By Craig Lynch –
The Oswego High School Panthers couldn’t get untracked Saturday afternoon. They played Loyola Academy in Wilmette in a Class 8A second round football playoff game. They were blanked, 22-0, to end their season with a 10-1 record.
“I think we play good competition, but this was the best team we played all season,” said Oswego head coach Brian Cooney.
The Panthers turned the ball over four times, which led to 13 Loyola points. Michael Goodwin missed a field goal and quarterback Noah Parker’s 35-yard touchdown strike to Jamal Fomby, Jr. was wiped out by an offensive pass interference call.
“That was a big play,” said Cooney. “They called offensive interference. Whether it was or wasn’t we would have been back in the game.”
Parker completed eight of 21 passes for 152 yards. He threw two interceptions. One was returned for a touchdown which capped the scoring. Oswego running back Charles Coleman was limited to 46 yards on 15 carries.
“We just couldn’t run against them,” Cooney said. “When you’re a public school running up against a private school that leads to problems.”
Cooney liked the way his defense hung in against the Loyola offense. He especially was pleased with the play of junior defensive Jack Hugunin.
“I thought Jack played hard until the end,” Cooney said.
Loyola improved to 8-3 and will play a quarterfinal game at Maine South, 10-1, which defeated host Waubonsie Valley, 41-14 Saturday.