CN100 Game of the Week preview: IHSA 8A Football Semifinal - Loyola Academy vs. Stevenson

LINCOLNSHIRE – Loyola’s football team has come so close to a state championship in coach John Holecek’s eight seasons at the helm, but has never been able to reach the pinnacle.

But Holecek insists, as his Ramblers prepare to take on Stevenson Saturday at 1 p.m. in a Class 8A semifinal with a trip to the state title game on the line, that the past isn’t a concern to him now.

“We don’t worry about that,” Holecek said. “We go into every week fighting like we’re the underdogs. We don’t care who the next opponent is. Our focus is daily, let alone weekly.”

CN100, The Comcast Network, will playback the game at Noon and 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 24, and at 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 25, and Tuesday, Nov. 26. You can also find the game throughout Chicagoland with Xfinity On Demand.

Loyola has been anything but an underdog so far this season. The Ramblers are 11-1 overall, including impressive wins over Mt. Carmel, Providence and Brother Rice in the rugged Chicago Catholic Blue. In the playoffs, Loyola has been dominant, posting a 48-7 win over Lane, a 24-0 win over Notre Dame and, in last week’s quarterfinals, a convincing 35-0 win over perennial power Maine South.

Senior quarterback Jack Penn has thrown for 1,868 yards and 21 touchdowns, with only four interceptions, and has run for 507 yards and six scores. His top target is junior receiver Owen Buscaglia (54 catches, 626 yards, nine touchdowns). Seniors Joe Joyce (50 catches, 517 yards, 10 touchdowns), Fran O’Malley (33 catches, 402 yards, two touchdowns) and Joe Dixon (25 catches, 393 yards, three touchdowns at tight end) give him plenty of weapons.

Senior tailback Julius Holley carries the load on the ground, rushing for 775 yards and eight touchdowns. Fellow senior Donnel Haley has rushed for 374 yards and six scores.

“The offense is moving the ball,” Holecek said. “The third quarter against Maine South, we had a drive that lasted eight minutes against the wind, impressive things. Every week gets tougher. We hope to limit the turnovers and make big plays.”

Loyola’s defense is keyed by the linebackers. They have all been solid, led by the team’s leading tackler, senior Andrew Cerney (112 tackles, three interceptions). Junior linebacker Brian O’Brien has 104 tackles and junior linebacker Mark Nichol has 73 tackles. Senior defensive tackle Charlie Pontarelli has six sacks, while senior cornerback Jack Gleason has four interceptions.

“Defensively, the kids have bought in and paid attention and are playing hard,” Holecek said.

They will have their hands full with an explosive Stevenson attack Saturday. Junior quarterback Willie Bourbon runs the show for the Patriots. He has thrown for 2,107 yards and 21 touchdowns, though with 14 interceptions. He has rushed for 358 yards and seven scores. His weapons in the passing game are the two best players on the field, in Holecek’s estimation. Michigan State recruit Matt Morrissey (40 catches, 750 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions on defense) is expected back after missing two games. Junior Cameron Green (43 catches, 835 yards, 10 touchdowns) is the deep threat.

“Green and Morrissey are special, and their running back (junior Jack Joseph) is a tough, athletic kid,” Holecek said. “Their quarterback makes good decisions and runs the ball well. You have a big field to cover against them. We think we can match up with anybody. We’re a confident group.”

Stevenson’s defense is led by senior linebackers Itai Gerchikov (94 tackles, six sacks), Josh Vravick (93 tackles, four sacks, two interceptions) and Josh Junker (87 tackles).

- Paul Johnson, CN100 Correspondent

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