Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s perfect day leads Gorman past Durango

Bishop Gorman quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson couldn’t have had a better night throwing the football.

The UCLA-bound senior completed all nine of his pass attempts for 275 yards and five touchdowns Friday night to lead the Gaels to a 55-0 win over Durango.

“We just have to keep fine tuning our offense and our defense,” Thompson-Robinson said. “Me and my offensive coordinator were talking during the week, and he wants me to try and break the touchdown passing record for state. We’re definitely going to try to do that so I just have to keep pushing.”

The win sets the Gaels (7-2, 5-0 Class 4A Southwest League) up to play Sierra Vista (6-1, 5-0) for the league title and a No. 1 seed in playoffs Thursday.

“In order to win state, we have these little goals along the way that we have to accomplish and that’s one of our goals,” Bishop Gorman coach Kenny Sanchez said. “We are playing a team that’s 6-1 in Sierra Vista, so it’s going to be a good challenge for us. We’re getting closer to the playoffs, so we have to make sure we just keep grinding it out.”

The Gaels took control early, jumping out to a 28-0 first-quarter lead on touchdown passes from Thompson-Robinson to Palaie Gaoteote, Jalen Nailor and Brevin Jordan. Running back Amod Cianelli also scored on a 15-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.

Thompson-Robinson connected with Cedric Tillman in the second quarter for his fourth touchdown of the first half.

“(Thompson-Robinson) is doing a great job,” Sanchez said. “We’ve come a long way since the season started. The guy’s got a lot of natural ability. I really don’t want to take too much credit. He’s just a phenomenal football player.”

Cianelli led all rushers with 83 yards and two touchdowns on seven carries. Jordan caught three passes for 105 yards and two touchdowns.

Bishop Gorman’s defense, meanwhile, recorded its fifth straight shutout. The Gaels held the Trailblazers (5-3, 3-2) to 80 yards of total offense and intercepted three passes. Jordan Lee returned a second-quarter interception for a touchdown.

T.K. Fotu had 21 yards on seven carries to lead the Trailblazers.