young talent, including sophomore
Zack Singer, a U.S. Air Force Freshman All-American last year.
Nathan Starks, who may also see some carries on offense, could be a factor in the secondary. He's incredibly talented with great speed; it will be difficult to keep him off the field.
While detractors find it hard to believe that one of the nation's best teams can reside in Las Vegas, Bishop Gorman has an opportunity to prove its mettle against the likes of
Chaparral (Scottsdale, Ariz.),
Servite (Anaheim, Calif.) and
Armwood (Seffner, Fla.) this season and show why the Gaels are one of the country's elite in 2011.
"What's really impressive is that you look at their line and everyone returns. They have Division I kids everywhere there and add in skill guys like Shaquille Powell and Jarrett Solomon and even very talented backups, they really should be able to score on anybody at will. The big question is will they be able to stop people. You can't go in against teams like Chaparral and Armwood without a strong defense. Their coaches put in so much time I'm pretty certain that it will all get taken care of. If they can get through the first couple weeks, they should definitely be a Top 10 team."
– Ray Brewer, Las Vegas Sun sports editor
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SCHOOL PROFILE
Head coach Tony Sanchez
Photo by Jann Hendry
School size: 4A
Enrollment: 1,200 (approximately)
2010 finish: 13-2, Class 4A state champion
Head coach: Tony Sanchez
Career record: 28-2
Years at school: 2
Notable players coached:OL Geoffrey Gibson (Cal)
TE Xavier Grimble (USC)
DE Jalen Grimble (Miami)
DB Evan Zeger (Washington)
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KEY RETURNERS
Ronnie Stanley
Photo by Jann Hendry
10 (offense), 5 (defense)
Jarrett Solomon
Photo by Jann Hendry
DE Jalen Grimble
DT Jaylon Jackson
LB Ron Lyles
DB Evan Zeger
Key Returners:TE Zach Hutchins
DB-WR Mark Phillpi
RB
Shaquille PowellQB
Jarrett SolomonOL-DL Nick Strehlow
OT
Ronnie StanleyOT
Ron ScogginsKey Newcomers:
WR-RB
Nathan StarksDT Terrence Chambers
RB Ryan Smith
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SEASON OUTLOOK
Bishop Gorman is loaded with Division I talent.
Photo by Jann Hendry
Armwood. A matchup between two Top 10 teams will help shape the rankings during the early part of the season. The game will feature around two dozen Division I athletes. The Gaels will be tested physically by one of the country's biggest offensive lines. They'll need to prevent big plays and avoid turnovers against Armwood.
Shaquille Powell
Photo by Jann Hendry
Bishop Gorman should be head and shoulders above any other Nevada team in 2011. Old Bishop Gorman rival Palo Verde is one team to keep an eye on.
Overall outlook: Bishop Gorman went 1-2 in out-of-state games last season. Its losses, against De La Salle and Hamilton, did not come by much. If the Gaels have an unblemished record against out-of-state teams this season, they'll rise much higher in the rankings.
Coach comment: "We'll need to start a little faster than we did last year. Our secondary will be particularly tested early on against Chaparral and Armwood. The key for us always is to be physical and run the ball. But with the guys we have in place we feel very, very good."
– Tony Sanchez
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VIDEO
