Kavcic Brothers Shine as Lancers Overpower Tigers 49-18
In the Week 2 contest, the Gilmour Academy Lancers defeated the Warrensville Heights Tigers 49-18 during the Tigers' home opener at their brand-new stadium. The game began with a bang as the Tigers' senior DE Dominic Cole recovered a fumble on the very first play. This set the stage for junior RB Makhi Jones to score the first touchdown in the new stadium, putting the Tigers ahead 6-0 just over a minute into the game. However, Gilmour Academy quickly responded when senior QB Jake Kavcic connected with his brother, Andy Kavcic, for a 49-yard touchdown pass.
The first quarter saw both teams battling fiercely, with turnovers and strong defensive plays. Gilmour Academy managed to pull ahead with another touchdown by Jake Kavcic in the second quarter. The Lancers further extended their lead with a 20 yard touchdown pass from Kavcic to Nick Iliano, who redeemed himself after an earlier fumble. Despite an explosive 73-yard touchdown run by the Tigers' Ja’Marrion Banks, the Lancers entered halftime with a 27-12 lead.
The second half saw Gilmour Academy continue their run, with Jake Kavcic contributing to two quick touchdowns, pushing the score to 42-12. Both teams exchanged touchdowns, culminating in a final score of 49-18 in favor of the Lancers.
Jake Kavcic had an outstanding performance, accounting for six total touchdowns (three passing and three rushing). He threw for 149 yards and ran for an additional 120 yards. This performance followed his five-touchdown game in a Week 1 victory over Valley Forge. Andy Kavcic contributed with 99 rushing yards and 78 receiving yards, including a touchdown. On the Tigers' side, Ja’Marrion Banks showcased his skills with 166 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Reflecting on the game, Andy Kavcic said, "There was a lack of focus and intensity for us to start. After that start, we all just came together and picked each other up... The explosive touchdown (49 yard TD catch) got us some energy, and we carried that throughout the game." He added, "This win gives us a lot of confidence heading into the next few weeks. Warrensville was obviously a way better team than last year, and to come out and win comfortably was huge."
Nick Iliano, who had a key touchdown for the Lancers, commented on his fumble, "After my fumble, my coaches and teammates pulled me to the side and told me to forget about it... I'm thankful my coaches never lost trust in me." He further stated, "I feel like a lot of people doubted us in this game... I hope this win can finally show people we're contenders."
The Lancers, riding high on their momentum, will face off against the undefeated Hawken in their Week 3 game and home opener. Meanwhile, the Tigers, hungry for their first victory of the season, will welcome a formidable 2-0 Westlake to their turf.