Loyola’s Weaver looking for fresh start

Updated: July 19, 2011 9:56PM

Malcolm Weaver remembers Nov. 20, 2010 more than most days of his past.

The Loyola quarterback remembers the game against Maine South that day like it happened yesterday.

A starter all year, Weaver couldn’t finish the playoff game — the 13th contest of the season — because of an ankle injury. The Ramblers lost to the Hawks, who went on to capture their third consecutive state championship, and finished 11-2 for a second year in a row.

“That was horrible,” Weaver said of the 29-22 defeat. “My biggest problem was that I couldn’t start and finish with the team. That killed me. I tried everything in my power to come back, but I absolutely could not walk.”

Backup quarterback Peter Pujals entered the game and nearly led Loyola to a touchdown before the Ramblers were stopped on downs inside the 5-yard line.

Regardless of the ending, Weaver was proud of his body of work last season.

“I was happy with how I played,” the senior said. “I could have done better in the playoffs, passing-wise. But it was a really good year for me. I did some things I didn’t think I would do. I was surprised by myself.”

Now, Weaver and Pujals, a junior, are in a competition this summer for snaps under center. Loyola coach John Holecek applauded both, and he could imagine the Ramblers being successful with either one. 

Weaver started playing quarterback in middle school with the High Ridge Chargers in Rogers Park. He continued the position once he arrived at Loyola.

As a freshman, Weaver played with his classmates, but he moved up to varsity as a sophomore. He was the backup to Will Forsyth in 2009.

“It was all about experience as a sophomore,” said Weaver, an Evanston resident. “I didn’t get much playing time, but it was more of a learning year.”

Once Weaver was handed the keys to the offense, he knew how to drive.

“It was a complicated offense, but I was around it for a while,” he said. “It wasn’t that big of a jump for me. Me having that experience as a sophomore and learning behind Will, I knew what to do.”

Weaver said the Ramblers are blessed with their best receiving corps since he arrived on the Wilmette campus. Both Charlie Dowdle and Marquese Martin-Hayes are veteran wideouts.

“I try not to pick a favorite,” Weaver said. “That won’t help you out much as a quarterback. This summer’s going really well. We are progressing into a team, but there’s always room for work at this time of year. There’s a lot of learning to do.”

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