MacGillivray Kicks Loyola Into Final

Loyola High’s Mike MacGillivray couldn’t have picked a better time to have the biggest game of his career.

The senior kicker had three field goals, including the game-winner in double overtime to lead the Cubs to a 16-13 victory over Fontana on Saturday night in the Southern Section Division I semifinals at Fontana High.

When the score was tied, 6-6, after regulation, both teams were given a chance to score from one another’s 10-yard line.

After Loyola’s John Hilvert caught a touchdown pass from Ray Kasper on the Cubs’ first possession, Fontana quarterback P.J. Guerrero answered with a one-yard sneak for a touchdown.

The Steelers started with the ball in the second overtime and, on the third play, Loyola’s Wesley Willard intercepted a Guerrero pass in the end zone.

Loyola took over and Coach Steve Grady sent MacGillivray in on the first play.

Grady has coached Loyola for 21 seasons but has not been involved in an overtime game for 18 years.

MacGillivray also connected on two second-quarter field goals. The first, a 48-yarder, tied his career long. The second was 52 yards and gave the Cubs a 6-0 lead.

“It’s the biggest thrill of my life,” MacGillivray said after the game-winner. “And I’ve never been more nervous in my life.

With the defensive battle that developed in the first half, MacGillivray’s field goals appeared to be enough to win the game.

But when Loyola players thought Grady had called a fake punt late in the third quarter on fourth and 17 from their own 31, Fontana stopped the play on took over at the Loyola 25.

Seven plays later, Guerrero hit Thomas Howard in the back of the end zone with a six-yard touchdown strike to tie the score.

Trevor Malensek’s ensuing extra point attempt sailed wide right and the game remained tied until the end of regulation.