Loyola dominates Naperville CentralMichael O’Brienon November 6, 2021 at 10:48 pm

Loyola’s James Kreutz (10) celebrates with Michael Willimas (92) after scoring against Naperville Central. | Allen Cunningham/For the Sun-Times

Playoff wins at Naperville Central are not supposed to be easy. Loyola’s players expected a battle against the Redhawks on Saturday, but it never materialized.

Playoff wins at Naperville Central are not supposed to be easy. Loyola’s players expected a battle against the Redhawks on Saturday, but it never materialized.

The Ramblers were too big in the trenches for Naperville Central and cruised to a 36-7 win in the second round of the Class 8A state playoffs.

Quarterback Jack Stearney completed his first 12 passes of the game and the Loyola offense met little resistance on its first few drives.

“We were just able to run all over them,” Loyola running back Mike Regan said. “It’s easier than we thought but I’m glad we got out with the win.”

Regan had 19 carries for 85 yards. Stearney finished 16 of 19 for 150 yards with two touchdown passes and one interception. He had eight carries for 57 yards.

“Going in we thought it would be very close, similar to the Marist game,” Stearney sadi. “But the offensive line was rolling today. They were amazing.”

Linebacker James Kreutz came in as quarterback at the goal line and scored on two short touchdown runs in the first quarter. Stearney connected with Charlie Mahon for a 21-yard touchdown pass early in the second quarter and running back Kyan Gibbs scored on an eight-yard run midway through the second quarter.

“This whole week we prepared nonstop,” Stearney said. “In the first half we scored on every drive. We were lights out. The line gave us great holes but I think in the second half we got a little ahead of ourselves mentally.

Kreutz was a tremendous force on defense. He deflected passes, knocked off a helmet with a devastating tackle and just created havoc all over the field.

“He’s probably the best pure football player I’ve ever coached,” Loyola coach John Holecek said. “He’s an animal. He’s all go, all the time. Even in practice.”

The lack of interest in Kreutz from college football programs is puzzling.

“He has a couple of schools interested, maybe Southeast Missouri,” Holeceks said. “Illinois is calling him but there is no offer. People are calling him but there are no offers. They don’t think he’s big enough. He’s young, he just turned 17 in August. He’s got long arms, he’s six feet. I’m sure there will be plenty of interest once everyone’s season is over and they actually see him. His highlights are ridiculous.”

Naperville Central’s only score came on a one-yard run by Tristan Hall with 4:15 left in the third quarter. Hall had eight carries for 26 yards.

The Redhawks opened the season with wins against Hinsdale Central and Lincoln-Way East and lost by three on the road at Neuqua Valley. That’s as strong a resume as any team in Class 8A other than the Ramblers.

Quarterback Owen Prucha was 13-for-30 for 97 yards with one interception. Northwestern recruit Reggie Fleurima caught five passes for 41 yards for the Redhawks (7-4).

“We have to get used to the officials,” Holecek said. “They were a little flag happy. Catholic League refs don’t call as much. We have to be smarter.”

Loyola (11-0) will host the Lincoln-Way East vs. Minooka winner in the quarterfinals next weekend.

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