Gaels football back in Sollenberger Classic

Bishop Gorman’s football team wasn’t pleased at being excluded from the Sollenberger Classic this season.

The Gaels not only will get to play in it next season, they probably will host it.

The Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association confirmed Tuesday that the games, which match some of the top teams in Nevada and Arizona, will be played at Gorman, pending approval from the NIAA’s Board of Control.

The board meets April 1 and 2 in Reno.

“It’s on the agenda,” NIAA assistant director Jay Beesemyer said. “It all depends on finances. That’s something the board needs to discuss.”

Beesemyer said it was the Arizona Interscholastic Association’s idea to bring the game to Nevada for just the second time in the event’s eight-year history.

Gorman probably would meet Mountain Pointe (Ariz.) at 7 p.m. Aug. 23.

“We’re excited to get the opportunity,” said Gorman coach Tony Sanchez. “It’s great to be able to compete against strong teams, and Mountain Pointe is a very good team.”

Beesemyer said the NIAA and AIA haven’t determined which teams would meet in the second game, which probably would be played at 7 p.m. Aug. 24.

Desert Vista (Ariz.) defeated Palo Verde 20-10, and Blue Ridge (Ariz.) topped Moapa Valley 23-14 in last fall’s games.