Caravan Show Why They're Number 1 with 42-37 Win over the Ramblers

Saturday the Caravan and the Ramblers came in to Hoerster Field as the number 1 and number 2 teams in the area respectively. It was the most anticipated matchup of the season, and it was fitting that it was the last game of the year.

Last season the Ramblers got a tight road win on the South Side 21-19 to cap off a 9-0 2021 regular season. The Caravan were looking to return the favor to solidify their number 1 ranking. They've beaten the Ramblers in Wilmette just once in the last ten years; a 17-12 week 3 barn burner in 2018. During that span the Caravan were 1-4 at Hoerster field.

This game lived up to the hype as it was back and forth throughout. Mount Carmel scored the first touchdown of the game after Michael Baker's 45 yard field goal put Loyola ahead 3-0. Darrion Dupree's (7 carries, 81 yards) 49 yard run set up 22 yard pass from Blainey Dowling to Dennis Furlong. However Loyola answered back with Jake Stearney's 24 yard touchdown run on a keeper.

Ramblers receiver Quinn Foley scored from 13 yards out on a reverse to start the second quarter. The Caravan answered on their next possession as Dowling connected with Danyil Taylor for a 13 yard touchdown.

Toward the end of the first half the Caravan put together a drive that set up a field goal attempt for Louie Chappetto. The Ramblers blocked the attempt, and Will Nimesheim closed out the half taking a direct snap at the Caravan 3 yard line.

It was all Mount Carmel in the 3rd quarter as they outscored Loyola 21-0 in the first ten plus minutes in the quarter before Nimesheim (18 carries, 66 yards, 2 touchdowns, 3 receptions, 44 yards) got another 3 yard run on a direct snap to close the quarter out. Dowling had a 14 yard keeper at the 8:18 markof the 3rd quarter, and Alonzo Manning got 2 touchdown runs of 7 and 18 yards, the first of which coming after a Loyola fumble.

Mount Carmel and Loyola exchanged touchdowns to start the fourth quarter. Dowling through a 12 yard pass in the corner of the endzone to Darrion Gilliam (3 receptions, 27 yards) who caught the ball over the head of the defender. Less than two minutes later Stearney through his only touchdown pass: a 23 yard strike to Spencer Leadbetter (5 receptions, 72 yards, 1 touchdown).

The Ramblers had a chance to take the lead in the final minutes. They were in Caravan territory after 2 consecutive pass interference penalties were called on Mount Carmel. They were unable to capitalize on the Caravan mistakes and the Caravan hung on 42-37.

Blainey Dowling went 15/28 for 151 yards and 3 touchdown passes, and had 5 carries for 25 yards and a touchdown. Jake Stearney went 13/27 for 198 yards and 1 touchdown, and had 8 carries for 72 yards and 1 touchdown.

Dennis Furlong was the x-factor for the Caravan. He caught 4 passes for 78 yards and 1 touchdown, and had 6 carries for 97 yards, including a 59 yard run.

With the win, the Caravan (9-0, 3-0 CCL/ESCC Blue) clinch the #1 seed in class 7A, and will host Buffalo Grove (4-5, 2-3 Mid Suburban East), the only 4-5 team in the 256-team field. Loyola (8-1, 2-1 CCL/ESCC Blue) clinches the 6th seed in class 8A, and will host Plainfield South (6-3, 5-0 SWP East).