Loyola Beats Hart at Its Own Game

Loyola High, known for its punishing rushing attack, pulled off a mild surprise Saturday by defeating Hart in overtime to win the 36-team Valley College seven-on-seven passing tournament.

Taylor Williams caught the game-winning touchdown from Eric McClenahan, giving Loyola a 3-2 victory and an 8-0 record in the two-day tournament.

“Isn’t this unreal?” Coach Steve Grady of Loyola said.

Loyola showed off a future big-time college recruit, 6-foot-3 junior Matt Ware, a free safety-receiver.

Turning in an impressive performance for Hart was senior receiver Jared Bazar, who caught six touchdown passes in the final two games, including four in Hart’s semifinal victory over Westlake.

“[Bazar] is a great high school receiver and hopefully a college is smart enough to take him,” offensive coordinator Dean Herrington of Hart said. “When the game is on the line, you want the ball going to him.”

Notre Dame defeated Newbury Park to win the consolation title, with Daniel Browne scoring the only touchdown on a pass from sophomore Phil Beckmann.