The Orem Tigers make the trip from Utah to Las Vegas this week to take on a Bishop Gorman football team coming into the season ranked #17 by Maxpreps.
The game will air live on YurView for Cox Communications customers (check local listings) and stream live on YurView.com.
Bishop Gorman Gaels:
Perennial power Bishop Gorman looked vulnerable last season after starting the year 1-3. The Gaels quickly righted the ship, however, ripping off 10 straight wins en route to their 10th straight state championship.
With many of their key pieces back in place, this year’s squad enters the 2019 season with hopes of improving on their national preseason ranking.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Gaels return four-star quarterback Micah Bowens; a Penn State commit who passed for 2,778 yards and 29 touchdowns last year.
Bowens will have plenty of targets to choose from, especially talented wide receiver Rome Odunze, a Washington commit who was good for 60 catches and 15 TD’s in 2018.
COMMITTED !! #GODAWGS 🐺☔️ pic.twitter.com/puMAh1Z6d4
— Rome Odunze (@RomeOdunze) August 13, 2019
Another Gorman offensive player to keep an eye on is Sophomore RB Jaydn Ott. A transfer from California, Ott is considered one of the top young running backs in the country. Even though he’s only a sophomore, Ott’s already received scholarship offers from Oregon, Oregon State, Colorado and others.
Gorman’s defense is led by the talented linebacker duo of Bryan Certain and Lincoln Tuioti-Mariner, an Air Force commit.
While the defensive backfield is relatively inexperienced, there’s certainly not a lack of talent. College recruiting staffs will be looking closely at the development of sophomore Zion Branch, who’s already been receiving offers from the likes of Auburn, UCLA and others.
Despite all of the talent returning to Fertitta Field, the most intriguing thing about Bishop Gorman may be the heralded group of underclassmen who are ready to make their debut this fall.
Orem Tigers:
This season, the two-time defending 4A champion Orem Tigers moves up to the 5A ranks, a move that appears to be long overdue.
The Tigers cruised to their 2nd straight state championship in 2018, outscoring opponents by an average of 35 points and winning the 4A championship game 60-13.
The move-up won’t be easy. The Tigers lost a lot of talent from last season’s title team and they fell 30-14 in their season opener against 6A Corner Canyon; a game that that was closer than the final score would indicate.
The loss comes with an asterisk, however, as Orem was missing 5-star linebacker Noah Sewell, who was held out as he returns from an injury.
Defense should be Orem’s calling card this season. The talented unit is led by Sewell, who doubles up at RB and holds offers from Texas A&M, Alabama, Ohio State, Georgia, LSU and Oregon, among others. Jayden Ah You, and Paxton Skipps round out a trio that could be most talented linebacking crew in the state.
I truly am grateful to all the Coaches & Universities that offered me an opportunity to continue my education. But moving forward, I will focus on these 8 schools, and find what best fits me. Please respect my decision. I apologize for not taking any interviews at this time.🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/bXDg31gw4D
— Noah Sewell™️ (@Blessah_2) July 28, 2019
The Tigers also have a talented, experienced defensive backfield that includes safety Buju Tuisavura and 3-year starter Jakob Robinson, so if the defensive line can live up to its potential points should be hard to come by for every one of their opponents.
While Orem’s strength appears to be their defense, the Tiger’s most coveted prospect may be 2021 Kingsley Suamataia, a massive OT who is getting recruited by the likes of Alabama, Oregon, Arizona, and other high majors.
Orem won’t be able to cruise to a title this year, but after getting through a brutal early-season schedule the Tigers should ultimately be one of the top teams in Utah and ready to compete for a state championship.
Watch the Orem Tigers vs. #18 ranked Bishop Gorman Gaels, Friday, August 23rd at 7pm PT/10pm ET – YurView LV (Cox Ch. 14) and on yurview.com.
