Football: Loyola is back in Pac-5 playoffs for first time since 2011

Loyola has clinched its first Pac-5 Division playoff berth since 2011 after a 45-14 win over Sherman Oaks Notre Dame on Friday.

The Cubs (8-1, 4-1) are tied for second place in the Mission League with Bishop Amat (7-2, 4-1) and face the Lancers next week. Serra (8-1, 5-0) is in first place.

Finding an effective quarterback has been Loyola’s problem, but the Cubs found one this season in junior Sean O’Malley. Against Notre Dame, he completed eight of 10 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns. David Long caught four passes for 119 touchdowns and two touchdowns.

Drake Beasley rushed for 158 yards in 16 carries and scored on a 65-yard run.

Coach Marvin Sanders, a former assistant at USC and Nebraska, is in his third season coaching high school football and has the Cubs playing their best at the end of the regular season.

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