High school football: Loyola’s defense dominates Class 8A title game

CHAMPAIGN – It was not expected by anyone in the crowd, on the field or on the sidelines and it was over in an instant. Loyola’s first offensive play was an 80-yard touchdown pass from Jake Stearney to Declan Forde on a flea flicker.

With the Ramblers’ dominant defense, that initial successful burst of daring was all that was necessary to secure a 13-3 win against Lincoln-Way East in the Class 8A state championship game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Stearney and Forde connected again on a 17-yard touchdown late in the third quarter.

Stearney was 14-for-19 passing for 174yards and the two touchdowns. Forde had three catches for 110 yards and senior Spencer Leadbetter had five receptions for 28 yards.

Loyola’s defense, led by lineman Brooks Bahr and defensive back Johnny McGuire, allowed the Griffins (13-1) just 115 yards rushing and 81 yards passing.

It’s the third state championship for the Ramblers (13-1), who won the Class 8A title in 2018 and 2015 and the Class 6A title in 1993.

Loyola’s only loss this season was to Mount Carmel, the Class 7A state champions.

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