Loyola High School’s football team remains undefeated and ranked second in the latest local Top 25 standings, heading into a critical matchup against No. 4 Mount Carmel this Friday in Wilmette. The Ramblers (8-0) overcame a challenging first half against IC Catholic last week, rallying from a 35-21 halftime deficit to shut out their opponent 24-0 in the second half, extending their unbeaten streak.
A key contributor to Loyola’s success this season has been senior linebacker Will Mettee, a Boston College recruit and Evanston resident. Mettee has led the team in tackles in every game, setting the tone both on the field and in the weight room. Loyola head coach John Holecek, a former NFL linebacker, praised Mettee’s combination of strength, speed, and toughness, highlighting his impact on the team’s defensive turnaround following last season’s disappointing 4-5 record. "He’s as strong as I was in the NFL," Holecek said, noting Mettee’s versatility and leadership.
Mettee, who stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 225 pounds, has demonstrated significant athletic growth during his high school career. He recorded 16 total tackles, three tackles for loss, a sack, and a touchdown on a fumble recovery in a previous victory over No. 3 Brother Rice. Loyola strength coach Jeff Lindeman described Mettee as the fastest linebacker the program has had, emphasizing his blend of speed and skill alongside his physical power.
The linebacker attributed his development to early and consistent weight training combined with speed and agility drills, a regimen encouraged by his older brother Mac, who played at Evanston. Mettee’s commitment to Boston College came after a visit during spring break, where he connected with the coaching staff and campus environment. He expressed excitement about the prospect of playing early and pursuing a strong education while living in Boston.
Mettee draws inspiration from Boston College linebacker alumni, including Pro Football Hall of Famer Luke Kuechly and recent Miami Dolphins rookie Jacob Rodriguez, citing their playing styles as models for his own sideline-to-sideline approach. He and fellow Loyola senior Boston College commit Charlie Fowler, a tight end expected to return from injury for the playoffs, plan to attend Boston College’s game against Pittsburgh shortly after their high school season concludes.
This week’s game against Mount Carmel will be Loyola's final regular-season contest before the playoffs begin. Meanwhile, the top-ranked Lincoln-Way East Griffins continue their unbeaten run following a defensive performance that yielded another shutout victory. Other notable undefeated teams include Hersey (ranked sixth), which faces No. 7 Prospect in another significant matchup, and Morris entering at No. 23 with an 8-0 record.
As Loyola closes out the regular season, Mettee and his teammates have shifted their mindset from last year’s struggles toward a renewed focus on collective effort and resilience. “One bad play, flush it. Keep a ‘next play’ mentality,” Mettee said, encapsulating the Ramblers’ preparation for their upcoming playoff run.