We’ll just do the postgame here. I’ll be back with the recap here later tonight.
Loyola 21 @ St. Rita 5 F
- Thread starter RockSoup
- Start date
I saw some things I needed to see to have confidence in the Mustangs going forward. Congratulations to the Ramblers that came up huge in some important spots.
Fun factoid I heard at the game, This was the 74th meeting between the schools and the series was 35-35-3. The first game was played in 1910 and resulted in a Loyola 14-5 victory. What’s with them holding us to 5? 😂
Heard about the feed (watching our own fans rush the press box, people pulling out tool bags, they have to fix it period, disappointing) so I’ll try to recap as best I can.
St. Rita wins toss and chooses to receive. Love it. I don’t mind deferring but if you can get one more possession in a game, take the ball. St. Rita’s first drive ends in a blocked punt in their own territory and Loyola taking advantage of the short field and going up 7-0. After another St. Rita drive ends in a punt after a few first downs, Loyola ends up deep in their own territory, and on their punt, the snap failed, and the punter was sacked in the end zone for a Safety, 7-2.
About 8 minutes left in 2nd quarter, Loyola goes on one of their patented 90 yard drives. Short passing game, QB (Fitz) runs, RB (McPherson) chain movers. But heck, tip your cap, don’t let them do it in one play like past contests vs them. 10 or 12 plays, every yard earned, yeah I can live with that. 14-2 Loyola. Then came what I think was the critical series. St. Rita from their 30? with 2:55 until half, now can mount the drive that scores and makes the coin toss an extra possession.
What I should tell you first is in St. Rita’s previous 3-4 drives, they are moving the ball. The punt that pinned LA down low came from plus 45 and there was another drive that ended in a FG off the crossbar. It was one of the things I had to see, could they conduct an offense if the inside run game was getting blown up at times. DJ Stewart and Nick Herman had some nice tough runs but it was tough sledding inside and St. Rita was able to play one on one with JR WR Jimmy Maxson really impressing and the JR WR Sammy Gymiah making contested catches. So with that said, I thought they should go right to that passing game right on 1st and 10 with tight safeties and a lot of green for Maxson to work with but a 3 and out happen with 2 runs leading into an obvious passing down and Loyola denying the Mustangs. 14-2 half
2nd half had Loyola and St. Rita trading drives and St. Rita getting into the redzone. Great one on one Maxson call, great coverage, great ball and in this game of inches, the catch was ruled to be made out of bounds but great to see the battle, securing the catch, dragging the toe and ruled the other foot touching out of bounds before the catch was completed. Bang bang call ref, the official had the best view. Anyway, end up taking it down to 3rd and goal from 6, time out called, and 10 players come out, 5 yard penalty (unacceptable but I’m sure the staff knows that), 3rd and 11, gutsy run after catch takes the Mustangs to 4th and long 3. Reverse was snuffed out by an excellent play from LA DE. Some fans may have wanted the run up the middle but I saw the inside run get blown up also in the first 3Oish minutes of the game. When a 17 or 18 year old makes a great play, and he had to, being the only one staying at home, tip your cap, there was no one else out there. Great defensive play young man. I might be in the minority but I didn’t mind the call.
Another drive had St. Rita moving the ball but it cost the QB1 after taking a hit to the head defenseless on the ground in front of an official after being tackled. And I can be fair and call it momentum but…Anywho, St. Rita kicks a 36yarder FG. 14-5.
A muffed punt led to a short field Loyola TD to ice the game. Loyola 21 St. Rita 5 F
What I liked:
Being in the blue. Heck yeah. Give me that right into my veins. But it’s a price to pay, lost our captain on defense early in the game, QB1, and JR RB. Hopefully they don’t miss much time.
And without a huge part of our defense (Saffold), holding Loyola to 7 points in drives starting in Loyola territory, bowing the neck on 3rd and makeables and forcing punts, not getting burned on the pa post that I’ve seen too many times in the past decade in a half vs Loyola, take a bow, the St. Rita fans, alums appreciate that effort.
Great to see a pace-type short passing game. Ok, 11 v11 not working out, we’ll go one on one and proved it versus a physical D.
What I didn’t like…Get to bed sports fans, maybe I’ll riff tomorrow a bit more. Later Fam!
Fun factoid I heard at the game, This was the 74th meeting between the schools and the series was 35-35-3. The first game was played in 1910 and resulted in a Loyola 14-5 victory. What’s with them holding us to 5? 😂
Heard about the feed (watching our own fans rush the press box, people pulling out tool bags, they have to fix it period, disappointing) so I’ll try to recap as best I can.
St. Rita wins toss and chooses to receive. Love it. I don’t mind deferring but if you can get one more possession in a game, take the ball. St. Rita’s first drive ends in a blocked punt in their own territory and Loyola taking advantage of the short field and going up 7-0. After another St. Rita drive ends in a punt after a few first downs, Loyola ends up deep in their own territory, and on their punt, the snap failed, and the punter was sacked in the end zone for a Safety, 7-2.
