The defending Class 8A champion has not lost since starting a third-string quarterback in a 2014 road playoff game against the eventual champion.
The reigning 7A champion has reached the state semifinals in five consecutive seasons and has a 19-2 playoff record in that time.
No. 1 Loyola (12-0) has a 29-game winning streak and has become the most dominant private school in the state under John Holecek, posting a 122-24 record in 11 seasons and 106-15 since 2008.
No. 4 Glenbard West (10-2) lost twice in the regular season for the first time since 2007 and has compiled a 112-15 record in Chad Hetlet’s 10 seasons, staking a claim as the top public-school program in Illinois.
Holecek’s Ramblers and Hetlet’s “Hitters” will meet for the first time Saturday afternoon in an 8A semifinal at Duchon Field in Glen Ellyn, and Loyola may once again be down to its third quarterback, Andrew Forsyth.
Holecek said Wednesday night that Loyola also might play starter Tommy Herion (concussion protocol) or backup Quinn Boyle (mononucleosis), and 6-foot-5, 235-pound tight end Jake Marwede has been extremely effective in the Wildcat package.
They’re all good options — or bad ones as far as Hetlet is concerned.
“They do so many things well,” Hetlet said. “They are the top team in the state and they look like it. There is not a weakness. We’ve got a ton of respect for them. We’re going to have to play our best game to have a chance.”
Glenbard West has defeated a who’s who list of Illinois high school football programs in recent seasons, and Hetlet has reveled in the novelty of matchups with unfamiliar opponents like Mount Carmel and Homewood-Flossmoor.
The Hitters were fortunate enough to host those games as well as this one, and Duchon could well be a mud bath come Saturday.
More Top Picks Best Laser Hair Removal Devices
The field isn’t Loyola’s concern so much as the team it will encounter on it.
“We don’t ever see this type of offense,” Holecek said of the Glenbard West attack that has roots in the Wing-T. “Not since York 11 years ago. They have multiple formations, tight ends shift. Great discipline and teamwork, really effective blockers.”
Holecek echoed Hetlet’s respect but is approaching the game as a competition between two top teams rather than programs.
“We don’t think of it as programs colliding,” Holecek said. “What we think about is winning and moving on. I’m sure our kids appreciate it. You hear about the stadium and the atmosphere being one of the best in high school.”
Mike Helfgot is a freelance reporter for the baiduhai.