The Beau Desherow era is off and running.

The new head coach and his Loyola Academy football team on Saturday scored unanswered touchdowns in each of their first four possessions and went on to trounce traditional Michigan powerhouse Catholic Central of Grand Rapids, 45-7, on the road.

Junior Ryan Fitzgerald made an impressive debut as the starting Ramblers quarterback. Highlighting his performance were a 2-yard pass to lineman Joe Kelly for their second touchdown in the first quarter, a 1-yard run with three seconds left in the first quarter for their third TD, and a 30-yard pass to Owen Joyce in the end zone for their fourth TD late in the first half.

Drew Macpherson also played an outstanding game. He opened the scoring with a 6-yard run with 3:57 elapsed and excelled at both a runner and a pass reciever.

Lucas Holubar relieved Fitzgerald at quarterback in the third quarter and led the Ramblers on a scoring drive climaxed by his 4-yard pass to Aaron Appiah-Kubi.

In the fourth quarter, Freedom Ali came in to play quarterback and also stood out. He got the last touchdown on a 12-yard run.

Mike Baker kicked all six extra points plus a 25-yard field goal in the third quarter.

The only touchdown for the Cougars came on a 57-yard reception by Mill Coleman III of a pass thrown by Connor Wolf, reducing their deficit to 31-7 late in the third quarter.

Loyola Academy is on the road again in Week 2, when it will travel to Naperville North for a 7 p.m. kickoff on Friday, Sept. 1.

This story will be updated with quotes and more information on Sunday, Aug. 27.

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