Lombard Montini 24 - Loyola Academy 41 - | Final
Shortly after Lombard Montini won their second consecutive Class 5A state championship last year, many people were wondering who would replace Matt Westerkamp at quarterback for the 2011 season. However, over the summer, Coach Andriano received an early Christmas present when John Rhode, a 2-year starter at Marian Catholic transferred to Montini. After a successful 7 on 7 summer campaign, Montini was ready to start on their quest for a 3rd straight Class 5A state title. However in a scrimmage game just days before the first game of the year, Rhodes fractured his right thumb and had to have surgery to insert a pin. He is currently out for another 4 weeks.
On the other side, Loyola Academy is still wondering “What If”. Last year they lost to eventual state champion Maine South 29-22 in the Class 8A State Semi-Finals. This year, they have 1 goal and that is the 2011 Class 8A State Championship
On a sunny Saturday afternoon, I made the drive up to Wilmette, IL to cover the Loyola Academy – Lombard Montini game.
The game started off just like Lombard Montini wanted it to. A quick strike from QB Mark Gorogianis to All-Stater and Nebraska recruit Jordan Westerkamp.
Mark Gorogianis’ first pass of the game goes for a Touchdown.
Jordan Westerkamp catches his one of his three touchdowns on the day.
But after that, Loyola Academy’s quarterback Malcolm Weaver took over by tossing 2 touchdown passes and running for another score before the 1st quarter was over. Loyola was up 21-7 at the end of the first quarter.
Malcolm Weaver – 3 touchdowns in the 1st quarter
Malcolm Weaver – 3 touchdowns in the 1st quarter
During the second quarter, Montini and Loyola traded touchdowns highlighted by Jordan Westerkamp 38 yard touchdown catch.
Westerkamp hauls in his second touchdown of the day. End with – 7 rec – 135 yards – 3 touchdowns
#1 William Palivos had big day with 26 rushes for 92 yards.
At the end of the first half it was 28-17 Loyola.
In the second half, Montini came out fired up and I thought they might make a strong run at Loyola, but Loyola defense stepped up to the challenge and Montini had to settle for a field goal by Andrew Harte.
#97 Michael Scott was in the Montini backfield often.
Kicker Andrew Harte kicks a 37-yard field goal.
Loyola didn’t waste anytime when Malcolm Weaver connected with Connor Person for another touchdown to increase their lead to 35-17 heading into the 4th quarter.
Weaver looks for the open receiver.
Connor Person goes up for the grab. 5 catches – 61 yards, 2 Touchdowns
Throughout the day, it looked like Weaver was creating a highlight film for college coaches. In the 4th quarter he added another highlight by tossing his 5th touchdown pass of the day to Dylan Brennan to take a 41-17 lead.
Weaver on the run again. (21 – 29 passes – 246 yards 5 TDs, rush 15 times 100 yards, 1 TD)
In the final minutes of the game, Mark Gorogianis threw his third touchdown pass to Westerkamp.
Gorogianis looks for an open receiver.
#1 Joseph Borsellino runs for a big gain.
Final Score: Loyola Academy 41 – Lombard Montini 24