Bishop Gorman running back Myles Norman (24) is tackled in the end zone for a touchdown in a high school football game against Liberty at Fertitta Field Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023. Bishop Gorman defeated Liberty 49-6.
Published Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023 | 11:59 p.m.
Updated Friday, Sept. 15, 2023 | 8:01 a.m.
One sequence of plays Thursday night between the Bishop Gorman and Liberty football teams showed how spirited the rivalry between the Nevada powers can be.
A helmet was ripped off at the end of a play. On another play, a small skirmish broke out after the referee blew his whistle.
This, after all, was a heavyweight showdown, and emotions were high in Gorman’s 49-6 victory.
But it was a showdown where both teams were conservative in their play-calling and formations, knowing this league game was simply an appetizer for what’s likely on tap in November. Gorman and Liberty are projected to meet again in the state championship game at Allegiant Stadium.
Both teams have many weeks left on the schedule, meaning the September meeting lacked some of that playoff desperation we’ve seen in past years. But it sure did give a preview of what’s to come with some intense moments.
“Every game we play in, we want to make a statement and dominate,” said Micah Alejado, Gorman’s senior quarterback, who had a pair of touchdown passes.
Games were played on Thursday this week across Clark County, meaning one less day of preparation. That forced teams to keep the game plan basic — not that Gorman or Liberty were going to go into their bag of trick plays anyway. That will come in November.
Gorman coach Brent Browner said they looked back at the game plan from last year’s meeting with Liberty and used some of the same philosophies. The Gaels led 6-0 after the first quarter and then blew the game open.
“I think it was pretty vanilla on both ends,” Browner said.
Alejado threw touchdown passes to Devon Rice and Derek Meadows, while Elija Lofton had a touchdown run and reception. Myles Norman closed the scoring with a 65-yard touchdown in the final minutes, with the fourth quarter being conducted under the mercy rule of a running clock.
Browner suspects the second meeting won’t be as lopsided. But, like Thursday, it will likely be heated.
“That’s a great opponent,” the coach said. “When they go out of state, we’re rooting for them and we’re hoping they do good and represent the state.”
Liberty's touchdown was scored on a long reception by Jayden Robertson.
