by Gates Mills, Ohio – The University School Preppers topped rival Gilmour Academy, 36-21, at Weber Stadium Friday night in the Battle of Som Center Road.
The Prepper offense got the ball to begin action. They drove down the field and capped off their drive with a three-yard touchdown run from senior quarterback Jackson Boland. With a 7-0 lead, the Prepper defense came up with a huge play, forcing a fumble on a kickoff. Michael Malone recovered, and would eventually score from two yards out on a carry, increasing the lead to 14-0.
Late in the first quarter, junior quarterback Cooper Panteck found classmate Lars Bromberg for a 58-yard touchdown strike, cutting the Lancer deficit to 14-7.
The Lancers forced a punt, and drove down the field, getting inside the five-yard line. However, the US defense held the line, forcing a turnover on downs.
A holding penalty on US in the redzone gave Gilmour Academy a safety, cutting their deficit to 14-9. The Lancers would attempt to take the lead, but a Noah Tidmore interception thwarted those plans.
The Preppers set up shop inside the ten-yard line, and Darrius Forrest did the rest, taking it in from three yards out to increase the lead to 21-9 with 4:49 left in the second quarter.
Gilmour responded before the end of the half. Cooper Panteck tossed his second touchdown of the evening, to Sean Dillard from five yards out. The Lancers converted the initial two-point try, but it was called back due to offensive pass interference.
The following try from the 15 was unsuccessful, and the first half ended, 21-15, in favor of University.
After a scoreless third quarter, Gilmour Academy tied it up when Panteck found Brody Lennon for a 44-yard touchdown strike. The point after was blocked by the Prepper defense, leaving the score knotted at 21 with 10:23 to play.
Duke Brennan had a huge kickoff return to set the US offense up at midfield. Jackson Boland took a keeper 50 yards to paydirt to give the Preppers the lead, 28-21.
The Prepper defense came up with a stop, and melted off nearly six minutes of the clock on their possession. Gilmour came up with a stop, forcing a punt. Duke Brennan was able to pin the Lancers inside the five-yard line with 2:36 to play.
Kameron Shiver picked off a fourth-down pass and took it 21 yards to the house for the final points of the game.
Not only was Friday’s victory the second straight for University School, it was the 100th win for head coach Ben Malbasa.
The Preppers, now 4-2, host Valley Forge next Saturday, September 30th. Gilmour Academy, also 4-2, hosts Cleveland Central Catholic on Thursday, September 28th.
PLAYERS OF THE GAME
QB Jackson Boland (University School) 3 Rushing TDs
QB Cooper Panteck (Gilmour Academy) 3 Pass TDs
Extended highlights below:
