Notebook: Gorman fans outnumbered in Arizona; Nevada teams still winless in Sollenberger event

Sam Morris / Las Vegas Sun

Bishop Gorman head coach Tony Sanchez yells to his players during the second half of Saturday’s game against Hamilton High of Chandler, Ariz., at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff in the Sollenberger Classic. Hamilton won the game in the closing minutes, 24-17.

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Sunday, Aug. 22, 2010 | 4:09 a.m.

Bishop Gorman vs. Hamilton High

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Saturday marked the fifth installment of the Sollenberger Classic, which annually pits the large-school state champions of years past from Arizona and Nevada against each other.

Bishop Gorman’s 24-17 loss to Hamilton High of Chandler, Ariz., gives Arizona a 5-0 advantage in classic games. Gorman also lost in 2008, falling to Brophy Prep of Phoenix.

Former Gael on the sideline

Tim Wilkinson, one of the defensive stars of Gorman’s state championship team last year and a freshman on the Northern Arizona team, was on the Gaels’ sideline Saturday night.

Wearing a Gorman state title shirt, Gaels practice shorts and his state championship ring, the defensive tackle displayed the same intensity in his cheering that he did on the field last fall.

One of eight players who received college scholarships, Wilkinson said he loves playing at Northern Arizona.

Gorman fans outnumbered

About 300 fans made the four-hour drive to Flagstaff for the game, with some arriving early and tailgating in the parking lot.

They were outnumbered, however, by about 1,200 Hamilton supporters. It was a true road environment for Gorman, with Hamilton fans constantly causing distractions for the Gaels offense with its loud cheering.

On Gorman’s first series, it committed three false starts and had a delay of game.

Pregame introductions

The Gaels elected to run out onto the field as a team instead of having individual starters introduced. Hamilton opted to have its offense starters announced.

Gorman did what the New England Patriots did prior to the 2002 Super Bowl against the St. Louis Rams. A heavy underdog, the Patriots ran onto the field as a team. They ended up winning the game.