Loyola's first big test...

...of the season could come this Friday night when the Ramblers travel down to New Lenox to take on undefeated Providence. (And no, I don't think the Montini game was much of a contest. With the exception of wide receiver Jordan Westerkamp, the Broncos are just another good 5A team.)

Providence is one of my dark horses this year (along with Homewood-Flossmoor, who will also get their first test this weekend, against Lincoln-Way East). The Celtics are coming off a disastrous losing season in 2010 but are 3-0 so far this year. The offense is led by running back Andrew Hoffmeister, above, who scored four touchdowns in last week's 49-31 victory over St. Laurence. (You don't suppose his real name is Andrew Hoff, do you?) Brandon Price and Jack Klyczek round out the Providence backfield.

But what concerns me about Providence is the fact that their defense gave up 21 points to St. Laurence -- at home -- after leading 49-10 in the third quarter. Did Providence let up, or did Coach Mark Coglianese put in the second-string? Or am I thinking of a different team -- one that allowed only 6 points against Morgan Park and shut out Minooka, above? Beats me. Either way, the Celtics' defense, led by linebackers Mike Valentino, Brian Fordon and Jack Fordon, and lineman Nick Cemeno, Mike Hryn and Vincent Ambrose, has to be at its very best against this year's Ramblers, who may be the most talented squad Coach John Holecek has ever fielded.

BOWG prediction: Loyola 35, Providence 21.