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08-31-2006, 02:15 PM
Buckeyes take on Las Vegas Gorman
By RICK KRETZSCHMAR
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Gilmer's football team could be going up against a team that has more players with size and speed than the Buckeyes when they make their 2006 debut tonight. That's not the primary concern for coach Jeff Traylor. He's more concerned about what they can do, which is somewhat of a mystery.
Gilmer will make its anticipated debut against Las Vegas Bishop Gorman in Tyler as part of the Trinity Mother Frances Football Classic.
The Buckeyes begin this season with high expectations, reinforced by a No. 2 ranking in the first Associated Press Class 3A state poll of the 2006 season and a No. 1 ranking in Dave Campbell's Texas Football magazine. It will also be the Gilmer debut of G.J. Kinne after his eventful offseason in which he transferred from Canton.
Bishop Gorman is coming off a 9-2 season, but lost four Division I signees. It's watching that team that has created concern for Traylor.
"There is the fear of the unknown," Traylor said. "All I have on them is two videos from last year."
What is known is that this game will be sprinkled with Division I-A talent.
Kinne has orally committed to Baylor, while receiver Curtis Brown has committed to Texas. Bishop Gorman offensive lineman Po'u Palelei (6-4, 335) is being recruited by Arizona, Oklahoma and Florida, while running back Corey White is considering Washington.
While this is Gilmer's first-ever game against an out-of-state foe, Gorman has played teams from Utah, California and Washington. Bishop Gorman will play Concord (Calif.) De La Salle, which won 151 straight games from 1991 to 2004, in 2008.
"The biggest thing for us is the intensity," Bishop Gorman coach David White said. "They're going to be playing with all that passion that comes with Texas high school football. They're going to bring a lot of pride out onto the field, and that's where we're going to have to match them."
When Gorman has the ball
Bishop Gorman returns just three starters on offense, but the Gaels appear to be stacked at running back. While White and Keola Antolin had just 11 rushing attempts combined last season, they averaged 15.5 yards per carry.
Dylan Berrera takes over at quarterback. He has big protectors in Palelei, Zach Falldorf (5-11, 260) and sophomore Justin Chaisson (6-4, 255).
Gilmer played New Boston in a scrimmage last week, with the Buckeyes scoring three touchdowns to two for the Lions. Traylor said that while New Boston played well, he said that his team's tackling could have been better and he is looking for more excitement from his defense.
Gilmer's defense is anchored by linebacker Dominique "Deebo" Buchanan. The Buckeyes' secondary is veteran heavy with safety Duntarius Goodman and Brown at cornerback.
When Gilmer has the ball
This is Kinne's first test if he can put up the same kind of numbers he had at Canton. The last three seasons, Kinne has passed for 8,534 yards and 86 touchdowns.
Brown is coming off a 974-yard, 10-touchdown season, while former quarterback Jamell Kennedy will make his receiver debut. A possible future Division I recruit, junior running back Justin Johnson is coming off rushing for 793 yards and eight touchdowns. Gilmer's depth at skill positions could be hurt as receivers Zach Jones, Milton Navarro and running back Braylon Hawley are out with injuries.
Gilmer's passing attack will be challenged by Bishop Gorman safety Drew Bernhardy, who is a potential Division I prospect. White also plays linebacker, and is the top returner in tackles with 49.5. Defensive end Justin Chaisson had 42 tackles as a freshman last season.
Special teams
Gilmer's Matt Burgin faces his first challenge in replacing dependable placekicker Shea Harborth. Jake Manning will handle punting for Gilmer.
Michael Levine will handle kicking duties for Bishop Gorman.
Sports correspondent Robert Nichols contributed to this story.
By RICK KRETZSCHMAR
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Gilmer's football team could be going up against a team that has more players with size and speed than the Buckeyes when they make their 2006 debut tonight. That's not the primary concern for coach Jeff Traylor. He's more concerned about what they can do, which is somewhat of a mystery.
Gilmer will make its anticipated debut against Las Vegas Bishop Gorman in Tyler as part of the Trinity Mother Frances Football Classic.
The Buckeyes begin this season with high expectations, reinforced by a No. 2 ranking in the first Associated Press Class 3A state poll of the 2006 season and a No. 1 ranking in Dave Campbell's Texas Football magazine. It will also be the Gilmer debut of G.J. Kinne after his eventful offseason in which he transferred from Canton.
Bishop Gorman is coming off a 9-2 season, but lost four Division I signees. It's watching that team that has created concern for Traylor.
"There is the fear of the unknown," Traylor said. "All I have on them is two videos from last year."
What is known is that this game will be sprinkled with Division I-A talent.
Kinne has orally committed to Baylor, while receiver Curtis Brown has committed to Texas. Bishop Gorman offensive lineman Po'u Palelei (6-4, 335) is being recruited by Arizona, Oklahoma and Florida, while running back Corey White is considering Washington.
While this is Gilmer's first-ever game against an out-of-state foe, Gorman has played teams from Utah, California and Washington. Bishop Gorman will play Concord (Calif.) De La Salle, which won 151 straight games from 1991 to 2004, in 2008.
"The biggest thing for us is the intensity," Bishop Gorman coach David White said. "They're going to be playing with all that passion that comes with Texas high school football. They're going to bring a lot of pride out onto the field, and that's where we're going to have to match them."
When Gorman has the ball
Bishop Gorman returns just three starters on offense, but the Gaels appear to be stacked at running back. While White and Keola Antolin had just 11 rushing attempts combined last season, they averaged 15.5 yards per carry.
Dylan Berrera takes over at quarterback. He has big protectors in Palelei, Zach Falldorf (5-11, 260) and sophomore Justin Chaisson (6-4, 255).
Gilmer played New Boston in a scrimmage last week, with the Buckeyes scoring three touchdowns to two for the Lions. Traylor said that while New Boston played well, he said that his team's tackling could have been better and he is looking for more excitement from his defense.
Gilmer's defense is anchored by linebacker Dominique "Deebo" Buchanan. The Buckeyes' secondary is veteran heavy with safety Duntarius Goodman and Brown at cornerback.
When Gilmer has the ball
This is Kinne's first test if he can put up the same kind of numbers he had at Canton. The last three seasons, Kinne has passed for 8,534 yards and 86 touchdowns.
Brown is coming off a 974-yard, 10-touchdown season, while former quarterback Jamell Kennedy will make his receiver debut. A possible future Division I recruit, junior running back Justin Johnson is coming off rushing for 793 yards and eight touchdowns. Gilmer's depth at skill positions could be hurt as receivers Zach Jones, Milton Navarro and running back Braylon Hawley are out with injuries.
Gilmer's passing attack will be challenged by Bishop Gorman safety Drew Bernhardy, who is a potential Division I prospect. White also plays linebacker, and is the top returner in tackles with 49.5. Defensive end Justin Chaisson had 42 tackles as a freshman last season.
Special teams
Gilmer's Matt Burgin faces his first challenge in replacing dependable placekicker Shea Harborth. Jake Manning will handle punting for Gilmer.
Michael Levine will handle kicking duties for Bishop Gorman.
Sports correspondent Robert Nichols contributed to this story.