Gaels have a lot to live up to this season

Richard Brian

Bishop Gorman’s Xavier Grimble, left, and Alex Turner lead the Gaels in defense of their state championship. The duo will combine with Justin Chaisson on the defensive line to anchor a potentially dominating defense.

By Christopher Drexel

Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008 | 2 a.m.

Perhaps Bishop Gorman's biggest obstacle in 2008 won't be the competition it gets from opposing teams, but getting out of the shadow of the school's 2007 squad.

A year ago, the Gaels capped a 14-0 season with their first state championship in more than two decades. They outscored opponents 582-163 in the process.

"We don't want to forget about last year. The things we did well last year we want to continue doing," second-year coach Bob Altshuler said. "But every other team now has a lot of game film on us. Other coaches know me a lot better now. So it will be tougher this year than last year."

Also making 2008 a challenge is the fact the Gaels graduated 13 of 22 starters from last year’s squad. Offensively, the Gaels lost virtually all of their skill position players, including many second-stringers, Altshuler said.

However, Gorman will return a formidable offensive line with guards Evan Palelei and Vince Nicotra as well as tackles Sam Womack and Geoffrey Gibson.

Womack and Gibson combined weigh nearly 600 pounds.

All four started throughout the team’s championship run a year ago.

"We will have an offensive line that any coach in the country would love to have," Altshuler said. "We just need to find some skill guys behind them."

On defense, the Gales return the services of one of the most sought-after ends in the nation in Justin Chaisson.

After setting a state record with 23 sacks as a junior last year, Chaisson was courted by nearly every major college program before verbally committing to Oklahoma in April.

"I want to beat my record, get in the 30-sack range and improve in every aspect I can," Chaisson said. "I can't wait for the season. We have to regroup, get together and do this thing again."

The defense will also return defensive end Alex Turner, free safety Charles Childers and Palelei at outside linebacker.

As a sophomore last season, Palelei returned a fumble 84 yards for a touchdown in the state title game. Altshuler said Palelei is up to 235 pounds from 195 a year ago and has also gained speed.

As far as filling the holes, Altshuler said, the Gaels want to improve one game at a time before they focus on a second state championship.

"Our motto this year is, 'In it to win it, one play at a time,'" Altshuler said. "We just need to be concerned about the first team we play and get experience for our kids. The big picture is we all want to win another state title."

Christopher Drexel is a reporter for the Home News. He can be reached at 990-8929 or christopher.drexel@hbcpub.com.