On Saturday, Jan. 18th the Bishop Gorman varsity football team celebrated their victorious season and fourth consecutive state title at the Red Rock Casino. The food was devoured, the applause was constant, and the laughter resonated throughout the open venue of parents, coaches, and athletes.
“The banquet was a fun experience to get with the guys all one last time and be able to bond over our winning season and over the four years that most of us have been here,” wide receiver CJ Rabb III ‘25 said. “It was a really nice moment to see it all come along and work out.”
This tradition of closing the football season with a banquet has been happening for quite some time. For years, the Bishop Gorman varsity football coaches and players have been dressing up in their best outfits to commemorate their year with their families and close friends. Aside from celebrating another hard earned state title, this year’s celebration was more special than normal. The underclassmen and the coaches officially sent off 37 seniors and thanked them for their dedication over the last four years.
“The banquet this year felt a little different… you just get this kind of realization that you won’t be able to do this anymore and being at Gorman where they are really blessed to do things that most high schools are not, experiencing that one last time was definitely special,” tight end Anthony Hickman ‘25 said.
These emotions were displayed on almost every face around the Red Rock Ballroom. Throughout the night, different memories from the season were shared by each of the coaches. The seniors went up onto the stage decorated with orange and blue, as each of them were called up by their position coach. Every one of the senior student-athletes was left with a heartfelt message from their coaches, encouraging them that they are prepared for this next step in their lives.
”One thing I remember my coach saying about me is that I never complained about playing time. I just went out there and gave it my all. Regardless of the situation I was in, I just made my best effort to put the team first,” Rabb III ‘25 said.
After the sincere words from the coaches, it was time for the awards. Head coach Browner and the rest of the staff had collectively decided on who earned what accolade. Defensive lineman Sione Motuapuaka ‘25 was awarded the “Enforcer” plaque because of his strength and grit that was displayed throughout the season. The “playmakers” of the team were quarterback Maika Eugenio ‘26, wide receiver Derek Meadows ‘25, and defensive back Brayton Correa ‘25. The offensive MVPs were offensive linemen Doug Utu ‘25 and Alai Kalaniuvalu ‘25. On the other side of the ball, the defensive MVPs were safety Jett Washington ‘26 and defensive lineman Prince Williams ‘26. The season’s MVP was Miami commit SJ Alofaituli ‘25.
Aside from being recognized as one of the team’s top defensive players, Washington was presented with a plaque from the Las Vegas Raiders. Gorman alumnus Jordan Aguilar ‘21 acknowledged the four star safety as one of the “top players in the nation.” Because of his dedication and consistency on the football field, Washington ‘26 has been invited to compete in the elite Nike Next Ones event that will take place close to Super Bowl weekend.
“I think that’s a very big accomplishment because there’s only 32 people in the entire country that get chosen [for Nike Next Ones]. So for them to choose me it means a lot to me to represent the Raiders,” Washington ‘26 said.
Washington ‘26 felt honored that the Raiders had hand picked him to represent their team while he will compete through various challenges and show off his skills, in mid-February. His recognition is a direct result of Bishop Gorman Football’s rigorous training program. At the end of the day, he is grateful for being named his team’s Defensive MVP because “we have the top defense in the country.”
The night concluded with lots of tears and warm hugs, everyone taking in the last moments where the 2024-2025 varsity team would be one giant unit. The seniors seemed to be taking it all in, but it hit the underclassmen harder.
“It kind of just made me realize that it would be the last time I’d get to play with them and see them,” cornerback Hayden Stepp ‘27 said.
