Loyola Defeats Eisenhower With Field Goal in Overtime

Nathan Oakes of Loyola kicked a 38-yard field goal early in overtime and the Cubs survived a missed field-goal attempt by Rialto Eisenhower to defeat the Eagles, 17-14, in a Southern Section Division I semifinal playoff game Friday night at Glendale High.

Loyola will play the winner of tonight’s semifinal between Long Beach Poly and Esperanza in the championship game next Saturday at Edison Field.

Loyola advanced to its first championship-game appearance since 1986 when a 38-yard field-goal attempt by Michael Hawkins fell short.

“This team is awesome and has great chemistry,” Loyola quarterback Matt Ware said.

With the score 7-7 in the fourth quarter, Loyola’s Gio Seretti returned a punt 14 yards to the Eisenhower 31, setting up a nine-play drive that Bo Renard capped with a one-yard touchdown run with 7:31 left.

Hawkins returned the ensuing kickoff 53 yards. Seven plays later, Hawkins caught a seven-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Daniel Lucero to tie the score with 3:48 left.

With 19 seconds left, Ware intercepted Lucero’s long pass intended for Hawkins at Loyola’s eight to send the game into overtime.

Oakes kicked his game-winner on fourth and six.

Ware rushed for 64 yards in 20 carries and completed seven of 13 passes for 98 yards. He also caught a 36-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter from Seretti to tie the score, 7-7.

Hawkins rushed for 88 yards and caught three passes for 48 yards and two touchdowns.