About 8 minutes left in 2nd quarter, Loyola goes on one of their patented 90 yard drives. Short passing game, QB (Fitz) runs, RB (McPherson) chain movers. But heck, tip your cap, don’t let them do it in one play like past contests vs them. 10 or 12 plays, every yard earned, yeah I can live with that. 14-2 Loyola. Then came what I think was the critical series. St. Rita from their 30? with 2:55 until half, now can mount the drive that scores and makes the coin toss an extra possession.
What I should tell you first is in St. Rita’s previous 3-4 drives, they are moving the ball. The punt that pinned LA down low came from plus 45 and there was another drive that ended in a FG off the crossbar. It was one of the things I had to see, could they conduct an offense if the inside run game was getting blown up at times. DJ Stewart and Nick Herman had some nice tough runs but it was tough sledding inside and St. Rita was able to play one on one with JR WR Jimmy Maxson really impressing and the JR WR Sammy Gymiah making contested catches. So with that said, I thought they should go right to that passing game right on 1st and 10 with tight safeties and a lot of green for Maxson to work with but a 3 and out happen with 2 runs leading into an obvious passing down and Loyola denying the Mustangs. 14-2 half
2nd half had Loyola and St. Rita trading drives and St. Rita getting into the redzone. Great one on one Maxson call, great coverage, great ball and in this game of inches, the catch was ruled to be made out of bounds but great to see the battle, securing the catch, dragging the toe and ruled the other foot touching out of bounds before the catch was completed. Bang bang call ref, the official had the best view. Anyway, end up taking it down to 3rd and goal from 6, time out called, and 10 players come out, 5 yard penalty (unacceptable but I’m sure the staff knows that), 3rd and 11, gutsy run after catch takes the Mustangs to 4th and long 3. Reverse was snuffed out by an excellent play from LA DE. Some fans may have wanted the run up the middle but I saw the inside run get blown up also in the first 3Oish minutes of the game. When a 17 or 18 year old makes a great play, and he had to, being the only one staying at home, tip your cap, there was no one else out there. Great defensive play young man. I might be in the minority but I didn’t mind the call.
Another drive had St. Rita moving the ball but it cost the QB1 after taking a hit to the head defenseless on the ground in front of an official after being tackled. And I can be fair and call it momentum but…Anywho, St. Rita kicks a 36yarder FG. 14-5.
A muffed punt led to a short field Loyola TD to ice the game. Loyola 21 St. Rita 5 F
What I liked:
Being in the blue. Heck yeah. Give me that right into my veins. But it’s a price to pay, lost our captain on defense early in the game, QB1, and JR RB. Hopefully they don’t miss much time.
And without a huge part of our defense (Saffold), holding Loyola to 7 points in drives starting in Loyola territory, bowing the neck on 3rd and makeables and forcing punts, not getting burned on the pa post that I’ve seen too many times in the past decade in a half vs Loyola, take a bow, the St. Rita fans, alums appreciate that effort.
Great to see a pace-type short passing game. Ok, 11 v11 not working out, we’ll go one on one and proved it versus a physical D.
What I didn’t like…Get to bed sports fans, maybe I’ll riff tomorrow a bit more. Later Fam!
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Taylor Bell and Bob Sakamoto combined couldn’t have painted a better picture. Well done!
That's a great Fun Factoid! I could actually hear that clearly on my screen porch near 103rd and Seeley!
Rock great recap!!! Have to start calling you Taylor Bell Jr. I hated when Sakamoto picked Rita in a tight game. It was the kiss of death.
What I loved was the intensity of the defense. They left it all on the field. Missing one of our best defenders was noticeable. Special teams also gave LA a couple of short fields. LA has great size across the board and a very deep bench. LA also picked up yards on each change position. SR has been very spoiled over the last 20 or so years with their kicking game.
On offense we started connecting on the mid length pass routes. That was very good to see against a good team. I am concerned over the three (3) injured players. Without them the season will be a lot shorter.
And although I agree the hit on the QB was late, there was a lot of sportsmanship on the field. Time and time again I saw players from both teams helping each other up after a hard tackle and pat the opponent on the helmet. This was LA’s lowest point output for the season. LA is a very good team. And as a CCL fan I hope they win it all in 8A.
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RS, with that recap, I am assuming you'll be able to answer some of my questions, if you don't mind.
For now, do you think these injuries will put Cascia in a tough spot against SF. Can the backups perform at a high level? More curious about the backup QB? And how the staff can utilize him properly.
For now, do you think these injuries will put Cascia in a tough spot against SF. Can the backups perform at a high level? More curious about the backup QB? And how the staff can utilize him properly.
QB1 was in such a vulnerable position after the sack or run that any hit from a ‘flying to the ball’ safety or LB was not going to end well. There’s always been great sportsmanship and respect through the years between the programs.
