Cub Football - formidable slate commences Friday, Loyola ranked 23rd by Times
LOYOLA OPENS WITH 17th-RANKED INGLEWOOD AT SMITH FIELD ON FRIDAY
Coming off a pandemic delayed and compressed undefeated spring campaign, Loyola returns a large number of starters on both sides of the ball which has created optimism for the 2021 season.
Graduation losses, though, should temper expectations. Gone from the Angelus League spring title squad are Angelus League MVP JEFFREY JOHNSON, a dominating defensive lineman; All-Angelus League outside linebacker FINN POWELL, who was voted the team MVP; All-CIF defensive lineman JOSH LONG; State Defensive Back of the Year and All-American corner CEYAIR WRIGHT (USC); All-Angelus League safety ZAKHARI SPEARS (Washington); All-Angelus League quarterback BRAYDEN ZERMENO (Arizona); and three stalwart offensive linemen, JOSH MORALES, CIARAN O’LIONAIN, and ANDRES PEREZ.
Several outstanding skill players return for what is hoped to be a banner senior campaign. The group is led by running back TAHJ OWENS (5-11, 195), the first ball carrier in Cub Football annals to earn All-CIF accolades as a sophomore (2019); and All-League receivers JACOBY KELLY (6-2.5, 195) and PETER VANIS (5-11, 180). OWENS and VANIS are also outstanding kick and punt returners, respectively.
One of the top offensive tackles in California, Angelus League Lineman of the Year, three-year starter SAM YOON (6-5, 301) anchors the Cub offensive line. Junior JACK SUSNJAR (6-6, 313) was recognized as one of the top returning junior linemen in the state. Senior tight end JOE TAYLOR (6-3, 220) possesses All-League credentials. Senior fullback JUSTIN MURRAY (5-11, 207) brings back superior strength and a physical style of play.
Senior All-Angelus League inside linebacker PATRICK SODL (5-11, 210) led the ‘Wolfpack’ in tackles this spring. He is expected to be the leader of the Cub defense. Joining SODL on the inside is sophomore linebacker TYE SMITH (6-1, 225), who played extensively on the varsity as a freshman.
All-Angelus League outside linebacker RAMAN ENIGBOKAN (6-2, 195) is one of the squad’s most skilled returnees. Junior outside linebacker ZACHARY BOWLES (5-11, 195) returns from a stout defensive unit. Junior JORDAN HEWETT (5-10, 180) and senior safety JACKSON SHEA (5-11, 180) have excellent coverage skills. Senior defensive lineman SHAWN LIN (6-4, 255) will lead the defensive line.
Two newcomers will aid Loyola’s cause. Junior wide receiver, transfer BAYLIN BROKKS (6-2, 190), a talented athlete; and junior defensive lineman KEENAN TARBET (6-4, 205), who was ranked as the seventh best player in Oregon, recently arrived to bolster the stop unit.
Other players to keep an eye on are junior wide receiver WILKE WILES (5-10, 180), junior corner KYLE SOMERVILLE (5-10, 181), sophomore offensive linemen RYAN TURK (6-3, 260) and RASHAD WESTBROOKS (6-2, 220); and senior running back/linebacker LUCA DiPAOLO (5-11, 225). Left-handed quarterback XAVIER RICE (6-4, 200) takes over behind center and is expected to deliver for the Cubs.
Friday’s zero week game against an uber talented Inglewood team at Smith Field (7:00p.m. kickoff) will go a long way in gauging the potential of a Loyola squad which possesses a strong corps of talented returnees but also a number of inexperienced first time starters.
The Los Angeles Times published its preseason Southland Top 25 today. Loyola was ranked 23rd, Three of the Cubs’ opponents were ranked higher, San Clemente (13th), Damien (16th), and Friday’s opponent, Inglewood (17th).
2021 LOYOLA VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE (all games at 7:00 p..m)
Friday, Aug. 20 INGLEWOOD @ Smith Field
Thursday, Aug. 26 @ DAMIEN (La Verne)
Friday, Sept. 3 CULVER CITY @ Smith Field
Friday, Sept. 10 CATHEDRAL @ Smith Field
Friday, Sept. 17 CRENSHAW @ Smith Field
Friday, Oct. 2 @ SAN CLEMENTE
Friday, Oct. 15 @ CRESPI*
Friday, Oct. 22 @ ST. FRANCIS*
Friday, Oct. 29 ST. PAUL* @ Smith Field
* Denotes Angelus League game
Friday’s season opener promises to be a blockbuster. Please come out and support the Cubs!
