John Holecek told his Loyola team it probably wasn’t really No. 1 in the Chicago area just yet.
But if Friday night’s performance wasn’t quite the powerful statement Loyola appeared to be in the process of making, that’s fine with the Ramblers.
Beating No. 4 Mount Carmel at Gately Stadium is statement enough for the Tribune’s No. 1-ranked team.
Jake Marwede, a Duke-bound tight end who doubles as an overpowering 235-pound Wildcat quarterback, scored the Ramblers’ first three touchdowns. Loyola built a 21-point lead but still needed a late stop in the red zone to hang on for a 35-28 victory.
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The Ramblers (3-0, 1-0 Catholic Blue) rushed for 274 yards — 77 on 16 carries by Marwede — while winning their 20th straight game and getting a bit of a pick-me-up after allowing 43 points and escaping with a one-point win over Maine South last week.
“We definitely have a long way to go, but we showed our potential, especially in the first half,” Marwede said. “This is a fantastic team we played against, and we definitely showed we can put up a bunch of points.”
Loyola has adapted its offensive identity to match its personnel over the years, and this team has already proven its ability to succeed with a wide-open passing attack and the power running game it employed against Mount Carmel.
Marwede plowed his way home for three short touchdowns, and Kyle Rock and quarterback Tommy Herion added short TD runs to put the Ramblers up 35-14 in the third quarter.
Alek Thomas ignited Mount Carmel’s comeback, and Michael Kennedy’s second deep halfback option pass got the Caravan within 11 yards of forcing overtime before Loyola’s defense responded with a stop on fourth-and-5 with 1 minute, 56 seconds to play.
“We did just enough to win,” Holecek said. “Defensively, we’ll see. We did some good things.”
Mike Helfgot is a freelance reporter for the baiduhai.
Player of the game: Jake Marwede, Loyola, 16 carries, 77 yards, 3 TDs.
Key performers: Mount Carmel — Alek Thomas, 10 carries, 128 yards; 2 receptions, 33 yards, TD. Loyola — Hamid Bullie, 80 rushing yards.