HS football state semifinal blog: Gorman to face Reed High of Reno in state championship game

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Published Saturday, Nov. 30, 2013 | 11:45 a.m.

Updated Saturday, Nov. 30, 2013 | 4:01 p.m.

It’s arguably the best rivalry in Nevada high school football.

Although Bishop Gorman and Palo Verde compete in different leagues and are never guaranteed to play each fall, it always ends up that way in the playoffs. And typically in the Sunset Region championship game.

The rivalry renews at 1 p.m. today at Gorman in the Sunset finals, which doubles as the state semifinals. It’s the seventh straight season they’ve meet deep in the postseason, including five regional championship games.

Gorman has dominated the rivalry in winning every year except 2008. That’s when Palo Verde became the last Nevada team to beat Gorman, which is the four-time defending state champions.

Since the 2008 defeat to Palo Verde, Gorman has won nearly 60 games against instate competition. Only one was decided by less than 20 points — in 2010, when the Gaels prevailed, 28-10, against Palo Verde in a game that was scoreless until late in the second quarter.

Gorman-Palo Verde isn’t the lone game today.

In the other state semifinal, four-time Sunrise champion Liberty travels to Reno to face Northern Region champion Reed. Liberty is playing to reach the state championship for the second straight season and looking to avenge a 2010 state semifinal loss in Reno.

We’ll keep everyone posted on both games. Remember to send us fan photo and game information on Twitter @lasvegassun using the hashtag #sunstandout.

Ray Brewer can be reached at 990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21.