Loyola Takes Down York to Secure a Class 8A Three-Peat

A triumphant finish to a season marked by ups and downs

Loyola, which opened the season as the top-ranked team in the area, appeared to have its ups and downs over the past few months. But really, it was just with Ryan Fitzgerald and without Fitzgerald. When the 6-3, 205-pound quarterback played, Loyola won. Almost every game for two seasons. The senior finished his career on Saturday at ISU’s Hancock Stadium by orchestrating a 35-14 win against York in the Class 8A state championship.

A dominant performance by the Ramblers

Loyola was 24-1 in Fitzgerald’s starts over the past two seasons. The only loss was against East St. Louis in Week 1 this year. It’s the third consecutive Class 8A state title for Loyola and the school’s sixth overall.

“It’s a great feeling,” Fitzgerald said. “I’m really proud of every guy in that locker room for grinding every day.”

A strong start for York, but ultimately a tough finish

The Ramblers trailed early. Jimmy Conners ripped off a 74-yard touchdown run to give York a 7-0 lead. York tied the game at 14 in the second quarter on a four-yard run by Bruno Massel.

It was all Loyola from then on. Drew MacPherson had 17 carries for 130 yards and two touchdowns. MacPherson’s 16-yard touchdown pass from Fitzgerald with 2:58 left in the second quarter put the Ramblers ahead for good at 21-14.

Individual performances

Fitzgerald was 12-for-21 for 160 yards and three touchdowns. MacPherson had 19 carries for 150 yards and two touchdowns. He caught four passes for 41 yards. Gavin Vradenburg had five catches for 74 yards with one touchdown. Linebacker Charlie Daly had 12 tackles to lead the Ramblers.

York’s effort falls short

Massel was 6-for-18 for 81 yards. He had 17 carries for 141 yards and a touchdown.

“When these kids were freshmen we were on a 10-year playoff drought,” York coach Don Gelsomino said. “We are leaving in the 8A title game after three straight semis. What they have done is something this community is going to remember.”

Conclusion

Loyola’s convincing win marks their third consecutive Class 8A state title and sixth overall. The team’s success can be attributed to the strong leadership of quarterback Ryan Fitzgerald and the impressive performances of players like Drew MacPherson, Gavin Vradenburg, and Charlie Daly.

FAQs

* What was the score of the Class 8A state championship game?
The final score was Loyola 35, York 14.
* How many consecutive Class 8A state titles does Loyola have?
Three.
* What was Ryan Fitzgerald’s record as a starting quarterback for Loyola?
24-1 over the past two seasons.
* Who led the Ramblers in tackles?
Linebacker Charlie Daly had 12 tackles.