By: Kristy Booher Angelo, Associate Athletic Director
For More Info: booherk@gilmour.org 

The Battle of SOM is always an exciting matchup between the Gilmour Academy varsity football team and the rival Preppers of University School, and this year was no exception. Trailing 21-6 at the break, Gilmour mounted a historic comeback, capped by a touchdown in the final 13 seconds of the game that led to a 26-21 victory.

"One thing we talked about all week and all season is the game is not won or lost in the first, second or third quarters," said head coach Chris Kosiorek. "We felt we were okay at the half because of the way the game started. We made a few offensive and defensive adjustments, which proved to be very big. Once we held them on the opening series in the third quarter and scored on the next possession, that gave us some momentum."

In the fourth quarter, Gilmour stopped US on fourth down to take possession of the ball on its own 36-yard line with under a minute to play. Thomas Richardson '22 hit Michael Snelling '21 with a short pass, then followed with another short pass to Tommy McCrone '23. Richardson then linked up with Snelling again, this time for a 41-yard gain at the US 10-yard line. The final dagger was a Richardson pass to Santino Harper '23 in the end zone, giving Gilmour its first lead of the game.

"We felt we could move the ball on them if we could get the ball back late," said Kosiorek. "Although we gave up several fourth-down conversions, the guys came up with a big stop with 47 seconds left. The offense worked the two-minute offense to perfection with no time outs and came up with some clutch throws, catches and great blocking to finish the drive."

"The irony of the game was the score all fourth quarter," said Kosiorek. "Four years ago when we beat them, that was the exact scenario when we won. I could not believe this was the way it was going to end, but the opposite. So, to make the play at the end with 13 seconds left in the game was surreal. The celebration after was very special. Several kids broke down crying because of how much this meant to them. It is a memory that will last a lifetime."

Harper finished the game with 232 yards rushing on 24 carries with two touchdowns. He also had one reception for a TD, as well as a two-point conversion. These statistics earned him the honor of Ohio Varsity Player of the Week.

"In our biggest game of the year, against archrival University School, Santino was amazing," said Kosiorek. "He dominated in the second half, rushing nine times for 172 yards and scoring three touchdowns … not to mention he caught the winning touchdown with 13 seconds left in the game. He never left the field the entire game and was a warrior in our come-from-behind win."

"This game is very special to so many current and former players," said Kosiorek. "It's a great rivalry for so many reasons. We're very proud of the win and to be able to hold the bragging rights as the Kings of SOM this year."

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