Bishop Gorman running back Corey Hinton Jr. could have very easily been on the other side of Friday night’s blockbuster affair at Fertitta Field.
The Gaels are thrilled he was not.
Hinton took a short pass and raced 54 yards for a go-ahead touchdown with 6:49 remaining to help No. 2 Gorman to a 38-28 victory over top-ranked St. John Bosco (California) in a thriller.
“I knew my number was going to be called, and I had to make a play. And I made that play,” he said. “It’s all love for those guys over there, and I wish them nothing but the best. But you have to do what you have to do, and I feel like I made that statement.”
Hinton grew up in Las Vegas, but spent his first two high school seasons at Bosco before returning to Gorman in January.
Hinton, a three-star recruit with offers from Missouri, Oklahoma, Utah and Wisconsin, scored six touchdowns for Bosco last season.
“We’re happy to be back home and bleeding blue and orange,” his mother, Nesha Jones, said.
That was particularly true after the Gaels escaped with a victory after surrendering a 21-point lead in the second half to enter the fourth quarter tied 28-28.
“This game was very big for my baby,” Jones said. “We brought him back home in January, and we’ve been looking forward to this game, but it’s bittersweet to be going against his friends and coaches and the offensive line that protected him for two years.”
Hinton finished with five catches for 84 yards and the score, adding 22 yards on six carries. He also had two big plays called back on penalties.
“This game meant everything to me,” he said. “Coming back home, this game meant the world.”
It was pretty important for his family, too.
“It’s very exciting to watch him play in this game, and we’re very appreciative of how they are using him in this offense,” said his father, Corey Hinton Sr., who said before the touchdown his son thrived as a receiver out of the backfield.
Hinton’s uncle Xavier Stover was one of the most passionate fans in the sold-out venue.
“I’ve been watching him since he was a youngster, so watching him in a game like this is a dream come true,” Stover said. “And against his former team? It’s even better.
“It was so important to him. I talk to him on a daily basis and I know he’s been looking forward to this for a long time.”
He will never forget it, either.
Contact Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AdamHillLVRJ on X.
