The football dynasty has done it again. On Nov. 26, Bishop Gorman Football shut down the Arbor View Aggies and took home the 5A-I State Championship, for the fourth year in a row.
For the entirety of the game, Bishop Gorman’s dual-sided dominance took complete control over their opponent. The Gaels kept the Aggies scoreless, until the very end of the fourth quarter. It was obvious that Bishop Gorman came into the matchup with something to prove, and it was fueled by their teamwork; the game ended with a bruising 69-7 win.
“We had a lot of great competition, but I just relied on my boys and we did what we had to do,” said senior wide receiver Derek Meadows ‘25.
This specific game was very special to a bulk of Bishop Gorman’s roster. It was the last time that many of these student-athletes would suit up in their royal blue and orange gear.
“This one, it’s my last one,” Meadows said. “It’s my senior year, so just being able to do it with my brothers and see them work hard every day with me, it just means a lot.”
Bishop Gorman’s continued success is the result of a close knit group of teammates. These student-athletes have worked hard to create lasting friendships on and off the field, and it shows.
“I’m definitely going to miss the bonds that me and my teammates have created, especially the seniors and my receiver group,” Meadows said. “I am so thankful for everyone.”
Even though this game marked the end of many Bishop Gorman football careers, there is still a large group of underclassmen who are ready to fill these empty spaces. In fact, the leading scorers during this state title game were all up and coming. Running back TJ Grant ‘27,wide receiver Aizen Torres ‘27, two-way player Isaiah Nickels ‘26, and wide receiver Trent Walker ‘27 are some of the young stars who each added a touchdown to the scoreboard.
One of these standouts was quarterback Maika Eugenio ‘26, who took the lead and was on the hunt for a state ring. He was grateful to have started the state title game with 1782 yards and 26 touchdowns, but wanted to end the season with another goal in mind.
“It is just a blessing, really,” Eugenio said. “Coming into this game I wanted to get to 2,000 yards and I think I got there.”
Like their previous seasons, Bishop Gorman had made their way to the championship game at Allegiant Stadium. This one of a kind experience was special for these high school athletes, giving them a glimpse into their future careers.
“It’s crazy. You just step onto the field and feel nothing, that’s just how crazy it is,” Eugenio said.
Since most of these student-athletes had already suited up and played in a similar atmosphere, the bright lights did not phase them. It made most of the returning players hopeful for another winning season next year, which would bring them back to Allegiant Stadium.
“It is just a blessing to be able to play in this stadium with my brothers and sad for the seniors to see them leave,” Eugenio said. “But we will be back next season ready to go.”
With another state title comes a new addition to the players’ state ring collection. Eugenio is especially excited to show it off to his teachers and classmates.
“I will probably bring it to journalism class and just show it to Mrs. Keating and all of the sideline reporters in that class,” Eugenio said.
