For the second straight year, the Loyola Academy Ramblers traveled to Park Ridge to take on the Maine South Hawks in the IHSA 8A playoff opener. And like last year, the Ramblers defense throttled a very good Hawks offence holding them scoreless despite Maine South being able to move the ball down the field much of the game.
The first score the game came at the start of the fourth quarter when the Loyola running back plunged into the middle of the line for a short gain. It appeared to most, at least to those on the Loyola sideline where I was at the time, that the play was over, but there was no whistle. Maine West linebacker Liam Barry emerged from the scrum with the ball and raced into the endzone. The referee looked at the other officials for word that someone blew a whistle. Seeing none, he raised his arms signaling a touchdown and Maine South was on the board.
Maine South missed the extra point making the score 6-0.
After a Maine South fumble, the Ramblers QB JT Thomas to star wide receiver Matt Mangan. The PAT was good; Loyola lead 7-0.
The Ramblers added a touchdown with just over two minutes to play on a pass from Thomas to WR James Kyle making in 14-6. Maine South again moved the ball up the field but came up short.
Loyola advances to the second round and will face #2 Glenbard West in Wilmette next Saturday.
