Brother Rice Dominates Loyola with Strong Defensive Performance

On September 29, 2023, Brother Rice delivered a commanding performance against Loyola, securing a decisive 28-6 victory in their CCL/ESCC Blue Division opener. The team, ranked No. 1 in Class 7A, showcased their defensive prowess by limiting Loyola, ranked No. 3 in Class 8A, to just 21 rushing yards throughout the contest. Kameron McGee led the charge with two sacks and multiple tackles for loss, demonstrating the Crusaders’ dominance at the line of scrimmage.

The game began with Brother Rice displaying confidence, despite a pair of first-half turnovers. A pivotal moment occurred early when a bad snap led to a turnover, giving Loyola possession at the Brother Rice 2-yard line. Despite the setback, the Crusaders’ defense stood firm, forcing the Ramblers to settle for a 34-yard field goal from Zak Zeman, who put Loyola ahead 3-0.

Casey Quedenfeld, head coach of Brother Rice, acknowledged the challenge posed by Loyola, a three-time defending state champion. “That’s the premier program in the state of Illinois, and our seniors have known that since the day I got here,” Quedenfeld stated. “We knew we had to come out and swing first.”

As the first quarter progressed, Brother Rice’s resilience shone through. The Crusaders surged ahead in the second quarter with a 21-yard touchdown pass from quarterback C.J. Gray to Lucas Strang, who finished the game with 95 receiving yards. Gray, who committed to Army, stood out with a total of 332 yards and four touchdowns, showing his ability to adapt under pressure.

“We had a couple of mistakes, but once C.J. calmed down, he got going,” Quedenfeld remarked. “They were struggling to keep up with our tempo.” This tempo proved crucial as Brother Rice began to take control of the game.

Even when Loyola managed to intercept a pass, the Crusaders maintained their defensive strength. They held the Ramblers to a 28-yard field goal as time expired in the first half, trailing 6-14 at halftime. The Brother Rice defense, led by standout linemen King Liggins and Brayden Parks, demonstrated remarkable discipline and determination.

As the third quarter unfolded, Brother Rice continued to assert their dominance. A group effort from the defense forced a three-and-out, stopping a quarterback option play for a 9-yard loss. Liggins, an Illinois recruit, emphasized the importance of their preparation, stating, “When you have hard practices, you’ll wind up having a good game. It’s a big confidence builder, but we can’t get complacent.”

The second half saw Brother Rice utilize their offensive tempo effectively. A 44-yard deep pass from Gray to Strang positioned the Crusaders inside the Loyola red zone, culminating in a 5-yard touchdown run by Gray, extending their lead to 14-6. Shortly after, McGee made another impressive play, tackling for loss and breaking up a pass attempt, reinforcing Brother Rice’s defensive dominance.

Loyola’s sophomore wide receiver, Jordan McKinley, acknowledged the team’s struggles, stating, “We got outworked on offense, defense, and special teams. We have to put our heads down and get back to work.”

With the score at 14-6 early in the fourth quarter, Brother Rice’s defense forced a turnover on downs. The offense capitalized with a stunning 71-yard touchdown run by Gray, marking the biggest play of the night. The Crusaders amassed a total of 403 yards, showcasing their offensive capabilities alongside their strong defense.

A final 47-yard touchdown pass from Gray to Darrion Clinton capped off a resounding victory for Brother Rice. The Crusaders now boast a record of 4-0, with a promising start to their conference play. Despite the loss, Loyola remains a formidable opponent, and both teams will reflect on this game as they prepare for their upcoming challenges in the season.