Cub Football - Loyola sophomores go undefeated the old school way
LOYOLA SOPHOMORE SQUAD COMPLETES FIRST UNDEFEATED SEASON OF NEW MILLENNIUM
For long time supporters of Cub Football there were hallmark standards that are remembered as the foundation of what made the Loyola football program a perennial state powerhouse. Those standards were on full display on the sophomore team this season.
On Thursday in Sherman Oaks, the Cub sophomore squad, composed solely of sophomores, defeated Notre Dame's JV team, 35-19, to complete the first undefeated campaign the soph program has achieved since the late 1990s.
What is most remarkable about an exceptional season is that it was achieved with the uncompromising elements that defined Cub Football for most of the Twentieth Century.
Lifting durning the season, running after practices, a fullback in the offensive backfield on most plays and a "refuse to lose" ethos with a commitment to "team first" dedication, all brought back great memories and tremendous results under the guidance of a determined, talented all-Loyola alumni coaching staff.
Most of the sophomores' battles were against JV teams chock full of varsity players, but that did not deter the squad in its season long quest to achieve excellence.
Let's start with head coach ANTHONY HOLLY'87, an All-CIF nose guard considered by many to be the best at his position in Big Blue annals. His adherence to a demanding-pay the price to achieve-approach netted huge dividends. HOLLY also served as the offensive coordinator.
Defensive coordinator and line coach PJ PASCALE '78 is one of the most accomplished coaches in Cub Football history. He coached Loyola's varsity lines that played for three CIF Division I championships from 1995-2002. A task master and gifted technician, PASCALE got the absolute most out of his trench troops from game one to game ten.
Quarterback Coach ART GARCIA '84, has generously donated his time and expertise to the program for decades, and he had a tremendous signal caller under his tutelage this season.
The other Loyola alumni who instructed and motivated the soph Mission League champions are DANIEL PREDROARIAS '15, a former Cub lineman, who assisted with coaching the trench men on both sides of the ball; TOMMY McANDREWS '16, a fullback on Loyola's 2015 team (which finished the season ranked 17th in the state), who coaches running backs and defensive backs; and DAN McGANN '16, a tight end on the 2015 squad, who works with the tight ends and defensive backs.
That group of dedicated coaches made sure to impart the significance and responsibilities that come with the privilege of donning the hallowed Blue helmet.
While the on-the-field-record says 9-0, it should actually be 10-0, with a forfeit win, because Chaminade's JV squad opted not to play the Cub sophs the week of the scheduled game.
The season finale on Thursday was a repeat of the template set in the first contest of the 2024 campaign and which carried over in win after win. Stout defense and productive offense were constants.
One player in particular who embodies the toughness which is the hallmark of the undefeated, Mission League champs is running back MATTHEW FINE, a lightning quick, fast, tough runner, who played through injury in the last two games, but still persevered to produce at a high level. Against the Knights, FINE rushed for 145 yards on 15 carries and caught two passes for an additional 40 yards. His 3-yard run late in the game gave Loyola a 35-13 lead. In the second quarter FINE hauled in a 6-yard TD pass. Not a bad afternoon for a warrior playing through pain.
Quarterback MATT SMITH, who has showcased his prodigious passing skills throughout the season, threw for 238 yards and three TDs. In addition to the scoring pass to FINE, SMITH hooked up with TYLER HARPER on a 17-yard strike for a score early in the third quarter, and completed a 14-yard TD toss to TOBY THUSS with 5:19 remaining in the third quarter to increase the Cubs' lead to 28-0. SAMMY FRIEND and LONDON GRAY have also been sure handed targets throughout the season.
SMITH has had a spectacular campaign. He completed 110 of 175 passes (63%) for 1,947 yards (216 yards per game, 17.7 yards per completion, 11.1 yards per attempt), 26 touchdowns and just one interception in nine contests. SMITH also rushed for 270 yards on 24 carries (11.3 yards per carry).
Much credit for the success of the excellent offensive production must go to the offensive line manned by GREGERSON LAW, LUIS TORIZ, ANDREI LOPEZ, MICHAEL VOLMERT-UNDERBRINK, NICHOLAS LAU and ANTHONY RIOS. LAW and LOPEZ are also defensive line standouts.
Ironman KANE CASANI, the son of varsity head coach DREW CASANI '91, is a two-way stalwart who makes his physical presence felt as both an inside linebacker and fullback. His battery mate at inside linebacker, MERRICK DOTTS, also delivers bone-jarring hits.
All season long, defensive ends BRENDAN VANIS and DANIEL SULLIVAN have held the edge.
The secondary has also been a strength with JAYCE DAWSON, DASHEL VALDES, XAVIER WIMBLEY and TJ VILLANTE patrolling the back end.
Kicker/punter EVAN CORBETT has been outstanding throughout the campaign.
Running back MIKE VANIS has also been an effective weapon. He scored the Cubs' first TD on a 2-yard run.
There are many others who have contributed to the season's success. A platoon of less than 40 players has made an indelible mark in Cub Football annals.
Here are the game by-game results of Loyola's 2024 undefeated, Mission League Champion sophomore team:
LOYOLA 33, Cathedral 0 LOYOLA 41, Damien 18 LOYOLA 35, Sonora 7 LOYOLA 35, St. Francis 14 LOYOLA 13, Mount Miguel 12 LOYOLA 41, Redondo 8 LOYOLA 24, Bishop Amat 16 LOYOLA 54, Millikan 20 LOYOLA 35, Notre Dame 19
Average score: LOYOLA 35, Opponents 13
What a season for the Cubs.
SENIOR NIGHT AT LOYOLA
The game selected as the CIF Southern Section Ford Game of the Week is tonight's battle between Notre Dame (4-5, 1-3) and Loyola (4-5, 2-2) at Smith Field. Third place in the Mission League is at stake.
If the Cubs win this evening they will earn a trip to the CIF Southern Section playoffs which commence next Friday.
There will be a lot on the line at 1901 Venice Boulevard on Senior Night. One game . . . one season.
PRE-GAME
Loyola supporters will be meeting at El Cholo on Western Avenue this afternoon at 4:30 p.m.