Ramblers reach Catholic League final

Loyola's Matthew Hinkamp (right) delivers a hit to tackle St. Laurence's Aaron Gyrion.
(Joel Lerner/Pioneer Press)

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Jack Begley knew it was going to be much harder the second time around. “This is the second time this year we played them, and it’s tough to beat a good team twice,” said Begley.

Begley’s two touchdowns helped Loyola overpower St. Laurence 28-6 in a Catholic League playoff semifinal Saturday afternoon in Wilmette.

The victory vaults the Ramblers into the league championship match up with De La Salle next Saturday to determine the Catholic League representative in the Prep Bowl.

The Ramblers smashed the Vikings 37-7 in the second game of the year. It took just one possession for Begley and the rest of the Loyola to realize the Vikings were much improved. “They scored on their first possession, and we realized we had to come right back and make a statement,” said Begley.

After the Vikings’ Josh Hodur scored on a nine-yard sweep for St. Laurence’s early 6-0 advantage, Begley responded with a decisive 27-yard burst. “The line made a huge hole and I hit the hole hard,” said Begley.

Sophomore running back Spencer Perry was the workhorse on the Ramblers’ second touchdown drive. He carried seven times for 56 yards, setting up senior quarterback Lucas Ruske’s one-yard plunge for a 14-6 advantage at the break.

Loyola broke the game open with two touchdowns in the final five minutes of the third quarter. They took advantage of short fields set up by the ferocious pass rush of defensive lineman Patrick Hickey and outside linebacker Matthew Hinkamp. The two combined for four sacks that forced St. Laurence to punt against the wind deep in their territory on consecutive possessions.

Receiver Michael Johnson scored on a 42-yard reverse option pass from running back Joseph Stevens for a 21-6 lead. Ruske’s 29-run set up Begley’s final touchdown in the closing seconds of the third quarter.