No doubt. I think edgyland can see St. Francis’ results so they know that even before the injuries, it was going to be a difficult task to beat the Spartans on the road and know I can type that without being accused of sandbagging. Haven’t heard of anything torn or fractured so maybe they’ll be available.
Capable? Tough question on small sample size. I can’t tell. Seems athletic enough to make plays. For 2 and a half years it’s fallen at times onto DJs shoulders and this 3 week stretch will be extremely important for him to lead the team. Can we complete enough short passes and play action passes to keep the LBs and Safeties honest? Nice thing out of DJ last night was he was back to forcing 4-5 guys to bring him down if he wasn’t tackled during mesh when Loyola’s interior blew up the play.
Speaking of Sr. Francis I was looking at Google maps. Doesn’t look like they have a lot of parking. Is there some kind of remote parking area?
Witty, Rock, Chaka, and Tomloner: Having seen Rita play both MC and LA, can you compare these two teams and maybe pick an early winner of the Week 9 showdown in Wilmette?
Tough call. MC has better offense and LA has better defense IMHO. I’d say MC by a TD.
I will say this.. Loyola will have a problem with MC aerial attack and outside plays
MC 35 Loyola 14
Beware . Parking is a nightmare. You will be walking for some time to the stadium if you do not get there by 5 pm
IC Catholic vs St Francis Friday :
47 rushes for 332 yards rushing and 5 TD’s and could not seal the deal
Upon some thinking, the Caravan is still the favorite, but it will be a lower scoring game, imo.
MC 24, LA 14.
I thought I did read on here that SF does have a very good QB with athletes to work with--and that the LOS's need some work.
I would hope Rita uses their strength and pile on that yardage through the run. I also hope whoever is playing QB that he can get some pass plays in there. Mix it up, but maybe the "bread and butter" this week is the running game. Keep that talent off the field. We'll see.
Love to see DJ get more carries. Like to see QB take more snaps under center. Get DJ closer to the line of scrimmage with momentum and will make the play action more effective. This last week against LA, SR was somewhat successful with some mid level passes. Like to see some long multi play drives.
With three important players (QB RB DL) hurt I'm getting worried about this game. Anyone know if they are all out?
SF has a couple small parking lots next to the school on both sides but I believe those are reserved spots (or you have to get there very very early.. like before JV early).
What I and many others do is as follows: There is a very large parking lot across the street with several big box stores (so plenty of space, I mean plenty of parking space).
They used to have police cross people but for some reason that’s stopped. It’s very much not an ideal situation as Roosevelt Road is a fairly busy street…but with some basic “look both ways and wait” it’s fine.
I hope you enjoy your trip to Wheaton if you make the journey. The setting is unique and pretty cool, the field is tucked behind the school next to the woods and the blue turf adds a uniqueness to the whole experience.
Forgive the long post but wanted to provide an overview from the other sides perspective.
SF O-line has played pretty well and done a good job protecting the QB giving him time to throw…he hasn’t been sacked much. The defense has struggled to stop the run all year. There’s some very good playmakers (#5 and #1 are really good) on defense, but it’s a somewhat undersized unit across the board with lineman playing both ways…Rita will have success running the football, which can open up the passing game for them.
I think Rita wins by a score or two, just by nature of this game being the 3rd very physical game in a row for SF and it’s a team with 30 or so kids and not a ton of depth, and as a result the D could get worn down in the second half. Rita is talented and deep and will move the LOS (they are just too big and talented not to) and Stewart will be a load to bring down. None of that is fun to play against for any opponent, SF will have their hands full.
SF in order to get the upset win will need to rely on winning the turnover battle and explosive plays (Fenwick and DGN were able to keep the offense in check by limiting explosive plays). The QB is as good as advertised, and has been just lights out the last two games. Kid is a straight gamer. Lots of talent at receiver, 4-5 deep with two of them holding FBS offers. The QBs brother at wideout and number 2 could also find themselves getting college attention in the off-season, frankly you can make an argument it’s the best receiving corp in the state (and none of them are seniors).
SF running back is talented and explosive as well. If Rita makes SF earn their points the hard way they’ll be in good shape…SF is going to want to turn it into a track meet.
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These two programs go back and forth...I think you're going to need a special player to beat MC...the last time Loyola beat MC they had a POY running back MC couldn't stop...not sure they have anybody like that now...wondering why MC is not ranked higher nationally considering their long history of dominance.
RB is fine, QB should be back in practice this week, DL questionable.
Park across the street at Target.
Rita by 10, SF doesn’t have the depth and we are getting into the weeks it matters. But they have also been very resilient so who knows.
Small visitor stands fyi but great set up otherwise.
Rita by 10, SF doesn’t have the depth and we are getting into the weeks it matters. But they have also been very resilient so who knows.
Small visitor stands fyi but great set up otherwise.
Bravo!! Another reason I love this site! Posters helping other posters!
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