Defending national champion Bishop Gorman to play Mater Dei, De La Salle and DeMatha

Video: Bishop Gorman selected national champion
Football editor Zack Poff breaks down why the Gaels were picked as 2016 national champions.

One thing is clear about Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.) and its 54-game football win streak.

The Gaels aren't playing it safe.

The reigning consensus national champs will play at least three major heavyweights in 2017, Gorman coach Kenny Sanchez confirmed on Wednesday: De La Salle (Concord, Calif.), Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) and DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.).



Gorman will host De La Salle and DeMatha and travel to Mater Dei. Dates and times have yet to be finalized.

DeMatha finished No. 8 in the final MaxPreps Xcellent 25 rankings last season, Mater Dei was No. 9 and De La Salle No. 24 in the final computer rankings.

"We are excited to play another great schedule against great football programs at a very highly competitive level," Sanchez said.

Considering the wealth of talent returning, Gorman's game with Mater Dei could feature the No. 1 and 2 teams heading into 2017.

Mater Dei returns MaxPreps Sophomore of the Year in quarterback J.T. Daniels and one of the best returning wide receivers in the country in Amon-Ra St. Brown.

Gorman loses the reigning National Player of the Year in quarterback Tate Martell, a three-year starter, but replacing him will be Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who filled in at wide receiver and caught eight touchdown passes. While at QB he accounted for nine touchdowns in very limited play. Michigan, USC and UCLA have offered him scholarships.



"He's the real deal," Sanchez said said of Thompson-Robinson.

So is leading returning receiver Jalen Nailor, first team Junior All-American tight end Brevin Jordan and the team's leading tackler Palaie Gaoteote, a first team Junior All-American.

De La Salle (11-2) should be loaded next season on the line, defense and at running back. They'll be led by running back Kairee Robinson (2,012 rushing yards, 25 TDs last year), who accounted for 227 yards and three touchdowns in a season-ending defeat to St. John Bosco.

Gorman has not faced DeMatha or Mater Dei before, but lost 28-14 at De La Salle in 2010. Sanchez said the team still has one open spot for next season in Week 3. According to Thompson via Twitter, Gorman will open with DeMatha followed by Mater Dei, open date and De La Salle.