Four Downs from Week 1: Loyola's struggle, Warren's statement, new QBs to watch and Morgan Park's opener
Loyola losing to East St. Louis wasn’t stunning. The Flyers produce more college football talent than any program in the state and regularly play some of the best teams in the nation. It was always going to be a stern test for the Ramblers.
It was shocking how ineffective Loyola’s experienced offense was throughout the game. The Ramblers struggled to pick up a first down in the 34-7 loss on Saturday in Normal at Illinois State’s Hancock Stadium.
Loyola (0-1) tried to establish the run early but that never happened. The Ramblers finished with 40 yards on 19 carries. Quarterback Ryan Fitzgerald ripped off a 50-yard run in the first half, but nine of Loyola’s carries resulted in no gain or a loss.
Loyola’s TD came on a 75-yard fumble return by defensive end Gavin King in the third quarter.
Fitzgerald was 8-for-15 passing for 35 yards.
The Ramblers travel to Glen Ellyn to face Glenbard West on Saturday. The Hilltoppers lost to Batavia at home in Week 1.
Aaron Stewart’s statement
The biggest statement win of the opening week came in Gurnee as Warren demolished a good Hersey team 55-26.
The Blue Devils traditionally feature one of the area’s best defenses. Their playoff success can hinge on how much firepower the offense can produce.
Well, it started with a bang this season. Junior running back Aaron Stewart ran for 361 yards and five touchdowns.
Big things were expected of Warren this season. Experienced coach Bryan McNulty returned 19 starters. Next up is a huge test at Maine South in Week 2.
Quarterback watch
The area is so loaded with star quarterbacks that Fremd’s Johnny O’Brien, a Northwestern recruit, has flown under the radar until now.
I was impressed with O’Brien last season in a loss at Barrington and he’s started the season strong. He was 25 of 38 for 259 yards and three TDs in a massive 31-0 win against Lake Zurich in Week 1.
Another name to keep an eye on is Prairie Ridge junior Luke Vanderwiel. The Wolves are generally a fixture in the preseason Super 25. But I took a wait-and-see approach with new coach Mike Frericks taking over this year.
The Wolves didn’t miss a beat in the season opener, knocking off Jacobs 17-0.
Vanderwiel is a junior. His brother Joey was Prairie Ridge’s starter last season. Vanderwiel expertly helmed the Wolves’ triple-option attack in his first start with 146 rushing yards, including a 55-yard TD run on the team’s first possession.
The Public League’s hope
Morgan Park is the best team in the Public League by a large margin and the only hope Chicago Public Schools has for a deep playoff run.
The Mustangs lost at Marist 29-16 in Week 1. But that shouldn’t put a damper on any playoff dreams. The RedHawks are a Class 8A powerhouse. Morgan Park is a likely Class 5A team.
Mustangs coach Chris James returned most of his starters from last season’s state quarterfinalist and has added receiver Nasir Rankin, a talented transfer from Young.
Rankin was excellent in his debut with Morgan Park, finishing with 188 total yards on his eight touches and scoring an athletic 84-yard TD.
“Marist is massive, one of the biggest teams I have ever seen in my life,” James said. “I’m happy with how we played. We will need to face a Catholic League team on the road in the playoffs so this was a great experience for us.”