It's Loyola at Maine South...

...next week in the 8A semifinals. The Ramblers beat the Caravan, 24-7, for the second time this season at Gately Stadium in Chicago. And the Hawks defeated the Titans, 44-23, in Park Ridge.

Loyola (11-1) managed its victory without a single offensive touchdown. Senior Leo Sheridan kicked an Illinois high school record five field goals and the defensive unit scored a touchdown on a blocked punt and added a safety later. Mt. Carmel (8-4) turned the ball over five times in the second half, including two interceptions late in the game.

The Hawks' victory over the Titans extended their winning streak to 26 games. Their offense scored on every possession, leaving their punter on the sidelines for the entire game (he was the one sitting down doing the crossword puzzle). As usual, Matt Perez was the star, rushing for 314 yards on 21 carries and scoring four touchdowns, two on runs of 45 and 77 yards. (He also had five tackles on defense after missing most of the week with the flu. Will somebody please give this guy a diploma?) Quarterback Tyler Benz also ran for 41 yards on 8 carries and was 10-for-15 passing with 150 yards and one touchdown. Glenbrook South finished the season at 9-3.

Next week will be Loyola's first appearance in the semifinals since they won the state championship in 1993. The showdown will pit one of Illinois' stingiest defenses against one of its most productive offenses. In the last seven games, Loyola has allowed only five touchdowns. Matt Perez, on the other hand, is arguably the best running back in the state. And when the Indiana-bound senior isn't carrying the ball, quarterback Tyler Benz is a threat to run as well as pass. I've seen Maine South play several times over the years and always came away thinking they were beatable, but not yesterday. As good as Loyola is (and this could be their best team since the '93 championship squad), I just can't see anybody beating Maine South this year, especially if they play like they did against Glenbrook South. They just have too many weapons on offense. I was at the game last year when the Hawks eliminated the Ramblers in Park Ridge on a cold November Saturday. Although the North Siders are a much improved team, I expect to see a similar result next week.