Football: Loyola has 14-7 lead at halftime
This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.
Two big plays by Anthony Barr have given Loyola a 14-7 lead over Mira Costa at halftime tonight in the nonleague opener for both teams at L.A. Valley College.
The Mustangs led 7-0 when Barr broke off a 32-yard run for a touchdown. Then, with Mira Costa driving inside the Cubs’ 20-yard line late in the second quarter, Barr intercepted a pass from quarterback Kyle Demarco and returned it 87 yards for the score that gave Loyola the lead.
Barr has 61 yards in 11 carries and speedy Jared Baker has 31 yards in five carries for the Cubs.
Mira Costa has outgained Loyola in total yardage, 145-95. Each team has missed a field goal.
Loyola’s first two drives were marred by a combined six penalties that pushed the Cubs back and helped give Mira Costa the ball twice in Loyola territory. Receiver Kyle Nunn scored the Mustangs’ touchdown in the first quarter on a 45-yard pass from Demarco.
Cubs quarterback Jerry Neuheisel has struggled a bit in his varsity debut. He was sacked twice, recovered his own fumble and completed one of three passes for 16 yards. But he doesn’t have to do much with a pair of running backs the caliber of Barr and Baker.
Mira Costa will get the ball to start the second half.
--Ben Bolch