Loyola storms past Gordon Tech

Updated: September 25, 2011 2:25PM

Even without starting quarterback Malcolm Weaver driving the offensive bus for No. 6 Loyola, the Ramblers had no problem finding the end zone Saturday afternoon against Gordon Tech in a Chicago Catholic League Conference crossover contest.

Loyola scored on 4 of 5 possessions to start the game, including two touchdown throws by second-string quarterback Peter Pujals, and the Ramblers coasted to a 33-7 victory in Wilmette.

“We got a chance to play a lot of guys, we are trying to get depth and experience,” said Loyola coach John Holecek. “We played solid, it was not anything glorious. We were not trying to do too much.”

Weaver was suited up at the start of the contest, but did not play. He should be ready for next week’s Catholic League Blue battle against Mt. Carmel, which both teams will enter undefeated.

While subbing for Weaver, Pujals completed 9 of 16 passes for 108 yards and two scores, while also adding a one-yard touchdown run. He tossed scoring strikes to Marquese Martin-Hayes (28 yards) and Charlie Dowdle.

Dowdle finished with four catches for 47 yards, and his 23-yard scoring grab in the third quarter gave the Ramblers (5-0) a 33-0 lead following a George Howington PAT kick.

Senior running back Reed Michalek rushed for two four-yard scoring runs, and he collected 45 yards on just 10 carries, all in the first half.

“Peter (Pujals) did a great job, he is good at reading all of the secondary,” explained Michalek. “Our offensive line stepped up and did a great job, they made some pretty good holes and I got some good yards.

“They (Gordon Tech) scored on the first drive of the game last year, so we did not want to overlook them. They have some talent and their quarterback is really athletic. Coach got us really hyped up even though we knew we would probably win.”

Loyola’s defense forced four fumbles, as Darby Goodwin, Devin Murphy, John O’Sullivan and Kevin Daly each had fumble recoveries.

The Rams (3-2) found the end zone with 36 seconds left in the third quarter, when Dakota Pisarek capped an 11 play drive with a five-yard run.

Quarterback Julian Russell led Gordon Tech in rushing, collecting 73 yards on 15 carries.

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