MitchMash: 10 takes from Bishop Gorman versus St. John Bosco

LAS VEGAS — Here are 10 takes from Las Vegas after Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.) defeated St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.) 34-31 on Friday night.

1. Bishop Gorman deserves to be the No. 1 team in the country

I don't do rankings. Our Football Editor Stephen Spiewak does an expert job of it. And it's a nearly impossible one considering there are more than 20,000 high school football teams across the country compared to say, 128 Division I colleges. But considering Gorman's schedule, talent base, coaching staff, resolve, balance on both sides of the ball and very complete defeat of St. John Bosco, it seems me the Gaels have earned that top spot.

2. Tate Martell is better than advertised

I know the 5-foot-11, 170-pound sophomore has received a boatload of press since committing to Washington before his eighth grade year, but he's no flash in pan or wonder boy. When Gorman had the ball, he was the best player on the field – perhaps the most athletic – and with the ball in his hand, the Gaels are a threat to score every down. His evasion of a big rush with a tremendously athletic cut up field, and then perfect touch pass to tight end Alize Jones for a 24-yard touchdown showed off his feet, speed, vision and ability to throw a touch pass. He finished 12 of 17 for 224 yards and two scores, plus he ran for another. His ability to extend plays and turn negative ones to positive absolutely disheartens an opponent.

3. Better than advertised 2 — Tyjon Lindsey

Martell's adopted brother and fellow Poway transfer, also a sophomore, was as electric as the Friday's weather. He, much like Martell, turns very little into something spectacular as he did on his 67-yard catch and run in the third quarter. Besides that, his hunger and passion to get the onside kick – when it looked like Bosco had it – makes Lindsey extra special and is probably why USC already offered him a scholarship despite his lack of size (5-8, 165). "He's a special, special talent and a special kid," Gorman coach Tony Sanchez said.

4. St. John Bosco doesn't just have talent

For the first time in at least two plus seasons, the Braves hadn't been beaten soundly like they were Friday. Not only did they trail 27-3 early in the third quarter, but Gorman was pretty much doing what it wanted on both sides of the ball. It wasn't pretty or workman like — like Bosco has shown over three seasons — but the Braves fought back with some good old fashion grit and heart. It was typified by quarterback Josh Rosen's constant and determined third- and fourth-down runs, keeping the game alive barely. There were at least a half-dozen do-or-die plays starting late in the third quarter, and each time Bosco muscled through, typified by a 25-yard catch and fourth-down touchdown run by Jarett Balter who broke two tough tackles to close to 34-24 with 5:59 left. Gorman tackled well throughout the game, but Balter just wouldn't be denied. "We have a lot of heart," Bosco coach Jason Negro said. "We're going to be tough to beat down the road."

5. St. John Bosco quarterback Josh Rosen will play on Sundays

OK, probably not a big stretch by those who have seen him zip the ball around so effortlessly. The UCLA signee has all the measurables – 6-4, 209. Big arm. Accurate arm. Excellent mechanics. But two things really stood out: his toughness on those runs, and how he took the defeat. Walking out of the stadium, an upbeat fan and stranger tried to give him a pep talk: "You're still the man Josh. Keep you're head up. You're still the best man," were some of the comments. Rosen said "thank you quietly," but it was obvious he was hurting. He took the defeat to heart. Though he played well in all eyes, it really bothered him the team fell short. That will serve him well.

6. Jim Mora should feel lucky

The UCLA coach walked the sideline and had to feel good about the play of Rosen, who was 14 of 27 for 260 yards and three scores. But even more so for already getting a commitment from Jones, a 6-5, 223-pound senior ranked the top tight end in the country. Sanchez said Jones is one of the best overall kids he's had in the program: punctual, hard working, good student and team player. On the field: soft hands, strong as ox, fast, big-game player.

7. Rust, lightning hurt St. John Bosco

Negro was animate, that the hour lightning delay didn't effect or hurt his team in the least. He also thought the fact Bosco had played only three games – with two byes (including last week) – to five for Gorman coming in wasn't a factor. If they had to do over again, I think the second bye hurt the Braves. It seemed they were off at first, not as sharp or competitive as Gorman, which had been hitting and competing hard for five straight weeks. Its fast start turned out to be the difference for sure.

8. Games at Bishop Gorman just plain fun

It helps to have state-of-the-art facilities like Gorman, along with a big bright scoreboard, perfect synthetic turf and stands that sit right on top the field too. Having Snoop Dogg and Flavor Fav in the stands to gawk at, and college coaches around, gives the games at Gorman a definite "happening vibe." Then, of course, the product on the field Gorman always puts out is of national caliber and Sanchez always schedules the country's best. Without fail, the games between Gorman and Top 25 teams have come down to the wire. Some of the best games of the year have taken place there over the last three seasons, including: Mountain Pointe (Phoenix, Ariz.) 28, Gorman 21; Gorman 27, Our Lady of Good Counsel (Olney, Md.) 23; Bergen Catholic (Oradell, N.J.) 42, Gorman 35; Armwood (Fla.) 20, Gorman 17; Gorman 31, Servite (Anaheim, Calif.) 28. 

9. Bishop Gorman won't stumble

Sanchez is already anticipating Monday's practice to be Gorman's worst of the year. There has to be a letdown after five straight weeks of playing Top 50 teams in the country. Most just figure they'll roll Nevada's best. If Gorman buys bought into that notion, the Gaels could stumble. But Sanchez and staff won't let that happen, just like they haven't the last five years en route to state titles. The Gaels might be a little sloppy when the have to turn around and play Shadow Ridge on Thursday.

10. St. John Bosco will make it back to the CIF Open Bowl

Rosen said the Braves didn't take to heart a poor outing during a win over Central Catholic (Portland, Ore.) two weeks ago. They will this time. And look for speedy running back Sean McGrew, largely a non-factor early when the Braves got behind, to have a huge second-half of the season, and a talented receiving group to get much better. They'll all need to improve in order to get past Mater Dei (Santa Ana), Servite and a host of other perennial national powers in Southern California.Negro, a class act in all regards and superb coach, was encouraged by the team's 28-point second half. He should have.