Dynasty continues: Bishop Gorman football captures fifth straight title in dominating fashion

Bishop Gorman wide receiver Zyren Menor (2) scores a touchdown against Arbor View during the first half of the Nevada State Open Division championship game at Allegiant Stadium Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. Photo by: Steve Marcus

Bishop Gorman senior John Silver had thrown just six passes in four games this season as the third-string quarterback. He added a seventh to his tally in Tuesday’s Open Division state championship game, delivering a screen pass to Danten Kaheaku in the final moments of the Gaels’ 44-7 victory — their fifth consecutive state title.

The nation’s fifth-ranked team has captured every Nevada championship since 2009, with the exception of 2019 when it lost to Liberty and 2020 when the season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the game’s final minutes, Gorman coach Brent Browner hustled to insert his second- and third-string players. His reasoning was simple: These players had trained for 11 months to be part of a championship team, and they deserved their moment at Allegiant Stadium.

It’s easy to think about all the championships Gorman has won and wonder if the feeling has lost its luster. For many of the players, however, this was their first time hoisting the trophy. And for many others, it could be their last time playing the game.

“That’s my stressful part about these game — trying to get these guys who’ve worked all the time, worked for 11 months and been around the program (playing time),” Browner said. “That’s probably the best touchdown we have given up.”

That touchdown came in the fourth quarter, when Arbor View drove the length of the field and scored on a Thaddeus Thatcher 6-yard touchdown pass to Kamareion Bell.

Arbor View proved more competitive than last year’s title game, when it fell 63-7 to Gorman. The Aggies forced Gorman to punt on its opening possession and showed flashes of success on both sides of the ball.

But Gorman’s passing attack was too lethal.

Maika Eugenio threw for nearly 300 yards and five touchdowns. The wide receiver trio of Massiah Mingo, Zyren Menor, and Isaiah Nickels each caught touchdown passes. In the final minute, senior DaMari Hall had a nifty catch for a touchdown from Ace Amina.

Gorman finished with just one defeat on the season, a narrow loss to Mater Dei of Southern California. Browner has repeatedly said his players prepare for every team on the schedule as if they were playing in one of those marquee national spotlight games.

“Their goal is to go to college and play college football, so the motivation is there,” the coach said. “Every single day is an opportunity to put something on film, to better yourself. So they don’t take any team for granted. Every game is a big game for them, because they have another chance to do something on film, and practice is hard.”

The landscape of high school football here is changing, with the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association this month approving a realignment plan that forms a 10-team Open Division. Each team would play one another — and just one nonleague game.

When asked what’s next after the game, Browner said enjoying the victory and celebrating the season was top of mind — though he jokingly added they’d be back at practice at 9 a.m.

“(We’ll) figure that out next season and enjoy this one tonight,” he said.

The Class 3A, 4A and 5A title games were won by Northern Nevada schools.