Loyola Pounds Redlands, 39-8

After riding its offense to a playoff win last week, Loyola’s defense shut down Redlands, 39-8, Friday night at the University of Redlands and advanced to the Southern Section Division I semifinals for the fifth consecutive year.

The Cubs, who improved to 11-1 overall, broke open a close game with a strong defense in the second half.

Leading 6-0 in the third-quarter, Loyola took its first possession of the half and drove 80 yards for a touchdown. Running back Eric Rogers finished the 10-play drive with a 10-yard touchdown.

On Redlands’ next possession, the Terriers were unable to move the ball and were forced to punt. Loyola defensive back Justin Sanders broke through the right side of the Redlands offensive line and, aided by a bad snap, blocked Mike Wagner’s punt.

Redlands recovered, but the Cubs took over on downs at the Terriers’ eight-yard line. Three plays later, Fernando Chavez scored on a 12-yard run, his first of three touchdowns in the game.

Chavez, a starting linebacker, had scored two touchdowns all year before his hat trick Friday night. Chavez carried three times for 15 yards.

On defense, Chavez helped the Cubs limit Redlands to 100 yards, including minus one yards in the third quarter. The Cubs had 284.

“Our defense won the game,” Loyola Coach Steve Grady said. “Last week our offense won it and our defense was maligned for giving up 27 points in the first half. For all intents and purposes, we shut this team out.”

Loyola quarterback Clelio Boccato completed seven of 13 passes for 122 yards, but missed several open receivers.