Gaels bounce back on home field, rout Legacy

When Bishop Gorman last played at home, it suffered a rare defeat at the hands of Bergen Catholic (N.J.), 42-35.

Before the top-ranked Gaels could get on the field to avenge that loss Friday, a power failure nixed the team’s introductory montage on its giant video board at the south end of the stadium.

To make matters worse, Gorman’s defense was ticketed for back-to-back 15-yard penalties to start the opening drive of the game.

But on the next play, senior linebacker Robert Stanley exploded into the backfield and sacked Legacy quarterback Kashawn Richardson for an 8-yard loss.

From there, it was business as usual for Gorman.

The Gaels outgained the Longhorns 573 to 80 and ran away with a 70-0 victory to open Southwest League play.

Stanley said the Gaels may have been a little flat to start the game, but were determined to rebound from losing their last home game.

“We came out a little lethargic today, but we knew we just had to come out and execute and bring energy,” said Stanley, who had a pair of first-half sacks as Gorman (4-1, 1-0 Southwest) held the Longhorns to 20 yards of offense in the first half. “Being a league game, this meant a lot, especially since the last time we came on this field we got an 'L.’ So we had to make sure we came out here and got it done tonight.”

Gaels coach Tony Sanchez said he was pleased with the way his defense has stepped up, tossing two shutouts after surrendering 42 points to Bergen.

“We went and did a little soul searching after that loss, and for the most part for the last eight quarters we have played pretty good on defense,” said Sanchez.

While the Gaels’  defense was containing Legacy (2-3, 0-1), senior quarterback Jarrett Solomon only needed a half to slice up the Longhorn defense.

Solomon was 12-for-12 for 272 yards and four touchdowns, as he guided Gorman to a 49-0 halftime lead.

“He’s a special kid,” said Sanchez of Solomon. “Before it’s all said and done he will probably be the most decorated quarterback, if not overall player, to come out of the Las Vegas area.”

Solomon tossed touchdown passes of 50 and 20 yards to Ryan Smith, who finished the game with three catches for 80 yards.

Justin Sweet took a screen pass from Solomon and raced 60 yards for a score, and also had a 17-yard rushing TD for the Gaels.

Randall Cunningham had touchdown runs of 35 and 22 yards and finished with 96 yards rushing. He also added 40 yards passing in relief of Solomon.

“We don’t take losing on this field very lightly,” said Sanchez. “We talked about that all week, and it was good to see the kids play with a lot of pride.”