Gorman, Arizona champs to meet in football opener

The Nevada high school football season isn't scheduled to kick off until Aug. 29.

But defending Class 4A state champion Bishop Gorman will get almost a week's head start.

The Arizona Interscholastic Association announced Tuesday that Gorman will play Brophy Prep, the state's defending Class 5A Division I champion, in the Sollenberger Classic on Aug. 23. Kickoff will be at 7:07 p.m.

The game will be at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., the home of the NFL's Arizona Cardinals.

Gorman rolled to a 14-0 record and the state title last year in its first season under coach Bob Altshuler. Brophy Prep was 12-2 in capturing its second state championship in three years.

"It is quite an opportunity, and we're going to be getting a lot of kids some experience at a high level of football," Altshuler said. "We're excited about the opportunity."

The Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association had to waive some regulations to allow Gorman to play in the game. The Gaels will begin practice Aug. 4 -- 10 days before other Nevada schools -- and will be allowed to play an 11th game.

"I did have to waive some regulations, but I think this is a unique and special opportunity for some Nevada kids," NIAA executive director Eddie Bonine said.

"Brophy has always been a program that's been up there in the top in numerous sports. It'll be a very good benchmark for our football in the state."

This year's is the third Sollenberger Classic, which is hosted by the Arizona Interscholastic Association and named for former AIA employee Barry Sollenberger. It's the first time the game has featured a team from outside Arizona.

Bonine said the plan is for the event to become an annual matchup between the large-school state champs from Nevada and Arizona.

"We plan on doing this every year if it works out," he said.

Contact Prep Sports Editor Damon Seiters at dseiters@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4587.