Loyola Starts Fast in Southern Section, 34-8

Over the years, winning has become familiar to Loyola High School’s football teams.

The CIF Division I champions in 1990 took their first step toward another title in Friday’s first-round playoff game, a 34-8 triumph over Lakewood in the first round of CIF Southern Section play at Pierce College in Woodland Hills.

“It feels great to be a part of the tradition,” said sophomore quarterback Scott Walter, who threw for three touchdowns in the game the Cubs controlled from the opening quarter.

“Ever since I was a little kid, I wanted to go to Loyola. My older brother went here, and it’s great to be a Cub.”

Before the game, Lakewood coach Phil Dunaway sized up the Division I match.

“Loyola’s been successful for a long time. They’ve earned their tradition of winning, and its something that our kids realize. Loyola expects to win, our kids are still learning how to win,” said the second-year coach.

The Lancers’ play didn’t do much to disrupt the Cubs’ winning legacy. They were held to just 96 total yards.

The Cubs thoroughly dominated both lines of scrimmages from the first snap to the last. The first sign of a blowout surfaced after running back Mike Vanis scored on Loyola’s first snap, a 59-yard run down the sideline.

That set the tone.

Vanis, who leads the Cubs in rushing with 590 yards, went on to pile up 138 yards and two touchdowns in 19 carries in three quarters of work.

Walter, who gave regular starting quarterback Kyle Spielbuehler a chance to rest his injured ankle, finished the game with seven completions in 11 attempts for 122 yards and three touchdowns.

Lakewood quarterbacks Joe Harris and Marquis Nave were held to a combined five completions on 14 attempts for 36 yards.

Loyola improves to 8-2, advancing into the next round of the Division I playoffs, while Lakewood ends the season with a 6-5 record.

Loyola plays No. 2 seed, undefeated Santa Ana Mater Dei, on Friday.

The Lancers, who were Moore League tri-champs with Long Beach Poly and Long Beach Jordan, hadn’t had a share of the league title in 11 years.