Coming off a pandemic delayed and compressed undefeated spring campaign, Loyola returns a large number of starters on both sides of the ball which has created optimism for the 2021 season.
Graduation losses, though, should temper expectations. Gone from the Angelus League spring title squad are Angelus League MVP JEFFREY JOHNSON, a dominating defensive lineman; All-Angelus League outside linebacker FINN POWELL, who was voted the team MVP; All-CIF defensive lineman JOSH LONG; State Defensive Back of the Year and All-American corner CEYAIR WRIGHT (USC); All-Angelus League safety ZAKHARI SPEARS (Washington); All-Angelus League quarterback BRAYDEN ZERMENO (Arizona); and three stalwart offensive linemen, JOSH MORALES, CIARAN O’LIONAIN, and ANDRES PEREZ.
Several outstanding skill players return for what is hoped to be a banner senior campaign. The group is led by running back TAHJ OWENS (5-11, 195), the first ball carrier in Cub Football annals to earn All-CIF accolades as a sophomore (2019); and All-League receivers JACOBY KELLY (6-2.5, 195) and PETER VANIS (5-11, 180). OWENS and VANIS are also outstanding kick and punt returners, respectively.
One of the top offensive tackles in California, Angelus League Lineman of the Year, three-year starter SAM YOON (6-5, 301) anchors the Cub offensive line. Junior JACK SUSNJAR (6-6, 313) was recognized as one of the top returning junior linemen in the state. Senior tight end JOE TAYLOR (6-3, 220) possesses All-League credentials. Senior fullback JUSTIN MURRAY (5-11, 207) brings back superior strength and a physical style of play.
Senior All-Angelus League inside linebacker PATRICK SODL (5-11, 210) led the ‘Wolfpack’ in tackles this spring. He is expected to be the leader of the Cub defense. Joining SODL on the inside is sophomore linebacker TYE SMITH (6-1, 225), who played extensively on the varsity as a freshman.
All-Angelus League outside linebacker RAMAN ENIGBOKAN (6-2, 195) is one of the squad’s most skilled returnees. Junior outside linebacker ZACHARY BOWLES (5-11, 195) returns from a stout defensive unit. Junior JORDAN HEWETT (5-10, 180) and senior safety JACKSON SHEA (5-11, 180) have excellent coverage skills. Senior defensive lineman SHAWN LIN (6-4, 255) will lead the defensive line.
Two newcomers will aid Loyola’s cause. Junior wide receiver, transfer BAYLIN BROKKS (6-2, 190), a talented athlete; and junior defensive lineman KEENAN TARBET (6-4, 205), who was ranked as the seventh best player in Oregon, recently arrived to bolster the stop unit.
Other players to keep an eye on are junior wide receiver WILKE WILES (5-10, 180), junior corner KYLE SOMERVILLE (5-10, 181), sophomore offensive linemen RYAN TURK (6-3, 260) and RASHAD WESTBROOKS (6-2, 220); and senior running back/linebacker LUCA DiPAOLO (5-11, 225). Left-handed quarterback XAVIER RICE (6-4, 200) takes over behind center and is expected to deliver for the Cubs.
Friday’s zero week game against an uber talented Inglewood team at Smith Field (7:00p.m. kickoff) will go a long way in gauging the potential of a Loyola squad which possesses a strong corps of talented returnees but also a number of inexperienced first time starters.
The Los Angeles Times published its preseason Southland Top 25 today. Loyola was ranked 23rd, Three of the Cubs’ opponents were ranked higher, San Clemente (13th), Damien (16th), and Friday’s opponent, Inglewood (17th).
2021 LOYOLA VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE (all games at 7:00 p..m)
Friday, Aug. 20 INGLEWOOD @ Smith Field
Thursday, Aug. 26 @ DAMIEN (La Verne)
Friday, Sept. 3 CULVER CITY @ Smith Field
Friday, Sept. 10 CATHEDRAL @ Smith Field
Friday, Sept. 17 CRENSHAW @ Smith Field
Friday, Oct. 2 @ SAN CLEMENTE
Friday, Oct. 15 @ CRESPI*
Friday, Oct. 22 @ ST. FRANCIS*
Friday, Oct. 29 ST. PAUL* @ Smith Field
* Denotes Angelus League game
Friday’s season opener promises to be a blockbuster. Please come out and support the Cubs!
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