by WILMETTE, IL. — The Loyola Academy Ramblers overcame an early deficit to unleash a dominant non-conference Catholic League victory over the DePaul College Prep Rams, 42-14.
First Quarter:
Emmett McCue, a junior kicker, led the Rams in the initial kickoff. Ramblers senior Zack Holuber recovered the ball but was brought down by Rams’ junior defensive lineman, forcing a fumble, giving Rams possession deep in Ramblers’ territory.
Rams junior quarterback Jackson Grabinski drove the offense to the Ramblers’ 10-yard line before senior running back Connor Barefield swept right for the touchdown at the 9:17 mark. McCue’s extra point was good, and the Rams were up 7-0.
Ramblers responded quickly. Sophomore quarterback Matthew Lee led a scoring drive capped by a touchdown pass to junior tight end Charlie Fowler. Senior Zak Zemen’s extra point tied the game at 7 with 6:26 remaining.
After a close pick by Ramblers senior Tommy Mitchell, and a shot punt by McCue for the Rams, the Ramblers regained momentum.
Lee connected to Fowler for a 43-yard touchdown. Giving the Ramblers a 14-7 lead with 5:20 left in the first quarter.
Second Quarter:
It was all Ramblers in the second quarter, scoring three unanswered touchdowns.
The quarter opened with Lee throwing a lengthy drive, and a pass interference call on the Rams moved the ball to their own 18-yard line.
Ramblers’ sophomore running back Melo Maldonado ran the ball into the end zone from the Rams’ 3-yard line to secure the first touchdown in the quarter. Zemen’s extra point extended the lead to 21-7.
7:20 remaining, Rambler’s sophomore running back Jayden Garrett made the most impressive play of the half. Breaking through the Rams’ defense, he scored a 49-yard touchdown, extending the Ramblers’ lead to 28-7.
In the final minute, the Ramblers launched a swift drive after a pass interference call on the Rams that finished with senior running back Cody Reilly, scoring a touchdown.
The Ramblers went into the break with a 35-7 lead over the Rams.
Third Quarter:
Early in the quarter, Rambler’s junior linebacker Will Mettee sacked Garbinski, forcing a Rams punt.
Ramblers opted for a new quarterback, junior Dom Maloney.
A special team’s error for the Rams created an opportunity for the Ramblers’ only score of the quarter. Ramblers junior linebacker Gus Vollmer recovered the ball at the Rams’ 42-yard line.
Afterwards, Garrett scored his second rushing touchdown of the evening when the Rams were called for a pass interference.
New kicker for the Ramblers, senior Timmy Miller, successfully converted the extra point.
The Ramblers led 42-7 going into the fourth.
Fourth Quarter:
Maloney and the Ramblers began the fourth with a second and 9 on their own 42-yard line.
Making it all the way to the Rams’ 3-yard line, the Ramblers could not capitalize, and the Rams gained possession at their own 3-yard line.
Sophomore Nico Trautman, a defensive tackle, recovered a fumble to put the Rams on their own 39-yard line, giving them some late momentum.
Senior Blake Yucan received minutes as the new quarterback for the Rams. He found sophomore running back Tyson Hooks for a large gain at the Ramblers’ 27-yard line.
Yucan connected with junior wide receiver Keaton Murphy, gaining 2 yards on the play.
Now, second and 10 to go on the Ramblers’ 25-yard line, Yucan found senior wide receiver Matthew Osterman in the end zone.
There was a flag on the play, a personal foul against the Ramblers, and Osterman’s touchdown was good.
McCue’s extra point with 3:16 left in the game reduced the Ramblers’ lead to 42-14.
The game ended after a failed onside kick off attempt by the Rams and allowed the Ramblers to run out the clock, securing the 42-14 victory.
Player of the Game:
Jayden Garrett earns the player of the game due to his grit, highlighted by his two tough touchdown runs and his ability to consistently gain positive yardage. With him only being a sophomore, college coaches need to quickly get on his radar.
Next Week:
The Loyola Academy Ramblers will host the Saint Ignatius College Prep Wolfpack next Saturday, October 4th. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. CT. The DePaul College Prep Rams return home to host the Saint Viator Lions next Friday, October 3rd. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. CT.
Loyola Academy: 14 21 7 = 42
DePaul College Prep: 7 0 0 7 = 14
