Young offensive line, stout defense ignite Bishop Gorman’s sizzling start

Things couldn't be going much better for first-year Bishop Gorman football coach Bob Altshuler.

Despite having to learn new offensive and defensive schemes, the Gaels are off to a 3-0 start and have outscored their three out-of-state opponents 126-19.

"I couldn't be any happier with the kids," Altshuler said. "They've put in an effort to learn a system and a program that's quite intricate and demanding."

The Gaels opened the season with back-to-back shutouts and then dominated Rock Bridge (Mo.), 61-19. Rock Bridge beat the Gaels 34-0 last season.

"On paper we probably would have been picked to lose the game the opposite way," Altshuler said. "Instead, the kids got into what they were doing and performed offensively and defensively."

The Gaels' strong defensive start has been key. Gorman allowed an average of 24 points per game last season.

"I think we're more disciplined and more fundamentally sound than what I'd seen on tape before," Altshuler said.

He praised his young offensive line for the team's success on that side of the ball. Center Luke Culley is the lone senior starting on the line, which includes sophomores Evan Palelei (guard) Geoff Gibson (tackle) and Alex Turner (tight end) and juniors Vince Nicotra (guard) and Sam Womack (tackle).

"Everything revolves around the offensive line, and they've performed extremely well," Altshuler said. "We're extremely young on the line and, at the same time, the kids are already getting what we're doing."

• CHINO CHAMPS -- For the second consecutive season, Eldorado's soccer team has won the Chino Cup in Chino Valley, Ariz.

Goalkeeper Alberto Alvarez had three shutouts in four games. He allowed one goal against host Chino Valley, which tied Eldorado 1-1. The Sundevils won that game on penalty kicks to capture the tournament title for the fourth time in 11 years participating in the event.

• ON THE AIR -- Tonight's football game between Cimarron-Memorial and Centennial will be broadcast on KDWN-AM (720) beginning at 7.