Loyola’s balance too much for Evanston

Updated: October 29, 2011 9:26PM

During the preseason, Loyola looked inward to figure out what type of team it would be this season.

Most observers had already declared 2011 to be the Year of Offense for the Ramblers. While the coaches and players nodded in agreement, they also knew Loyola wasn’t about to abandon its defensive sensibilities.

Top-ranked Loyola continued to show Saturday in Wilmette it’s a complete team with its 35-0 win over Evanston in the first round of the Class 8A playoffs.

“It was a huge competition with the offense early,” said senior linebacker Lars Lopatka, who had two pass breakups and one tackle for a loss. “And the last few weeks, we have shown we still have our defensive roots.

“Everyone we knew we were going to have a good offense, but it was a matter of finding a team identity. We want to still be that identity. Even our coaches told us not to forget we have a good defense, too.”

Loyola (10-0) limited Evanston (5-5) to 18 total yards and zero first downs in the first half to take a 21-0 lead into the locker room. The Wildkits didn’t get their first first down until late in the third quarter, and they finished with 68 yards. Loyola also intercepted two passes.

“It’s really a team defense,” said Loyola coach John Holecek, whose team beat Evanston 40-0 in Week 1. “We have a bunch of really good players.”

Of course, Evanston resident Malcolm Weaver and the offense did their part. The senior quarterback and co-Catholic Blue Offensive Player of the Year went 22-for-31 for 313 yards and three touchdowns.

Seven players caught passes, led by Charlie Dowdle’s seven receptions for 106 yards. The senior wideout was one of three to catch a touchdown.

Marquese Martin-Hayes finished with three catches for 26 yards, but he left the game in the first half with a leg injury. Holecek said he will be ready to go next week against Dunbar.

“I think our offense has a little something extra this year,” Lopatka said. “Our receivers are unstoppable.”

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