Loyola Cubs: 2019 Division 4 Southern Section football preview

Loyola is now in Division 4, but will still face seven Division 1 opponents this season. Here's an inside look at the 2019 Cubs.

Links: Loyola team page | 2019 schedule | Roster

2018 IN REVIEW

Overall record: 1-9 (0-5 in league, 6thin the Mission League).

HEAD COACH

Drew Casani will be in his first year as Loyola’s head coach.

TOP PLAYERS

MLB/RB Steven Arellano, 5-11, 210, Sr.

QB/WR Thomas Hatton, 5-11, 180, Sr.

QB Brayden Zermeno, 6-4, 218, Jr.

OLB/ILB/RB Carter Link, 6-1, 210, Sr.

OT/DT Sam Dominguez, 6-3, 255, Sr.

OUTLOOK

The Mission League is brutal. Last year, Loyola went 1-9, which wouldn’t have been possible with many other schedules. This year, new head coach Drew Casani wants to help reshape the culture. He’s been an assistant coach at Loyola for a couple years, and is a Loyola alumni himself. Casani wants to restore the pep and fun back into Cubs football, but without sacrificing one drop of competitiveness.

Loyola is now in Division 4, but will still face seven Division 1 opponents in their 10 regular season games. If they can manage to qualify for the playoffs, they should be a strong team as far as D-4 goes.

Last season, Loyola had a number of games in which their defense kept them alive but they couldn’t score much. This year, they look to remain strong on defense while improving the offense.

Senior linebackers Steven Arellano and Carter Link both return to lead the defense while likely getting some opportunities at running back. Sam Dominguez is another two-way impact linemen and leader returning for his senior year. Lastly, quarterbacks Thomas Hatton and Brayden Zermeno both have a chance to win the starting role and right the ship offensively.