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Orem vs. Bishop Gorman: What You Need to Know

By
Jeremy Crabtree
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Las Vegas Bishop Gorman enters the matchup with one of the most talented rosters in the country and a top-20 preseason national ranking.

But the Gaels got off to a slow start with a talented roster in 2018 and anything can happen when you’re playing your first game of the season. On the flip side, Orem already has one game under their belt, but the Tigers lost 30-14 in Week 1 to Draper (Utah) Corner Canyon.

Here’s a look inside the matchup that kicks off Friday, August 23rd at 7 p.m. PT and can be seen on Yurview Las Vegas and nationally on Yurview.com/live.

LAST TIME THEY MET

Bishop Gorman and Orem met on Sept. 7, 2018, with the Gaels winning 31-21. The Gaels came into that game 0-2 for the first time since 2005 but showed they still have plenty of talent. They ran 27 more plays than Orem, the second-best team in Utah at the time, outgained the Tigers 356-303 and forced three turnovers and two safeties. Quarterback Micah Bowens threw for 223 yards and had a rushing and passing score to lead the Gaels.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

LB NOAH SEWELL 6-1/260 SENIOR OREM
Sewell is arguably the most coveted recruit still on the board west of the Mississippi. The five-star inside linebacker has more than 35 scholarship offers from a who’s who in college football, including Alabama, Georgia and Oregon.

“His love of football, his motor and how much ground he can cover makes him special,” Rivals.com national analyst Mike Farrell said. “He’s so explosive and fast to the football.”

Sewell did not play in Orem’s first game of the season and was seen wearing a walking boot on his right foot. If he does play, he’ll be the best defender on the field.

WR ROME ODUNZE 6-3/185 SENIOR GORMAN
Odunze is one of the most coveted receivers in the nation. The four-star recruit has more than 30 scholarship offers, but he recently committed to Washington. As a junior, Odunze hauled in 15 touchdowns and finished with 1,347 receiving yards in 14 games.

“He’s athletic,” 247Sports national recruiting editor Brandon Huffman said. “It’s going to be hard to press him, and you’re not going to be able to jam him, so he’s going to have a lot of advantages just from a physical standpoint. He’s a pretty solid all-around receiver.”

 

 

QB MICAH BOWENS 5-11/185 SENIOR GORMAN
Bowens is carrying on the strong quarterback tradition at Gorman. The four-star recruit committed early to Penn State. Bowens is an elite athlete with a big arm and can put the ball about anywhere on the field.

“He also brings elite foot speed with the ability to score on the ground or extend plays in the passing game,” Zack Poff of MaxPreps said. “He’s going to have a big senior season.”

RB JAYDN OTT 5-11/170 SOPHOMORE GORMAN
Ott transferred to Gorman from Norco, California, and he’s considered one of the top young running backs in the country. Ott already had scholarship offers from Oregon, Oregon State, Colorado, UNLV and others, but decided to pledge early to the Ducks.

“He has all the physical tools you’re looking for in a next level running back,” 247Sports national recruiting analyst Greg Biggins said. “He’s a strong kid with breakaway speed, runs hard and is physical. He doesn’t dance around much but can get downhill in a hurry and is an every-down back who can be used in any situation.”

PREDICTION

Since it’s the first game of the season, Gorman might take a little while to get going on both sides of the ball. But when the Gaels do, look out. That’s especially true if Sewell is unable to go again for Orem. Gorman starts this season on the right foot with a big victory.

BISHOP GORMAN 35, OREM 7

Watch the Orem Tigers vs. Bishop Gorman Gaels game, Friday, August 23rd at 7pm PT/10pm ET – YurView LV (Cox Ch. 14) and on yurview.com. 

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