by Hunting Valley, Ohio – The 2025 edition of the Battle of Som Center Road lived up to top billing and then some on Saturday afternoon, as the University Preppers overcame a 14 point deficit to defeat Gilmour Academy, 29-22, Saturday afternoon.
Gilmour Academy won the toss and elected to receive to start the game. The Lancers would find the scoreboard thanks to a two-yard touchdown run from junior Dom Dunlevy. The Lancer lead stood at 8-0 following a successful two-point conversion.
The Preppers were able to move into Gilmour territory, but the Lancer defense stopped them on fourth down, getting the ball back on downs. Senior Travis Phillips came up with an interception two plays later, giving the Preppers the ball back.
Senior defensive back Dom Macauda picked off a pass a short time later, returning the ball 65 yards to the house, increasing the lead to 15-0.
University School got on the scoreboard with a 35-yard touchdown run from Nico Morelli. The ensuing two-point conversion from Colin Milbourn to Challen Bell was successful, trimming the margin to 15-8.
Nathan Lennon followed with a 65-yard rushing touchdown one play later, increasing the Lancer lead to 22-8 with 2:37 left in the first.
University School forced Gilmour Academy to punt late in the first half. However, the snap sailed over the punter’s head, giving the Preppers outstanding field position inside the ten yard line. From there, senior tailback Aaron Kim scored the first of his three touchdowns of the afternoon. His two-yarder cut the Prepper deficit to 22-15 with 1:57 left in the half.
Gilmour Academy moved the ball down the field, looking to increase their lead. But University School made one last defensive stand, keeping the score at 22-15 at halftime.
After a couple of stops, the Preppers got the ball back, looking to even things up. Aaron Kim would do so, rushing for a six-yard touchdown. The ensuing point after was partially blocked, but cleared the uprights to even the score at 22 with 2:01 left in the third quarter.
With momentum on their side, University School came up with their second interception of the game, coming from sophomore Colin Milbourn, ending the third quarter.
The Preppers would embark on a nearly eight minute drive, utilizing their ground game. Aaron Kim and Nico Morelli picked up key first downs to keep the clock moving throughout the series. Inside the 20 yard line, the Preppers converted two fourth downs, both by Aaron Kim. The senior tailback scored a two-yard touchdown run with 4:33 to play to give US the lead, 29-22.
The Prepper defense came up with one more big interception to seal things, as junior defensive back Tyler Robinson picked off a Sean Pitrone pass with 1:14 left.
University School moves to 3-3 and hosts John Hay next Friday, October 3rd.
Gilmour Academy drops to 2-4 and hosts Cleveland Central Catholic next Friday, October 3rd.
Extended highlights below:
