Introduction to the Season
Two factors largely determine preseason rankings: returning starters and program history. And a star quarterback always helps. Loyola has the program history. The Ramblers are going for a fourth consecutive Class 8A state championship. But this is an entirely new team. Loyola returns only a handful of starters, so the No. 2 ranking might seem like a stretch. To live up to it, the Ramblers will need massive contributions from some talented sophomores who have yet to play a varsity game.
Coaching and Team Dynamics
“The last couple of years, we’ve been very fortunate where we’ve had a lot of returning starters back,” Ramblers coach Beau Desherow said. “This year, we’re young. We have some really good young talent. We’re coaching them hard and throwing a lot at them.” The team’s coaching staff, including former Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald as a volunteer coach, will play a crucial role in preparing the new players for the season.
Returning Starters and New Talent
Colin Vardijan and Tommy Fraumann return on the offensive line. Nick Richter and Kai Calcutt return on the defensive line and linebacker Gavin King is back. That’s it for starters. Linebacker Henry Newton and receiver Robert Clingan played significant minutes last year. “There are definitely a lot of new guys filling really big shoes,” King said. “But the coaching that we have is easily the best in the state. Anyone who has not played in a varsity game can be ready on the first snap in the first week.”
Sophomore Players to Watch
Matthew Lee, a 6-4, 200-pound sophomore quarterback, has received the most early hype. He already has an offer from Wisconsin and interest from Notre Dame and Michigan. Desherow says junior Dom Maloney is also in the mix at quarterback. Sophomore wide receiver Jordan McKinley has offers from Iowa State, Nebraska and Wisconsin. Like Lee, he has not played in a varsity game. Desherow is excited about sophomore running backs Carmelo Maldonado and Jayden Garrett. “Those two are very talented,” Desherow said. “Maldonado’s brother played for us. We have a nice history with their family. We also have a good senior running back in Owen Lamb. He’s a bigger kid, a nice change-of-pace type.”
Team Morale and Schedule
“We’ve been building a brotherhood throughout the summer,” Calcutt said. “It’s a really special group of guys. I can’t wait to see what the season brings us.” Loyola doesn’t have a Week 2 game scheduled, and Desherow didn’t seem confident he would find one. Teams don’t see much upside in playing the Ramblers, even when the team is full of sophomores. That’s certainly a compliment to the program’s coaching staff and successful history.
Conclusion
Loyola’s attempt to win a fourth consecutive state championship will be a challenging one, given the lack of returning starters. However, with talented sophomores and a strong coaching staff, the team is confident in their abilities. “Going for a four-peat is historic,” Calcutt said. “But those last three seasons are behind us. We can’t think anything is going to be handed to us because of the past. We have to go out and earn it.”
FAQs
Q: Who are the returning starters for Loyola?
A: The returning starters for Loyola are Colin Vardijan, Tommy Fraumann, Nick Richter, Kai Calcutt, and Gavin King.
Q: Who are the talented sophomores to watch?
A: The talented sophomores to watch are Matthew Lee, Jordan McKinley, Carmelo Maldonado, and Jayden Garrett.
Q: Does Loyola have a Week 2 game scheduled?
A: No, Loyola does not have a Week 2 game scheduled.
Q: What is the team’s mindset going into the season?
A: The team is focused on building a brotherhood and earning their fourth consecutive state championship, rather than relying on their past success.
