Providence has passing fancy against Loyola
WILMETTE -- The Providence Catholic High School defense stepped to the front on Saturday.
So did the Celtics' passing game.
That combination led to a 10-3 win over Loyola Academy in Chicago Catholic League Blue play.
Junior quarterback Joey Houlihan passed for 271 yards and a touchdown for Providence (2-1, 1-0). The junior completed 13-of-21 passes. One of those completions was a 54-yarder for a touchdown to his brother, senior wide receiver Pete Houlihan.
That touchdown, which came with 2:32 remaining in the first quarter, was the game's only score.
"One of our keys was our offensive line," Providence coach Mark Coglianese said. "They gave Joey good time back there and he hit his receivers."
Senior Joe Sawicki also played well for Providence. He caught 5 passes for 134 yards. The 6-foot-4, 220-poundergrabbed a 56-yard reception in the third quarter.
"Joe Sawicki is a big target and made some key grabs for us today," Coglianese said. "We have more than just Tim Hanrahan as an offensive weapon."
Hanrahan, a senior running back, finished with 56 yards receiving and 77 yards rushing.
Providence amassed 361 yards compared to 248 for Loyola (2-1, 0-1).
"The senior leadership of our defense helped us gain control of the game," Coglianese said. "They know what it takes to win. They showed that trait again today."
Providence senior defensive lineman Steve Laski had 6 tackles. Senior linebacker Tyler Plantz finished with 5.
Alec Pickett, the Celtics' regular kicker, didn't play because he was playing with the school's soccer team.
Junior Victor Vernon took over the kicking chores and delivered a 25-yard field goal with 10:01 remaining in the game. That kick pushed Providence's lead to 10-0.
"This was Victor first varsity game," Coglianese said. "He came through in a nice way. We have two players who can kickoff and kick field goals.
"This was a team win all the way. There was no one guy who had to do it all. But the 55 yards in penalties in the first half was not good."
