The Oaks Christian Lions orchestrated a 31-14 victory over the Loyola Cubs on Friday. The Lions scored on offense, defense, and special teams in the bout.
Lions senior Nate Bennett made nine throws for 129 yards and one touchdown, Cubs junior signal caller Thomas Knyal who made 11 connections for 96 yards and one touchdown.
Oaks Christian senior Chase Farrell made four catches for 82 yards and one touchdown.
Loyola sophomore running back Sean Morris made 38 carries for 217 yards and one touchdown. Morris noted how his team trusts his talents and skills.
Related Stories
Ultimate Tennis Showdown Brings A New Twist To Tennis
Basketball Training Institute Opens Doors For Youth
“It means a lot to me, helping the team out and just contributing, being a better contributor to the team,” Morris said.
The Cubs were the first to score with Morris getting a four-yard touchdown after leading the effort to get across field. Oaks Christian sophomore Deshonne Redeaux made an 88-yard kickoff return for a touchdown on the next play, evening the score.
Lions junior Evan Famer picked off Knyal, setting up a second scoring drive for the Lions. The Cubs made another costly turnover in the second quarter.
They fumbled on a third-and-goal and Lions sophomore Davon Benjamin made a fumble recovery for a touchdown.
“Our coaches, they preach to us: “get off the field,”” Benjamin said. “When it came third-down, when it came to fourth down, when it came to goal line, we have to really lock in and not let the offense put points on the board.”
Loyola continued to battle in the second half, scoring a touchdown to make it a one-possession game.
“We play with a lot of heart,” said Loyola senior Elijah Bradley. “I feel like that’s what separates us from a lot of teams that are in our league. We don’t give up, we’re always in the game.”
Cubs senior Isaiah Sanders sacked Bennett, Loyola ultimately forced Oaks Christian to score a field goal on the possession.
The Cubs were down by 10 going into the fourth but Bennett connected with Farrell for a 48-yard touchdown passing play. Oaks Christian was up by 17 with 9:46 left in regulation.
Starting at Loyola’s 33-yard line, Morris went on a deep run into the Lions’ territory. With the help from a penalty, the Cubs reached the Lions’ 15-yard line on the next play. On a second-and-goal, Knyal fumbled and the Lions recovered the ball, thwarting the Cubs’ late rally.
On September 29, Oaks Christian will travel to battle Calabasas at 7:00P.M. Loyola will be away to clash against St. Francis at 7:30P.M.
