Bishop Amat Rallies to Defeat Loyola

Bishop Amat wide receiver Aaron Villagrian’s five-yard touchdown reception with 3 minutes 52 seconds remaining gave the Lancers a 22-16 victory over Loyola in an Angelus League opener Saturday night at Glendale High.

Villagrian’s catch from quarterback Mike Smith capped a 16-play, 80-yard drive by Bishop Amat, which trailed, 16-15, midway through the fourth quarter.

“They (Loyola) rolled up their sleeves and stuck it to us tonight,” Bishop Amat Coach Mark Parades said. “Our offense is inexperienced but really came through.”

Bishop Amat, ranked No. 5 in the Times’ Southern Section poll, improved to 6-0, 1-0 in league. Sixth-ranked Loyola, the defending Division I champion, dropped to 0-1 and 4-2.

Loyola, which trailed 15-7 at halftime, scored on its first two possessions of the second half.

Quarterback Clelio Boccato scored on a one-yard run in the third quarter to cut the Lancers’ lead, 15-13. Minutes later, kicker John Stonehouse kicked a 20-yard field goal to give Loyola a 16-15 lead.

Running back Scott Fields led Bishop Amat with 127 yards in 21 carries and one touchdown. Smith completed 11 of 23 passes for 125 yards and two touchdowns.

“We have to win every game to win an Angelus League championship,” Parades said. “That’s our goal for the season.”