Sprinting down the left sideline, running back Kane Casani ‘27 scored the game-winning touchdown to give Loyola an overtime victory against bitter rival St. Francis. The 9-3 win gave them their third win of the season and first at Smith Field.
The game against St. Francis was special for another reason besides the rivalry. At halftime, there was a ceremony to honor the 1975 Loyola Football team who were celebrating their 50th anniversary of their National Championship.
While the game was low scoring, it was anything but uninteresting. With less than three minutes left, Jacob Kreinbring ’26 drilled a 46-yard field goal to tie up the game. Loyola’s defense put on a show all game, picking off the Saint Francis quarterback three times, including a great play on the ball by Malique Pollard ’28 in overtime. Pollard’s pick set up the Loyola offense with the opportunity to win the game with a score. After a false start set them back five yards, Casani’s touchdown run sealed the comeback win.
Earlier this year they took down Millikan and Hamilton while suffering defeats to Cathedral and Mount Miguel. This comes after reaching the playoffs last season, in which they came one drive away from reaching the state championship.
The Cubs are in a period of transition with their squad. Multiple starters from last year’s team departed via transfer and graduation, meaning their lineup looks very different, as it’s full of players looking to mold themselves into the new role that was presented to them. Notably, there is a new face under center, J.C. Rising ‘28.
Coach Casani has been impressed with the play of his young quarterback: “He’s played very well. Certain guys left and he was thrust into a role that we didn’t really have enough time to prepare him for. So considering that, I think his growth is progressing well and getting better by the day.”
Another player who has taken on a new role is the aforementioned Kane Casani. He has already surpassed his previous year’s total in tackles, leading the team with 64, and has provided the most thrilling moment in recent Loyola memory.
Also a product of change is the newfound star in the backfield, Xavier Wimbley ‘27. He leads the team in rushing yards and touchdowns and has hit the century milestone in two games so far this season. “Though we had a slow start, the boys in the locker room feel that our culture and season are coming together. We feel like a team and we are looking to keep the momentum going. I feel that we have something special this year,” said Kane Casani.
After a much-needed bye this week, the Cubs will begin their Mission League campaign next Friday when they travel to Sherman Oaks to face Notre Dame. Five weeks in, the Loyola community is excited and optimistic for the rest of the 2025 season.
