The Gilmour Academy varsity football team fell behind early in its season opener against James Ford Rhodes High School, but the Lancers quickly responded and never looked back as they claimed a 28-6 win at Weber Stadium.
In each team's season opener on a very warm Saturday afternoon it was Rhodes that struck first. A three-yard touchdown run just over six minutes into the game put the guests on top although a Dan Jevnikar '22 tackle did prevent the ensuing two-point conversion.
Gilmour immediately responded, marching down the field to take the lead. Andy Kavcic '24 scored on a two-yard touchdown run while Anders Sorensen '22 followed with the extra point.
Gilmour took firm control of the game by scoring two touchdowns in the second quarter.
Quarterback Jake Kavcic '24 found the end zone with his legs on a 2-yard run. Fewer than four minutes later, the Kavcic connection was in full force. After a great pump fake disoriented the defense, Jake hit Andy in stride deep down the left side of the field for a 45-yard touchdown pass.
The Lancers effectively put the game away in the opening half of the third quarter. Jake Kavcic once again found twin brother Andy with a pass. This time Andy had to make a few defenders miss, but he was up to the task as the 42-yard catch-and-run ended in a touchdown.
Gilmour's lead was never significantly threatened as it held to win its season-opener for the second straight year.
Jake Kavcic went 7-for-11 for 126 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for 48 yards and a touchdown. Andy was the beneficiary of most of Jake's passes, racking up 124 yards of receiving. Andy also ran for 90 yards on just eight carries, averaging over 11 yards per attempt.
Rocco Hice '23 had a monster game defensively. He had a team-high 15 tackles, including seven of the solo variety, while finishing with four tackles for loss. Brady Pietruszka '24 finished with eight tackles, two sacks and a fumble recovery. The Gilmour defense pitched a shutout over the final three quarters and held the Rams to just three pass completions on 10 attempts.
Sorensen was a perfect 4-for-4 on extra points.
Gilmour will remain at home for its next game as it welcomes Warrensville Heights High School Saturday, August 28.
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