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Reed’s rapid offense to test Bishop Gorman linebackers

If there was a question mark on the Bishop Gorman football team's defense entering the season — and that's a big if — it was the linebacker corps.

The Gaels had to replace last season's leading tackler, Nela Otukolo, and feature one of the nation's top defensive linemen (Haskell Garrett) along with two high-end talents in the secondary (Damuzhea Bolden and Alex Perry).

That left the unit at the second level as the pimple on the prom queen's face almost by default.

"That's just how it's been all year," junior middle linebacker Farrell Hester said. "They started off saying coming into the season that we were the weakest link on the team. So, that motivated us. That drove us to work harder, to work more because we're all kind of unknown."

Gorman's linebackers more than held their own against a rigorous early-season schedule. The group will face yet another test at noon today when the six-time defending state champion Gaels (13-0) meet host Reed (13-0) and its fast-paced offense in the Division I state semifinals.

"Those guys have been rock solid all year," first-year Gaels coach Kenny Sanchez said. "They've been probably the glue that's been holding our team together. You've got to have some pretty good linebackers, and those guys have been lights out."

The Gaels' linebackers, who refer to themselves as the "Lion's Den," are led by Hester. The 6-foot, 236-pound run plugger has a team-best 85 tackles to go with three sacks and two interceptions.

Sophomore outside linebacker Palaie Gaoteote is second on the team with 72 tackles, including 11½ for losses, in addition to three sacks and an interception.

Gorman has used a rotation at the will (weakside) linebacker featuring junior Brock Ruggeroli, senior Ikem Okeke and sophomore Brevin Jordan. Okeke has scholarship offers from UNLV and UNR, though the 6-2, 172-pound Ruggeroli will start today against Reed's no-huddle spread attack that averages 53.8 points and 510.8 yards per game.

The Raiders are powered by senior quarterback Matt Denn, who has accounted for 51 touchdowns, and senior running back Jordan Carter (1,713 rushing yards, 23 TDs).

Sanchez, who doubles as the team's defensive coordinator, said the key against Reed simply will be to get lined up properly, a responsibility that falls mostly on Hester.

"We just have to stay mentally focused because they run a fast-paced offense," Hester said. "We just have to stay in the game, stay focused, keep up with the offense, and we'll do pretty good."

The 6-2, 210-pound Gaoteote, who mans the sam (strongside) linebacker spot, is expected to match up against Reed tight end Parker Houston, a San Diego State commit.

Houston is second on the Raiders with 41 catches for 368 yards and six touchdowns and hurt the Gaels in last year's state final with four receptions for 82 yards and a score.

"It doesn't really faze me," Gaoteote said. "I've just got to continue to work. That's just the name of the game, is just working hard, practicing hard, and Saturday just grinding it out and balling."

This is the fifth straight season Gorman and Reed have met in the postseason and the sixth time in the last seven years.

The Gaels haven't allowed more than 28 points in any of the previous meetings and pulled away for a 70-28 victory in last year's title game after the teams were tied at 21 midway through the second quarter.

"From what we see on film, I definitely think it's one of the better Reed teams that we're going to face," Sanchez said. "There's only four teams left playing in the state of Nevada, so, I don't care. Everyone's good. I think a little bit of fear is good, and I definitely think we have that."

Contact reporter David Schoen at dschoen@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5203. Follow him on Twitter: @DavidSchoenLVRJ.

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