Football: Providence Lets Loyola Ramble Away

Breaking It Down: looked to make a game of Friday night's Chicago Catholic Blue opener against visiting Loyola Academy when it scored with 9.7 seconds left in the first half to pull to within 16-6. But the visiting Ramblers answered with a 12-play touchdown drive to open the second half, taking a 23-6 lead. The Ramblers scored 16 unanswered points in the second half and headed for home with a 32-6 victory in New Lenox.

A fake punt in the first half allowed the Ramblers to extend a drive, which culminated in Will Cushwa's 27-yard field goal. Loyola faked another punt in the second half to keep a drive going. This time it led to a touchdown to make it a 30-6 game late in the third quarter.

Patch's MVP: Loyola Academy quarterback Malcolm Weaver. After throwing an interception in the first quarter, Weaver rebounded. He completed 16 of 26 passes for 151 yards while also rushing for 57 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries.

Loyola Academy Stat Pack: In addition to Weaver’s big night, Marquese Martin-Hayes had six catches for 51 yards, and Conner Person caught five passes for 65 yards.

Providence Stat Pack: Quarterback Chris Salazar completed 15 of 29 passes for 143 yards. Andrew Hoffmeister rushed for 58 yards on 16 carries and scored the Celtics’ lone touchdown. Sean Fitzgerald caught six passes for 87 yards. Troy Sheppard had an interception and caught two passes for 13 yards.

Quotable I: Providence coach Mark Coglianese on Loyola Academy: "The no-huddle caused a little bit of a problem, but I just think they executed so well. They got us back on our heels. They're very talented and have several guys that can make plays and are definitely not just a one-man show, and that gave us trouble.

Quotable II: Providence coach Mark Coglianese on the momentum shift from the end of the first half to the beginning of the second half and beyond: "It was some momentum to put us back in the game, but obviously the (Ramblers’) big series was the opening drive of the second half. Our defense is designed to not allow big plays, and for the most part we did that, but their run game hurt us for four or five yards a crack. They mixed it up well and we're a little bit young on defense, starting about six juniors, and I think it showed a bit tonight."

Team Records: Providence  fell to 3-1 overall and 0-1 in the Chicago Catholic Blue. Loyola Academy improved to 4-0, 1-0).

What's Next: Providence travels to St. Rita on Friday. Loyola Academy will host Gordon Tech next Saturday.

Check back soon for photos from this game.