Loyola Beats Edwardsville In Football Semis

WILMETTE, IL — The Ramblers are headed to their fourth state title game in five years in Class 8A football. Loyola Academy, seeded sixth, extended their winning streak to 12 games as they traveled downstate and defeated the Edwardsville Tigers, 17-10, in the 2017 IHSA Class 8A semifinals Saturday.

Loyola will take on the winner of the game between Maine South, of Park Ridge, or Lincoln Way East, of Frankfort, for the state title on Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. in DeKalb.

Loyola has reached the Class 8A state semifinals for three years in a row and eight times in nine seasons. Head coach John Holecek, who last week overtook legend John Hoerster for the school win record, will be seeking his all-time 135th victory, according to Maroon & Gold Sports.

The Tigers were going for their 10th win in a row. They had twice previously reached state championship games, in Class 7A during the 2001 and 2002 seasons, according to the Belleville News-Democrat.

I will be making the drive to Edwardsville for the Class 8A state semi with @MichaelFelishJr. For fans who are also taking the trip, send to me your questions and photos on the way using #RamblerRoadtrip. Answers and pics will be RT'd. See you there.
— Matt Harness (@LAmaroongold) November 17, 2017

QB1 @qpboyle7 and the @LAFootballAC team are officially on the road to Edwardsville. Be sure to send your best selfies tomorrow to @LAmaroongold using #RamblerRoadTrip! pic.twitter.com/vyFyvrlvfj
— Michael A. Felish (@MichaelFelishJr) November 18, 2017

Rhys Logan’s 9-yard touchdown run has been the deciding factor thus far in @IHSA_IL 8A semifinal. @LAFootballAC leads @Sports_EHS 10-3 at halftime. #GoRamblers pic.twitter.com/7q3ztFXdY0
— Michael A. Felish (@MichaelFelishJr) November 18, 2017

Loyola Academy Football | Patch file, Jonah Meadows