Roundup: Gorman, Palo Verde football showdown likely official after tonight

Palo Verde High School players Thayer Coon, Doug Stultz and Mitchel Geib

Published Friday, Nov. 19, 2010 | 7 p.m.

Updated Saturday, Nov. 20, 2010 | 12:53 a.m.

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Anticipation mounting for the Sunrise championship game

Las Vegas Sun reporters Ray Brewer and Case Keefer disagree on what will happen in the Sunrise Region championship game between Liberty and Las Vegas. They also break down the rest of the week's games.

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The much-anticipated high school football game between perennial powers Bishop Gorman and Palo Verde highs will likely be a reality after tonight’s Sunset Regional semifinals.

Undefeated Palo Verde hosts a Centennial squad in the semifinals it has already beaten by three touchdowns this year, while defending state champion Gorman (10-2) isn’t expected to receive much resistance from Arbor View in the region’s other semifinal game.

So, by about 9:30 p.m., it will be official: Gorman next Saturday will travel a few miles north to face Palo Verde (11-0) in a battle of Summerlin rivals that always brings out a standing-room only crowd. It will be the third time in four years the rivals have met on Thanksgiving weekend.

The game potentially could save an otherwise lackluster season of the local gridiron — a fall where lopsided blowouts where the norm, and competitive contests were seldom.

Gorman, for instance, has only given up 12 points to local opponents in recording seven shutouts.

Gorman and Palo Verde won’t be in the spotlight until next weekend. This Friday, it’s the Sunrise Regional finals between Liberty (11-0) and host Las Vegas High.

Las Vegas (11-1) has won the Sunrise in eight of the 11 years the region has been in existence, but will have its hands full against a talented Liberty squad playing in its first championship game.

Liberty has a significant size advantage on the line and will attempt controlling the game’s pace with a rushing attack that often consumes several minutes off the clock. Las Vegas, on the other hand, will look to spread the game open with several speedy players at virtually every offensive position.

Check back later tonight as the games go final.

•Liberty crushes Las Vegas to take Sunrise championship

•Gorman disposes of Arbor View, readies for showndown with rival Palo Verde

•Palo Verde’s Jonathan Maxwell leads Panthers to win over Centennial