Bishop Gorman Football faced ranked No. 6 Miami Central Rockets in a nail biting finish on Friday, Sept. 1st.

The matchup on Fertitta Field was the nation’s high school football game of the week, while rain delays and a packed crowd increased anticipation for the hour and a half wait in a desert thunderstorm.

With an original start time of 7:00 p.m., lightning bolts and rain postponed the Friday night game nearly two hours back, leaving players and spectators in question. Despite delays, the action was worth the wait. In a back and forth battle, the Gaels offense steamed ahead.

Senior Tight End Elijah Lofton ‘24, who had three rushing touchdowns, one receiving touchdown, and a few last minute defensive snaps was named MaxPreps player of the game. Lofton remains an offensive weapon for the Gaels and continues to play an influential role in his rushing and receiving aspects of the game.

Following the matchup, Lofton stated, “This was a must win game, and I’m glad we came out on top. Our team came together when it mattered most, and I just had to do my part wherever the team needed me. It was one of the best games of my life, but now we have to put this win behind us and focus on the next one.”

Defensively, the Gaels were quick to stop the Rockets’ run game, but an 85 yard passing touchdown and opposing kick return touchdown left them in quite a hole. Coming into the second half with a seven point lead, it was soon tied and even to a point where the Gaels had lost their lead with just a few minutes to play.

Senior Defensive Back, Zyzaiah Duncan ‘24, who made multiple crucial defensive stops stated, “It went well, we had mistakes here and there and we have a lot to work on moving forward. However, we made stops when we needed to and now it’s onto next week.”

The Gaels came out on top after a dramatic finish here in Las Vegas 39-35. With big games soon to follow, the Bishop Gorman Football squad hopes to keep their momentum rolling to a state and potentially a national championship.