Could Brother Rice surprise Loyola?

The Crusaders (4-1) will host the Ramblers (4-1) Friday night in a classic Catholic League Blue showdown. Despite losing quarterback Pat Parrilli (above) with a broken wrist in the 21-0 victory over Gordon Tech last week, the South Siders could prove to be more than just a speed bump for the Wilmette squad.

(Loyola needs to be careful not to look ahead to the regular season finale against St. Rita on October 22. After this week, the Ramblers host Fenwick on October 9 and will travel to Gordon Tech on October 16.)

Backup quarterback Billy McGivern will lead the Crusader offense tonight after throwing two touchdowns last week to running back JaRon Hill against the Rams. McGivern finished 4 of 6 for 118 yards passing after coming in to replace the injured Parrilli. Running backs Charlie Finn and Martez Walker will provide the rest of the attack.

On the defensive side of the ball, linemen Bryce Paul, Dan Croft and Ron Shelton will look to put pressure on Loyola quarterback Malcolm Weaver.

After blanking Orr, 32-0, in the season opener, the Crusaders beat Amundsen, 42-12, before falling at home to St. Rita, 24-0, in their lone defeat. Next came the big victory over Providence, 26-18, and last week's shutout of Gordon Tech.

While Amundsen and Gordon Tech have struggled this year, Orr won its last four games by a combined score of 149-27. St. Rita, of course, is ranked No. 3 in the state by the Chicago Tribune. And Providence could well be the best 1-4 squad in the country.

Ramblers, don't take the Crusaders for granted!