Loyola Academy Ramblers defeated Lincoln-Way East Griffins 26-15, becoming the 2023 IHSA Class 8A State Champions at ISU’s Hancock Stadium on Saturday, November 25.
Led by new head coach Beau Desherow and rookie quarterback Ryan Fitzgerald, the Ramblers football team ended the Griffins undefeated streak while adding a fifth state championship to the Ramblers football program.
Heading into the game the Ramblers were undefeated 13-0, ranked number one in the state. Lincoln Way East also headed into the game 13-0 for their season, ranked number three in the state.
Coach Desherow said, “We knew that our offense was going to be younger, and we would have to rely on a veteran defense. But after that first game of the season (beat Central Catholic 45-7), I knew we had something here.”
Rookie Fitzgerald went 17-21 for 203 yards overall, throwing two touchdowns to put the Ramblers in the lead in the first half.
He found junior Brendan Loftus for a 15-yard touchdown to start the game. Soon after, Fitzgerald connected with senior Nicholas Arogundade for a 32 yard touchdown adding to the Ramblers lead.
The Lincoln Way East Griffins did not make the state final an easy game. Senior quarterback Braden Tischer ended a 16 drive play with a 2-yard touchdown to junior Trey Zvonar, eating away at the Ramblers lead.
Fitzgerald said, “Any time this season we faced adversity we didn’t get flustered. We kept our composure.”
In the fourth quarter, a 12-yard run by junior Drew MacPherson eased the Ramblers into victory. This drive practically secured the Rambler’s spot as champions.
MacPherson suffered a right leg injury in the semi-finals against York, causing him to miss several practices. This didn’t stop him though, with 15 carries for 117 yards and a touchdown, Macpherson dominated in his first game back.
The Griffins fought back with a 15-yard touchdown pass with seven minutes to go to senior Cade Serauskis for their second touchdown of the game along with a two point conversion keeping the Ramblers on their toes.
This didn’t affect the Ramblers though, ultimately winning 26-15 against the Griffins in an incredible battle for the state title. Both teams had an amazing season and have very talented athletes all around.
Head coach of the Griffins, Rob Zvonar said in a post game press conference, “We’re 13-1 two years in a row; we’re just going to have to stop playing Loyola. Our seniors know nothing but the state championship game and they’ve represented Lincoln-way East in an exemplary manner.”
The Ramblers over the past four seasons now have accumulated a record of 46-2 with two back to back state championships and two unbeaten seasons.
Congratulations to senior captains Kenny Langston, Joe Kelly, Will Nimesheim, Colin Scheid, and the entire Loyola Academy Football team and staff for another successful year as IHSA Class 8A State Champions.
