FIELDER’S CHOICES: Expect Liberty to empty bag of tricks against Gorman

Remember when the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association was having discussions about realignment, and all the people complaining about the changes?

It was too drastic, too much, not necessary in their eyes.

And the old Class 3A schools might not be able to compete with enrollments three or four times theirs.

Right. And I’m a straight-A student.

Three football state champions already have been crowned — and all three won state titles last year.

What about the three region champions in Division I, you ask?

Bishop Gorman, Liberty and Reed all won region titles last season.

Realignment gave us a few more competitive games this year, but none last week, and maybe not this week either as we crown the Division I champion at Sam Boyd Stadium, a second-rate facility compared to where the other title games were held.

LIBERTY (11-1) vs. BISHOP GORMAN (12-1)

The state final needs little introduction. But the NIAA will spend 15 minutes introducing everyone at the stadium today, so we kick off at 12:15 p.m. instead.

On with the show.

How Liberty can win — Liberty played its best game of the season last week when it dismantled Coronado.

Quarterback Kai Nacua was fantastic, and the Patriots’ defense was awesome, too.

That’s the exact game Liberty will have to play Saturday.

Coach Rich Muraco is going to have to find some tricks in his playbook, too, and maybe try some onside kicks and gimmick plays.

Keeping the ball away from Gorman’s offense is Liberty’s only chance.

Why Gorman will win — The Gaels played about as badly as they could play in the first quarter last week at Reed and still ended up pulling away from the Raiders to win by 25.

Gorman’s defense will give up points. If the team has an area that needs improvement, that’s it.

The catch is hasn’t seemed to matter how many points the Gaels allow, because their offense just scores again and again.

Quarterback Jarrett Solomon will be playing in what seems like his 500th high school game, and he’s seen just about everything. He’s the best tour guide an offense can have, and he’ll make sure the Gaels’ offense does what it’s supposed to do.

Liberty never has played in a state title game before. None of Gorman’s players ever have lost a state title game.

The Liberty part changes at kickoff. The Gorman part won’t change until at least next year. ... Gorman by 24.
Last week: 2-0 (1-1 with points)
Season: 77-16 (56-34-3 with points)