Aug. 25--Great defenses with few Division I prospects have been at the heart of Loyola's success for the past decade.
The Ramblers have one this year in NIU-bound defensive tackle Ben LeRoy, described by head coach John Holecek as a "monster" who will command double teams on every play.
With one career start among the other 10 guys, it's the least experienced Loyola defense in Holecek's 10 seasons.
Whatever slack there might be -- Loyola has a knack for rebuilding the defense without missing a beat -- should be picked up by what is shaping up as an explosive offense.
Holecek, prone to downplaying his team's talent publicly, isn't even bothering this time around.
The Ramblers have talent and experience at quarterback, running back, receiver and offensive line.
"Offensively, this is one of the best teams we've had," Holecek said. "They have experience and they are tough. We're not going to run by everybody, but these receivers aren't slow and Jonah (Isaac) can fly. If the quarterback (Emmett Clifford) manages the game right and calls the right plays ...
"He's a lot like (2013 Loyola star) Jack Penn. Jack pulled more plays because he had that lacrosse background to see tiny windows and get it in there. Emmett might not be that, but we'll see. Jack didn't play as a junior. Emmett did. He's got a leg up."
Clifford began his junior seasons as the team's No. 2 quarterback and proved to be a heck of a relief pitcher.
He came off the bench to rally the Ramblers from a three-touchdown deficit to defeat Edwardsville 29-28 in Week 2 and engineered a second-half comeback in their 10-7 victory against eventual Class 7A champion Providence.
Just as the starting job was his, a collarbone injury ended his season.
"That was tough," Clifford said. "It was a learning experience. I did get to play in two of our biggest games of the season. Providence was No. 1 at the time and Edwardsville I think was No. 3. Those were big-time games, a lot of pressure of the moment. I think they helped me out a lot."
The size of his targets will benefit Clifford, as Northwestern-bound tight end Eric Eshoo is 6-foot-5, junior Jake Marwede is 6-4 and Thomas Smart is 6-3. Isaac and Paul Escalante are additional quality receivers, as the Ramblers boast impressive depth at the position.
Dara Laja, who is about 500 yards shy of becoming the program's all-time leading rusher, and 210-pound senior Jack Loper offer a speed-power duo in the backfield.
"We have a lot of playmakers," Clifford said. "We have been clicking. You know Coach Holecek is going to have the defense ready for the first game. That is never going to be a worry for us. As long as we can keep it up with the offense, we should be real good this year."
Helfgot is a freelance reporter.
No. 7 Loyola Ramblers
2014: 11-3 (2-2, 3rd in CCL Blue), lost to Stevenson 24-21 in 2nd round of Class 8A playoffs (won Prep Bowl).
Coach: John Holecek (96-24, in 10th year at Loyola).
Playoff history: 25 appearances, 1 state title.
He's back: Ben LeRoy, Sr., 6-3, 260, DT; Emmett Clifford, Sr., 6-0, 190, QB; Eric Eshoo, Sr., 6-5, 225, WR/TE; Dara Laja, Sr., 5-9, 180, RB; Sam Badovinac, Sr., 6-1, 290, C.
He's new: Joey Zitella, Sr., 6-0, 190, S; John Brekke, Jr., 6-3, 260, OT.
Big name: Eshoo (Northwestern) and LeRoy (NIU) have made college commitments.
Big game: A regular-season game against playoff rival Maine South (Sept. 4 in Park Ridge) is a novelty, but the CCL Blue title could be on the line Week 9 when the Ramblers host Mount Carmel on Oct. 24.
Big question: Will 10 new faces produce the kind of defense Loyola has become known for?
Breakdown: With two Class 8A runner-up finishes and a bunch of Catholic Blue titles, there's only one thing for Loyola to accomplish under Holecek. Expect the defense to play at a high level and the offense to score points in bunches. Deep playoff runs typically require good health and a couple fortunate bounces of the ball. If the Ramblers get both, this could be the year they win it all.
Fast fact: Loyola has won at least 11 games each of the past seven seasons. No other team in the Chicago area can make that claim.
