Loyola losing to East St. Louis wasn’t stunning. The Flyers produce more college football talent than any program in the state and regularly play some of the best teams in the nation. The game always was going to be a stern test for the Ramblers.
But it was shocking how ineffective Loyola’s experienced offense was throughout the game. The Ramblers struggled to pick up a first down in their 34-7 loss Saturday at Illinois State.
Loyola coach Beau Desherow said he’s ‘‘never seen speed like that.’’
The Ramblers tried to establish the run early, but that never happened; they finished with 40 yards on 19 carries. Quarterback Ryan Fitzgerald ripped off a 50-yard run in the first half, but nine of Loyola’s carries resulted in no gain or a loss.
Fitzgerald was 8-for-15 for 35 yards through the air, and the Ramblers’ touchdown came on a 75-yard fumble return by defensive end Gavin King in the third quarter.
Loyola travels to Glen Ellyn to face Glenbard West on Saturday. The Hilltoppers lost to Batavia at home in Week 1.
Aaron Stewart’s statement
The biggest statement victory of the opening week came in Gurnee, where Warren demolished a good Hersey team 55-26.
The Blue Devils traditionally feature one of the best defenses in the area. Their playoff success can hinge on how much their offense can produce.
Well, it started with a bang this season. Junior running back Aaron Stewart ran for 361 yards and five touchdowns.
Big things are expected of Warren this season. Experienced coach Bryan McNulty returned 19 starters. Next up is a huge test at Maine South in Week 2.
Quarterback watch
The area is so loaded with star quarterbacks that Fremd’s Johnny O’Brien, a Northwestern recruit, has flown under the radar until now.
I was impressed with O’Brien in a loss last season at Barrington, and he has started this season strong. He was 25-for-38 for 259 yards and three touchdowns in a 31-0 victory against Lake Zurich in Week 1.
Another name to keep an eye on is Prairie Ridge junior Luke Vanderwiel. The Wolves are generally a fixture in the preseason Super 25, but I took a wait-and-see approach with new coach Mike Frericks taking over the program this season.
Prairie Ridge didn’t miss a beat in its season opener, knocking off Jacobs 17-0.
Vanderwiel, whose brother Joey was the Wolves’ starter last season, expertly helmed Prairie Ridge’s triple-option attack with 146 rushing yards, including a 55-yard touchdown on the team’s first possession.
The Public League’s hope
Morgan Park is the best team in the Public League by a large margin and the only hope Chicago Public Schools has for a deep playoff run.
The Mustangs lost at Marist 29-16 in Week 1, but that shouldn’t put a damper on any playoff dreams. The RedHawks are a Class 8A powerhouse; Morgan Park is a likely Class 5A team.
Mustangs coach Chris James returned most of his starters from a state quarterfinalist last season and has added receiver Nasir Rankin, a talented transfer from Young.
Rankin was excellent in his debut with Morgan Park, finishing with 188 yards on his eight touches and showing his athleticism on an 84-yard touchdown.
‘‘Marist is massive, one of the biggest teams I have ever seen in my life,’’ James said. ‘‘I’m happy with how we played. We will need to face a Catholic League team on the road in the playoffs, so this was a great experience for us.’’