‼️OFFICIAL HIGHLIGHTS‼️ Bishop Manogue Miners vs St. Mary’s Rams | GetSportsFocus

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GSF Game of the Week: St. Mary’s Rams Outlast Bishop Manogue in Season Opener Shootout

By GetSportsFocus | August 22, 2025 — Stockton, CA

The 2025 high school football season kicked off with fireworks in Stockton as the St. Mary’s Rams defended home turf in a thrilling 51–38 win over Bishop Manogue (NV) — marking the first GSF Game of the Week of the year. What was originally supposed to be a trip to the Grant vs. Folsom showdown turned into an instant classic right in the heart of the Central Valley.

A Season-Opening Spectacle

Both programs entered with something to prove. For St. Mary’s, it was redemption — the Rams’ 2024 season ended with a heartbreaking playoff loss to Grant, the eventual CIF Division 2 and State Champion. For Bishop Manogue, it was a statement game led by Bay Area native and Nevada commit Brandon Mann, who returned to California looking to remind fans why he’s one of the top quarterbacks in the region.

Mann’s story alone was a headline: raised in Los Gatos, a former Serra and Leland student-athlete, and later St. Ignatius standout before transferring to Bishop Manogue as a junior — his homecoming debut was electric.

First Quarter – Fireworks Early

The Miners wasted no time. On their opening drive, Mann kept the ball himself and took it to the end zone — only for a holding call to erase it. No problem. Two plays later, he found Nate Simmons, who followed a crushing block by JT Thomas III into the end zone. The extra point by Kyle Nelson made it 7–0 Bishop Manogue.

The Rams answered in true St. Mary’s fashion — a 17-play, 57-yard grind that chewed up the first-quarter clock. Senior running back Diego Hernandez punched in the first touchdown of the Rams’ season. The PAT missed, but St. Mary’s was on the board, 7–6.

Before the quarter ended, Simmons struck again — this time on defense, picking off a pass to set up a booming 47-yard field goal from Nelson. After one quarter, it was 10–6 Bishop Manogue.

Second Quarter – Rams Find Their Rhythm

St. Mary’s found their rhythm behind UCLA-bound star Kenneth Moore III and senior quarterback Jaden Galvan. The Rams engineered a 15-play, 80-yard drive, capped by Moore’s first touchdown of the season to give the Rams their first lead, 13–10.

Moments later, three-star athlete Landon McClendon Jr. delivered the defensive play of the night — forcing a fumble, scooping it, and rumbling 65 yards to the house. The Rams converted the two-point try for a 21–10 lead with just over five minutes left in the half.

Mann and company answered quickly. The senior quarterback delivered a next-level throw to Demari Stacker, another Nevada recruit, to make it 21–17. But Galvan and Moore weren’t done — they connected again before halftime for Moore’s second TD of the night. St. Mary’s led 27–17 at the half, nearly extending it on a 73-yard punt return from Moore that was wiped away by a penalty.

Third Quarter – The Shootout Begins

Mann came out firing in the second half. The Miners opened with a 7-play, 75-yard drive, capped by a laser from Mann to Amir McGruder — his third TD pass of the night. Just like that, it was 27–24 Rams.

But St. Mary’s had the answer. Hernandez carried the ball six times on the next drive, punching it in for his second score, and the Rams converted another two-point play to push the lead to 35–24.

Manogue refused to go away. Mann hit Simmons in the back of the end zone for the pair’s second TD connection, closing the gap again to 35–31.

Fourth Quarter – Rams Close the Door

The fourth quarter belonged to the Rams’ defense and their senior leadership. On a critical 4th-and-1, sophomore Jazciel Solis made a huge stop to turn the ball over on downs. Moments later, Galvan hit Ivan Huerta for a 37-yard gain, then found Jeremy Krause for a picture-perfect touchdown pass — the dagger that made it 43–31.

Manogue tried to rally again — and did. Mann connected with Simmons for a third touchdown, cutting it to 43–38 with 5:35 to play. But St. Mary’s finished strong — exactly as they vowed to do after last year’s playoff heartbreak.

Senior Jeremiah Brown, playing his first official game in two years after injury, broke free for a 56-yard run and finished the drive with the closing touchdown. Moore added the two-point conversion to seal it, 51–38 Rams.

MVPs & Playmakers

GSF Playmaker of the Week: QB Jaden Galvan (Sr., St. Mary’s)
Galvan was poised and efficient, completing 12 of 20 passes for 188 yards and three touchdowns with no turnovers. His leadership was evident from start to finish.

GSF MVP: ATH Kenneth Moore III (Sr., St. Mary’s — UCLA Commit)
Moore was the heartbeat of the Rams — scoring twice through the air, adding a two-point conversion, playing both ways, and nearly housing a punt return. His explosiveness, versatility, and leadership were on full display.

Postgame Reflections

Jaden Galvan, on the team’s growth since last year’s playoff loss:

“We wanted to finish this time. Last year, we lost in the fourth quarter — tonight we finished the fourth. That’s what this season is all about. We’ve been grinding since January, and it showed.”

Kenneth Moore III, on the Rams’ motivation and team chemistry:

“We’re not used to losing here. That loss to Grant hurt, but it fueled us. Everyone’s on the same page now — we play for each other and give all the glory to God. Jaden’s a dog, man. People sleep on him, but he’s one of the best.”

For Bishop Manogue: A Homecoming Showcase

Despite the loss, Brandon Mann proved why he’s one of Nevada’s elite quarterbacks — throwing for 229 yards and five touchdowns while adding 104 rushing yards. The Bay Area native, who spent time at Serra, Leland, and St. Ignatius before transferring to Bishop Manogue, put on a show in front of California fans. Mann’s leadership, accuracy, and composure make him a strong candidate for the upcoming GSF Senior All-Star Game in December.

Nate Simmons was his go-to weapon, hauling in four catches for 125 yards and three touchdowns, earning serious consideration for GSF Weekly honors.

Closing Thoughts

The 2025 season couldn’t have started any better. A packed crowd in Stockton. Two high-powered offenses trading blows. And a pair of standout seniors — Kenneth Moore III and Brandon Mann — reminding everyone why they’re Division I talents.

If this opener is any indication, GSF’s Game of the Week series is in for a spectacular season.