Loyola’s Ground Game Too Much for Crespi

WOODLAND HILLS —  Loyola High took advantage of five Crespi turnovers and used a stifling defense to defeat the Celts, 36-7, in a Del Rey League game Friday night at Pierce College.

The Cubs (7-1, 3-0 in league) held Crespi (3-5, 0-3) to 35 yards through three quarters en route to a 36-0 lead.

Crespi finished with 103 yards, including just three yards rushing. The Celts averted a shutout when Nick Rita completed a 31-yard touchdown pass to Dennis Fox with just over two minutes to play.

Rita completed 11 of 20 passes for 100 yards, with two interceptions.

He was sacked twice for minus-15 yards.

Loyola was led by Stephen Faulk, who rushed for 105 yards in 11 carries and scored on runs of three and 35 yards. Jose Mendoza added scoring runs of two and three yards, and finished with 111 yards in 15 carries.

All but four of the Cubs’ 281 yards came on the ground.

Loyola established its ground game early and took a 17-0 halftime lead.

The Cubs scored 10 first-half points after Crespi turnovers.

A fumble by Anthony Trejo led to a 41-yard field goal by Mike MacGillivary in the first quarter, and the Cubs added a touchdown late in the first half when Mendoza scored from two yards out.

Crespi’s attempt at a comeback was thwarted early in the second half when Antoine Harris returned an interception five yards for a touchdown and a 23-0 lead.

Fox had four receptions for 44 yards.