The Ramblers offense was a model of efficiency as they mounted one long scoring drive after another to punch their ticket to the Class 8A quarterfinals with a 31-7 second-round win at Millennium Field in Streamwood.

All five of Loyola’s scoring drives lasted at least 12 plays, and senior quarterback Peter Pujals feasted on the short passing routes Bartlett’s defense made available by completing 31 of 45 attempts for 266 yards. His top two receivers also enjoyed big days as Richie Wehman racked up 15 receptions for 127 yards and Joe Joyce totaled 10 catches for 80 yards.

“We had the game plan that was necessary for their defense and we executed it pretty well,” Pujals said. “If we make the correct reads, I make nice passes and (the receivers) catch the ball like they did, we’ll be fine.”

Loyola (10-1) moves on to play Palatine next week, but a spot in the quarterfinals was no sure thing for the Ramblers after they fell behind 7-0 on Aaron Everson’s 66-yard touchdown run on the game’s second play from scrimmage.

The lead didn’t last long for Bartlett (7-4) as Loyola marched 57 yards in 12 plays on the ensuing possession and tied the score when Pujals took a quarterback draw from four yards out into the end zone midway through the first quarter. The Ramblers then pulled ahead for good when Ryan Ribordy’s 1-yard touchdown plunge capped a 17-play, 84-yard drive that made the score 14-7 with 8:33 left in the second quarter.

It was more of the same in the second half as long Loyola drives led to Mike Kurzdlowski’s 32-yard field goal, Julius Holley’s 2-yard touchdown run and Colin Skinner’s 3-yard touchdown run. Loyola was a perfect 5-for-5 on fourth-down conversions and finished the contest with 445 yards of total offense and 31 first downs.

“Our game plan was to make them take 15 plays,” Bartlett coach Tom Meaney said. “We wanted to keep everything in front of us.”

Added Bartlett defensive end Chris Kantzavelos: “They are just a great offensive passing team. Our D-line played our hearts out trying to get that quarterback, but he’s so shifty. He played an excellent game.”

Everson added to his single-season school rushing record by racking up 102 yards on 20 carries. He also had a 71-yard reception from senior quarterback Steve Hrbacek, who finished with 117 passing yards in his first extended time under center since breaking his clavicle on Bartlett’s first possession of the season in August.

Holley totaled 113 yards on 22 carries for Loyola. Meanwhile, the Ramblers defense righted the ship after allowing the early touchdown and held the Hawks to only two first downs in the second half.

Senior Daniel Rafferty recorded his fifth interception of the year to thwart a promising Bartlett drive late in the second quarter. The Ramblers finished with a 4-3 advantage in turnovers.

“That long run was kind of a shocker with it being the second play of the game, but I think we got ourselves together and battled the rest of the game,” Rafferty said.

LOYOLA 31, BARTLETT 7

Loyola 7 7 10 7 -- 31

Bartlett 7 0 0 0 -- 7

Scoring summary

B – Everson 66 run (Hrbacek kick), 11:18

L – Pujals 4 run (Kurzdlowski kick), 7:22

L – Ribordy 1 run (Kurzdlowski kick), 8:33

L – Kurzdlowski 32 FG, 7:57

L – Holley 2 run (Kurzdlowski kick), 1:36

L – Skinner 3 run (Kurzdlowski kick), 0:07

Team statistics B L

First downs 7 31