Rambler Roundup: Star Cross-Country Runners Aim for All-State

Loyola Academy's football opponents haven’t needed to wait until Halloween to get spooked.

The horror show that is the Ramblers’ offense has done that plenty of time so far this season—tricking opposing defensive coordinators and seldom doling out any treats.

For the third time in a row, Loyola eclipsed the 40-point barrier, most recently rolling over Lake Forest Academy 48-13 last Saturday.

Earlier: Check out more of Patch's Loyola sports coverage.

The Loyola offense was a little too generous early when quarterback Malcolm Weaver was intercepted on his third pass attempt of the game, but he shook it off and responded by throwing for three touchdowns on the day.

The Ramblers’ offensive prowess shouldn’t come as a surprise to the Loyola faithful. This summer head coach Jon Holecek told Patch.com that “the ball will be in the air.”

That’s understandable considering the Ramblers’ boast one of the best receiving corps in the state. Weaver’s touchdown passes went to three different receivers, including senior Charlie Dowdle who was profiled this summer by Patch.

The win improves the Ramblers’ record to 3-0 in the Chicago Catholic Blue league. The Wilmette school is ranked seventh in the Sun-Times boys football rankings.

Cross-Country

This time of year the elite cross-country teams tend to focus more on their training and less on their performance in meets.

But success still breeds optimism, even in the early stages of the cross-country season.

On that note, the Ramblers have plenty to be excited about. Head coach Dan Seeberg wrote Patch via e-mail that he had been impressed with the early work of runners William Hague and Todd Ford.

Both are considering viable all-state, and Hague has an outside shot at contending for the individual title.

At the Ron Campbell 2-Mile Race on Sept. 6, Ford and Hague took first and second, respectively. Overall, Loyola runners took first through fifth places.

In the state series and most cross-country invitationals, a three-mile race is run. That’s why the Ramblers are looking forward to a meet in Peoria on Saturday that Seeberg characterized as “big.”

Soccer

The formula for success for the Loyola soccer team has been made clear in the squad's first five games: win with defense and the offense will come.

In the Ramblers three wins so far this season, they haven’t allowed one goal. In their two losses, opponents have netted a combined seven.

Most recently Loyola beat Young 2-1 in the Pepsi Showdown on Sept. 6. The Ramblers’ Joe Laughlin was involved in both goals. He scored one and assisted on a goal Kenin Francis put in the back of the net.

Golf

The Ramblers took second as a team in the Providence Invitational last Saturday and Loyola’s Michael Hultquist won the tournament’s individual championship.

It took a five-way, sudden death playoff for Hultquist to take the title. Before the playoff, he shot a 72, which is even-par for The Sanctuary in New Lenox.

The Ramblers shot 303 while tournament-winner Lincoln-Way Central shot a 299.

Stay tuned to Patch for more on Loyola sports.