Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025 | 2 a.m.
While most eyes are fixed on Bishop Gorman's Sept. 19 showdown with top-ranked Mater Dei of California — widely considered the Gaels' ultimate test this season — there's a formidable obstacle standing in their path first.
The Gaels face a tough test Friday against undefeated Lone Peak from Utah.
The challenge extends beyond the opponent.
After dismantling Kahuku of Hawaii 38-0 on Saturday, Gorman faces the task of traveling back to Las Vegas from the islands and preparing for Lone Peak on short rest.
MaxPreps ranks Lone Peak 53rd nationally. It has scored 125 points in three games against respected Utah competition.
It has two of Utah’s top 10 recruits for the 2026 signing class in tackle Bott Mulitalo (BYU) and wide receiver Jaron Pula (Utah).
Of course, Gorman has more than 20 players with scholarship offers, led by five-star safety Jett Washington (Oregon) and three-star quarterback Maika Eugenio (Hawaii).
In two games, Eugenio has completed 39 of 46 passes for 600 yards and six touchdowns.
The weekly picks column takes a look at the Gorman-Lone Peak showdown and more.
Last week’s record: 12-10. Overall record: 38-17
Eldorado at Chaparral
Renouncing my Chaparral alumni membership for a few hours. Eldorado 13, Chaparral 12
Lone Peak (Utah) at Bishop Gorman
This is the second-toughest game on Gorman’s schedule. Gorman 33, Lone Peak 24
Higley (Ariz.) at Coronado
Coronado is better than its lopsided loss last week. Coronado 23, Higley 19
Liberty at Casteel (Ariz.)
Liberty will have its hands full against a quality Arizona program. Casteel 34, Liberty 22
Shadow Ridge at Quartz Hill (Calif.)
Sticking to my theory: California teams over Nevada teams — especially when games are contested in the Golden State. Quartz Hill 39, Shadow Ridge 30
Arbor View at Lincoln (Calif.)
With Arbor View losing its initial two games, it’s fair to ask: Who is going to challenge Bishop Gorman? Lincoln 40, Arbor View 18
Centennial at North (Calif.)
North has only given up 16 points in two games. North 31, Centennial 12
Cimarron-Memorial at Cheyenne
It’s time for the Duel in the Desert trophy to return to Chey-Town. Cheyenne 23, Cimarron 18
Desert Oasis at Sierra Vista
No love in this neighborhood rivalry. Desert Oasis 29, Sierra Vista 22
Palo Verde at Green Valley
Anyone have a coin? Green Valley 31, Palo Verde 25
Shadow Ridge (Ariz.) at Clark
The Chargers put up a good fight. Shadow Ridge 33, Clark 12
Sloan Canyon at Losee
Losee has the blueprint for charter school programs transforming into contenders. Sloan Canyon is next in line to make a run. Sloan Canyon 33, Losee 18
Bonanza at Del Sol
Three weeks, three wins for the Dragons. Watch out. Del Sol 32, Bonanza 12
Silverado at Valley
Did you see Silverado score 69 points last week? Did you see the ‘Hawks give up 40? Silverado 39, Valley 20
Spring Creek at Virgin Valley
These are two evenly matched teams. Virgin Valley 31, Spring Creek 23
Bishop Diego (Calif.) at Mater East
When in doubt, always take the school from California. Bishop Diego 34, Mater East 20
Mojave at Desert Pines
Mojave has its best effort of the young season. Mojave 25, Desert Pines 16
Slam at Moapa Valley
Moapa Valley finally breaks into the win column. Moapa Valley 21, Slam 20
Cadence at Sunrise Mountain
Back-to-back wins for Sunrise Mountain. Sunrise Mountain 32, Cadence 0
Basic at Linfield Christian (Calif.)
Traveling is never easy. Linfield Christian 40, Basic 20
Las Vegas at Mayfair (Calif.)
The Wildcats battle until the end. Mayfair 39, Las Vegas 27