Ramblers start as team to beat
There was a precision behind Loyola’s perfection last season.
The Ramblers generally played mistake- free football, using a blend of smarts, teamwork, athleticism and bravery to go undefeated en route to the Class 8A state title.
So the bar is set pretty high for the 2016 squad, which is the SunTimes’ top- ranked team in the preseason.
‘‘ That was a special group of players,’’ Loyola coach John Holecek said. ‘‘ It takes that and then everybody buying in and everyone having a selfless attitude. Hopefully the taste of it makes the younger guys hungry and makes them work and allows them to see that it’s possible. It’s no secret: If you’re not physically gifted, you have to do it mentally.’’
The Ramblers will have new faces in most key spots, but plenty of them saw significant playing time last season. Tight end Jake Marwede, a Duke recruit, and receiver David Terrell Jr. should be key figures on offense. Senior Tommy Herion will start at quarterback, but junior Quinn Boyle is expected to get some snaps, too.
‘‘ Tommy’s a little faster, but Quinn is ready,’’ Holecek said. ‘‘ They do so many things well that we feel real confident in either one of them.’’
Loyola suffered a major loss at the beginning of practice this summer when defensive back Ted Falkenhayn had to quit the team after suffering a concussion.
‘‘[ Falkenhayn] was offered a Division I scholarship this year,’’ Holecek said. ‘‘ He had an episode in practice, and now he’s done. He was one of our main guys. There’s some talent, but [ the defense] could have a slow start.’’
Terrell Jr., the son of former Bears receiver David Terrell, said he has been impressed with the defense.
‘‘ Overall, the defense really was kicking our butts the first half of the summer,’’ Terrell said. ‘‘ I think offensively we’ve started clicking recently, and things have been more 50/ 50. But the defense definitely has made some improvements, and I think they are going to be really good.’’
Cornerback Ian Swenson and linebackers Anthony Romano and Graham Repp should lead the charge on defense. The Ramblers’ offensive line looks strong behind Jack Badovinac and John Brekke.
‘‘ Those two guys on the left side of the line are college players,’’ Holecek said of Badovinac and Brekke. ‘‘ They are beasts, so that will help a lot.’’
Hamid Bullie and Kyle Rock will run the ball. Holecek described them as ‘‘ very good high school backs.’’
There will be a massive target on the Ramblers’ backs this season. That can be difficult for any team to deal with.
‘‘ Everyone has been telling us to not let one [ state title] be enough, so that’s what we are striving for,’’ Marwede said. ‘‘ We want to get one more.
‘‘ This is a whole new year; last year is forgotten. It’s time to win another state championship. We’re getting the chemistry down, trying to get bigger, faster and stronger and making sure that we do everything right mentally.’’ Email: mobrien@ suntimes. com