The Loyola Academy football team, ranked number two in the state, will go head to head with the number one team in the state, Mount Carmel, this Saturday, October 21 at 1pm.
Last year, in another undefeated matchup, Mount Carmel battled for the win against Loyola Academy Ramblers 42-37.
Loyola went on to let that be their only loss, ending the season 13-1 and with an IHSA Class 8A state champion title.
Mount Carmel also had an incredible end to their season, leaving the field with an undefeated record of 14-0 and the IHSA Class 7A state championship title.
Devion Johnson, an athlete for the Ramblers said, “It’s going to be a close game… I think Loyola is going to take the win this year, but it’s not going to be easy.”
These two unstoppable teams are going to have to put in lots of hard work to win this game.
This year, both teams are 8-0 coming into the upcoming game. Mount Carmel most recently beat Providence Catholic 43-9. Star players like Jack Elliott (#9), a junior quarterback who averages around three passing touchdowns per game, and Danyil Taylor Jr. (#88), a junior tight end who leads the team in average receiving yards per game, are ones to look out for.
The Ramblers also have some incredible talent. In Loyola’s recent win against Benet Academy, Finn Miller (#42), a senior for the Ramblers, scored 18 out of the 41 points. Mikey Baker (#11), who is ranked the number one kicker in the state and 32nd nationally, is also someone to look out for in the upcoming Mount Carmel.
This game is going to be close.
Loyola is preparing for this game in a multitude of ways. Coach Desherow says, “The preparation (for Mount Carmel) doesn’t change. We have our system down and it works for us… we get ready for any game as if it was Mount Carmel.”
Coach Kotowski adds, “We look at things like the other teams’ good athletes, new coaching staff, and techniques they’ve used in past games… our athletes also have access to film (from their past games) so they can study up whenever they have the time.”
This intense, close game between Mount Carmel and Loyola Academy will also have a deeper emotional meaning. This upcoming game will honor first responders. All first responders will receive a free admissions ticket if they would like one, along with a special moment to honor them between the first and second quarters.
Loyola Academy will also be holding Mass in the Chapel along with a reception in the student center for anyone who wishes to attend.
Loyola Academy and Mount Carmel are going head to head this Saturday, October 21, at 1pm at Loyola Academy’s football field. This game won’t disappoint.
