Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024 | 11:22 p.m.
Quarterback Maika Eugenio wasn’t expected to be one of the most consistent players on the Bishop Gorman football team.
After all, Eugenio started the season as the Gaels backup signal caller.
He became the starter six games into the season and never looked back, including on Tuesday when he passed for five first-half touchdowns in a 69-7 win over Arbor View at Allegiant Stadium in the Class 5A, Division-I state championship game.
“This is what you dream of,” said Eugenio, who had 274 passing yards. “It’s a blessing to look around and see my teammates (celebrating).”
Eugenio, a junior, brought a calmness to the Gorman offense in how he approached the game. He took pride in ball security in only throwing two interceptions and completing 70% of his passes. Entering tonight, he had passed for 1,726 yards and 26 touchdowns.
It was a crucial reason why Gorman outscored opponents 573-111 in winning a fourth straight state title. The Gaels will also finish ranked in the top-5 nationally when the final polls are released next month.
“The one thing for me is I don’t like turning the ball over,” Eugenio said. “(Offensive coordinator Craig Canfield) always says we have to score on every drive, and I feel like that’s what we did every game.”
Eugenio said it wasn’t easy to sit and wait for an opportunity to lead the offense. But his patience was rewarded with a championship season — and he’ll get another run next year operating the offense.
“The biggest thing for me was staying ready because you are always one play away (from playing),” he said. “It was a blessing to work with all the guys and show everyone how good we could be. It’s a great opportunity to work in this offense.”
Eugenio’s short touchdown pass to Terrance Grant Jr. early in the second quarter gave the Gaels a 28-0 lead. They proceeded to recover an onside kick, and one play later, Eugenio hooked up with Aizen Torres on a 50-yard scoring strike.
By halftime, Gorman led 48-0. And then CJ Rabb returned the opening kickoff of the second half 90 yards for a touchdown. Later in the second half, when Arbor View drove the ball to inside the Gorman 10-yard line, the Gaels defense forced a fumble and Brayton Correa returned it 75 yards for a score.
“The great thing about coaching here is you’re around a bunch of kids that want to be good, that are willing to sacrifice to be good and know what it takes to be good,” Gorman coach Brent Browner said.
Arbor View finally scored late in the game on a Thaddeus Thatcher pass to Sean Moore to bring a loud celebration from its fan base.