Focused And together, Maryland Steals Pennsylvania’s Thunder In Big 33 Football Classic

Written by: Eric Epler on May 26, 2025. Photo courtesy PA Football News.

Too many alphas in the pack can spoil the pursuit of something bigger than individual achievement. That wasn’t this Maryland team. Not this time.

Instead of falling on the wrong side of countless big plays and yet Pennsylvania victory in the Big 33 Football Classic, team Maryland took control from the opening whistle and kept its foot on the gas, winning 42-21 Sunday in the 68th edition at Cumberland Valley’s Chapman Field.

Hulking tackle and Syracuse recruit Skylar Harvey mentioned about how the visiting all-stars were “more of a family” this time, a single unit hellbent of stopping Pa.’s streak of five consecutive victories in the series.

A more than seven-minute drive to open the game set the tone.

After that, Maryland QBs Evan Blouir of Patuxent and Davon Smith Jr. Mervo piloted Maryland to a 28-7 advantage at intermission.

The tandem knew that Maryland’s recent rep was a lack of big plays on offense.

Well, Smith Jr. whipped over 30 yards in the second quarter for Maryland’s third TD.

Forest Park’s Tijuan Reed caused an even bigger stir just five minutes later, stunning Pa. with an 88-yard gallop down the middle of the field.

“I’m extremely proud, especially because team Pa. really doesn’t take us very serious,” Blouir, headed the U.S. Naval Academy, said after completing 9 of 12 passes for 131 yards and a third quarter touchdown run.

“We are some problems over here, but the team, the chemistry I think, over the past couple of years was kind of different.”

The speedy Smith Jr., a Central Connecticut State recruit, accounted for two touchdown passes, including a 5-yard hitch to Randallstown’s Kendall Dorsey in the waning minutes.

Reed finished with 113 rushing yards on seven carries. Maryland MVP Miles Halbert pitched in eight receptions for 74 yards.

Maryland’s defense earned its share of big plays, as well. Pa. managed a meager 30 rushing yards on 22 carries. The hosts also were slowed by a pair of turnovers.

“I think we just wanted it more, to be honest. We just out-dogged them for four quarters. We started fast and didn’t let up.”