Matchup: Second round in Class 8A, 16th-seeded Stevenson (7-3) at top-seeded Loyola (10-0), noon Saturday, Nov. 7
How they got here: Loyola beat West Aurora 31-0, and Stevenson beat Conant 43-35.
First round recap: In a game that produced 10 total turnovers on Saturday, Oct. 31, Loyola survived an upset attempt on the strength of its defense, which recorded its fourth shutout of the season. Ahead 7-0 at intermission, the Ramblers, who surrender an average of 7.3 points a game, got separation in the second half with two touchdowns in the third quarter. Senior running back Dara Laja ran 22 times for 157 yards and two touchdowns. Junior quarterback Jake Marwede, who runs the Wildcat formation, had six carries for 31 yards and one score.
Getting to know Stevenson: A year ago, the Patriots beat the Ramblers 24-21 in the second round of the Class 8A playoffs on their way to an undefeated season and the program’s first state championship. But Stevenson lost several starters from last season’s team to graduation, including quarterback Willie Bourbon, receiver Cameron Green, defensive lineman Nick Dillon and linebacker Jason Vravick. But Loyola coach John Holecek said the Patriots aren’t hurting for talented athletes on either side of the ball. The offense starts with senior quarterback Jack Sorenson, a converted receiver who has committed to Miami (Ohio). He’s completed 59.9 percent of his passes for 1,754 yards with 14 touchdowns and eight interceptions. His favorite target has been junior receiver Henry Marchese, who has 56 catches for 953 yards and nine touchdowns. Senior running back Tyler Vincent leads the Patriots in rushing with 106 attempts for 976 yards and 14 touchdowns. Defensively, Holecek said Stevenson likes to blitz from all angles and from multiple positions. Junior safety Charlie Bourbon, the younger brother of Willie Bourbon, has three interceptions and two fumble recoveries.
Sound bite: “Obviously, there is a bad taste in our mouth from last year.” — Holecek
