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Video: 2017 Early Contenders - No. 2 Bishop Gorman
Host Zack Poff breaks down the defending Xcellent 25 champs and what lies ahead of them in 2017.
Head coach: Kenny Sanchez
Last season: 15-0, Xcellent 25 national champions, beat Liberty in 4A state title game, 84-8
Last decade: 141-7, nine state titles
Famous alumni/players: Former UFC owners Frank Fertitta III and Lorenzo Fertitta, Texas Rangers first baseman Joey Gallo, Ohio State QB Tate Martell, Tennessee Titans RB DeMarco Murray, Baltimore Ravens OT Ronnie Stanley
The Gaels own the second-longest active winning streak in the nation heading into the season.
Photo by Jann Hendry
He's the No. 3 dual threat quarterback in the Class of 2018.
LB Palaie Gaoteote (6-2, 235, Sr.) — He's the No. 1 inside linebacker in the Class of 2018.
TE Brevin Jordan (6-3, 250, Sr.) — The big man is the No. 2 tight end in the Class of 2018.
OG Jacob Isaia (6-3, 270, Sr.) — The 3-star offensive lineman has offers from 25 FBS schools.
WR Jalen Nailor (5-11, 170, Sr.) — He was the team's leading receiver last season.
Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson
Photo by Jann Hendry
vs. No. 13 DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.)
Sept. 1 — at No. 1 Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)
Sept. 8 — vs. Central (Miami)
Sept. 16 — vs. No. 16 De La Salle (Concord, Calif.)
Linebacker Palaie Gaoteote
Photo by Jann Hendry
* The Gaels enter the 2017 season winners of 54 consecutive games, currently the second-longest active winning streak in high school football. Over the last decade it is hard to argue anyone has been better than the Gaels. They have won nine state championships during that span, including eight in a row, and they have had six undefeated seasons over the last 10 years.
* Kenny Sanchez took over for his older brother, Tony, after the 2014 season, and all he has done is go 30-0 winning by an average of 41.8 points per game. Only one of those wins came by single digits.
* The Gaels have to replace some talented players, including 2016 MaxPreps National Football Player of the Year Tate Martell. UCLA commit Dorian Thompson-Robinson takes over at quarterback and he is one of the most talented players in all of high school football.
* Like usual, Bishop Gorman will have one of the toughest nonleague schedules in the country, with three of its first four games coming against Top 25 opponents.
Guard Jacob Isaia
Photos by Jann Hednry
