Rambler Defense Stands Tall in Win Over Brother Rice

Breaking it Down: When Loyola's high-powered attack found itself struggling against a stout Brother Rice defense, it was the Rambler defense that stepped up in a 20-13 win to keep Loyola undefeated. 

Loyola’s defense was stifling in the first half, holding the Crusaders to only a handful of first downs. The Ramblers bottled up the Brother Rice running attack of Andrew and Martez Walker and QB Pat Parrilli was unable to complete many passes because of a dominating Rambler pass rush. Parrilli wasn’t helped by a couple drops from Brother Rice receivers either. Brother Rice’s only touchdown came on a 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown from Martez Walker.

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Brother Rice’s defense did a nice job of containing Loyola’s dual-threat quarterback, forcing him to throw in the windy conditions. Weaver was inconsistent early on, missing a couple of deep balls, but was solid in the short passing attack. Weaver twice broke containment and his 28-yard pickup in the first quarter led to Loyola’s only first-half touchdown one play later.

After Weaver left the game with a head injury early in the third quarter, backup QB Peter Pujals led the Rambler offense and they didn’t miss a beat. On his first drive, Pujals threw a beautiful ball to WR Charlie Dowdle, but it went right through Dowdle’s hands for what would have been a sure-fire touchdown. Pujals was redeemed late in the fourth quarter when a screen pass on third down to Marquese Martin-Hayes went 79 yards for the game-sealing touchdown.

Brother Rice had its opportunities, but couldn’t convert. They missed a 30-yard field goal that would have tied the game at 13-13 in the third quarter and did not take advantage of a Weaver interception to start the second quarter.

Patch’s MVP: Darby Goodwin, Loyola Academy. This award could go to the entire Rambler defense, which only gave up six points to the Brother Rice offense. Goodwin had five sacks on the day and seemed to be making plays all over the field. In total, the Ramblers had seven sacks and never gave Parrilli much time to throw.

Brother Rice Stat Pack: Parrilli was 8-for-19 passing for 131 yards. Andrew Walker was held to 45 yards on 11 carries while Martez Walker had eight carries for four yards and two receptions for 23 yards.

Loyola Academy Stat Pack: Weaver finished 10-for-20 passing for 105 yards while Pujals was 3-for-10 for 106 yards and a touchdown in the second half. Martin-Hayes had four catches for 129 yards and a touchdown. William Palivos rushed 22 times for 82 yards and a score.

Quotable I: “We have the toughest schedule in the state so we’re right there,” Brother Rice coach Steve Nye said. “We’re going to be a formidable opponent for anyone. I wouldn’t want to play us.”

Quotable II: “Everyone else was getting in too, the pass-rush was ridiculous today,” Goodwin said.

Team Records: Loyola Academy remains undefeated at 8-0 (3-0 Chicago Catholic Blue) while Brother Rice falls to 5-3 (1-3 CC Blue) on the season.

What’s Next: Brother Rice hosts Leo on Oct. 21 and Loyola Academy takes on St. Rita at home with a chance for the conference championship on Oct. 22. 

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