NORMAL—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.
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."
The Ramblers (12-2) 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 but the Ramblers ahead for good at 21-14.
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.
"Loyola has such a great history and legacy," MacPherson said. "We have one of the best coaching staffs in the country if not the best."
Gavin Vradenburg had five catches for 74 yards with one touchdown. Linebacker Charlie Daly had 12 tackles to lead the Ramblers.
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.
