Crespi Braces for Meeting With Loyola

Coming off one of its worst games in years, Crespi High tonight will face the defending Southern Section Division I champion.

When Crespi (1-1) meets Loyola in a nonleague game at 7:30 at Glendale High, the Celts will be taking on a team that has advanced to the semifinal round of the Division I playoffs or beyond in each of the past three seasons.

Last year, Loyola defeated Quartz Hill, 24-14, in the Division I final at Anaheim Stadium. The Cubs are 55-10 over the past five seasons plus two games. Last week, Loyola (1-1) ripped Long Beach Poly, 51-25.

“That’s the first time I ever left early from a game I was scouting,” said Crespi Coach Tim Lins, who exited after three quarters. “It was a blowout. They are so disciplined, so crisp.”

After hammering Serra in its opener, Crespi last week lost to St. John Bosco, 30-9. The Celts fumbled six times, losing two, and quarterback Cody Smith threw two interceptions.

In two games, Smith has passed for 228 yards and three touchdowns. Backfield mate Torie Lee (236 yards) leads the rushing attack. Smith will be facing a Loyola secondary with four new starters.

Crespi last defeated Loyola, 21-14, in 1986. Loyola has outscored Crespi, 74-28, in its four consecutive victories.

Cub tailback Matt Vanis, an All-Angelus League selection as a junior, has rushed for 297 yards in 32 carries. He shares time with Michael Brown, a breakaway threat who has rushed for 152 yards in 16 carries.

Quarterback Clelio Boccato, a junior, passed for 163 yards against Jordan.

Loyola lost to Mission Viejo, 21-14, in its opener.