Brophy Prep and Bishop Gorman weren't the first schools to play in the Sollenberger Classic when it began in 2006. They were, however, the first matchup of the Sollenbergs pitting a top Arizona school and top Nevada school back in 2008.

The teams meet for a second time on Friday Aug, 22  to kickoff a doubleheader between the states in the 9th annual Sollenberger Classic in Las Vegas, but they won't have time to be too concerned with the "big game" aspect. It is to a degree -- bragging rights for each state. Both schools, however, have plenty of rough-and-tumble contests down the road so it's best they not put all their footballs in one equipment bag.

Bishop Gorman is Nevada's big school defending champ five times over. Under current coach, Tony Sanchez the Gaels have never settled for second best. Sanchez took over as coach in 2009 and titles have been attached to his resume each time. Bishop Gorman is ranked No. 1 in the nation in several national preseason polls. They are No. 13 in MaxPreps Xcellent 25.

"We don't completely ignore the high ranking" Sanchez said. "We've been ranked high before. When you figure there's 16,000 high schools and you manage to be ranked in the top 100, that's pretty special."

Bishop Gorman faces three top-25 teams from out of state after Brophy. The Gaels first five games are against out-of-state teams before they play their required league games in Nevada

Brophy's schedule, beyond Bishop Gorman, is mostly a who's who of Arizona's top programs -- Hamilton, Mountain Pointe, Desert Ridge, Centennial, Chaparral, Red Mountain, Desert Vista and Desert Mountain. Seven of those eight made the playoffs last season. Brophy coach Scooter Molander has won a first-round playoff game in each of his 10 seasons as Broncos' head coach. Two of those seasons ended with state championships -- 2005 and 2007.

"This game will do a great job of preparing us for a very tough Arizona schedule," Brophy coach Scooter Molander said. ....."The only way to stay in the moment is that kind of schedule. You can't look ahead. I wouldn't want it every year, but It gives you a true evaluation of where you are."

Brophy prevailed over Bishop Gorman in the 2008 Sollenberger Classic, 16-6. That was shortly after Brophy had captured a second state title in three seasons under Molander. This time the matchup seems to favor Bishop Gorman with its high ranking and streak of state titles. Bishop Gorman certainly should be motivated for the game after losing to Mountain Pointe on its very own Fertitta Field.

Bishop Gorman returns 11 starters -- five on offense and six on defense. Leading its defense are linebacker Nela Otukolo, lineman Jackson Perry, safety Nicco Fertitta and cornerback Jabari Butler. Fertitta has committed to Notre Dame. On offense tight end Alize Jones (UCLA commit) is one of the top college recruits in the country at his position.

Jones leads as well or even better than he plays.

"He sets the example for every player," Sanchez said. "Guys like him live what you preach on a daily basis."

Transfer Cordell Broadus brings pass-catching skills as a transfer from Diamond Bar in Diamond Bar, Calif. Broadus is the son of Snoop Dogg. The Gaels figure to have a strong running game with its top returning rusher, senior Russell Booze and  sophomore speedster Biaggio Walsh. The question on offense is inexperience at quarterback. A dominant run game could ease Sanchez on that score.

Brophy has more seasoning behind center in quarterback Cade Knox, who played very well in last week's scrimmage vs. Liberty. The Broncos feature good skill players with Knox, including receiver Isaiah Oliver, tight end Streator Bates and running back Ryan Velez.

Knox played in five games and battled injury late in the season. He passed for 425 yards, threw three TDs and three picks. Velez rushed for 1,189 yards and 13 TD; and caught 24 pased for 274 yards,. Oliver recorded 22 catches for 413 yards and seven TDs with Bates adding 13 rec. for 189 yards and three TDs. The Broncos will be solid on defense and fared well in last week's scrimmage with long-time defensive coordinator Gary Galante piltoing the the unit.