By Trent Friedel, exclusive to the Times
Loyola Flyers down the Tigers as they looked to rebound from overtime defeat at Montgomery. Saint Mary’s received the opening kick from the Flyers and proceeded to march down the field on a good mix of pass and run. The Tigers were also aided by several Loyola penalties. Parker Bankston culminates the drive through the air as he connects with Austin Vienne on a 35 yard pass for the score. Emerson Rodriguez puts the PAT through the uprights and the Tigers take a 7 – 0 lead having chewed up almost half of the first quarter clock.
The Flyers receive the kick post touchdown and cross midfield on the first play. They have a passing score called back for a penalty. The Saint Mary’s defense stiffens and denies the Flyers a first down on fourth and long inside the red zone. Tigers take over on downs at the 14 yard line. Saint Mary’s is forced to punt and the Flyers take full advantage of a gap in the line. Loyola blocks the punt and recovers in the end-zone for their first score. The point after attempt is good and the score is tied at seven as the first quarter expires.
The Tigers are pinned deep as the second quarter starts and they cannot execute a drive. They punt to the Flyers who return the ball to the 10 but that is negated by a penalty as Flyers start at the Saint Mary’s 48. The first play from scrimmage is a touchdown run by Matt Ramsey but the point after fails. Loyola 13, Tigers 7.
Loyola elects to try the onside kick and they are successful in the endeavor. They have the ball at the Tiger 43. The Flyers strike quick with a pass to the seven yard line. The Flyers run off left tackle to score and the two point rushing attempt fails. Flyers 19 – Tigers 7. Saint Mary’s goes three and out punting to Loyola. The flyers take over and almost immediately score on a pass from Allen to Kuhr who goes 54 yards on the play to the end-zone. The two punt rushing attempt PAT is no good and the Flyers take the lead into the looker room 25- 7.
Loyola receives the ball to start the third quarter and goes to work against Saint Mary’s. The Flyers score in seven plays on a third and goal pass from the four yard line. Allen hits Kuhn for the score and Lafitte adds the extra point. Loyola 32, Saint Mary’s 7 eight minutes remain in the third.
Saint Mary’s receives the ensuing kick and is unable to make headway. The Tigers turn the ball over on downs at the Flyer 35. Saint Mary’s recovers a fumble on the third play of the next possession. The Tigers finally succeed in getting a score on a 34 yard pass from Bankston to Gallien at the onset of the fourth quarter. Rodriguez tacks on the extra point and the score is Loyola 32, Saint Mary’s 14. Saint Mary’s would give the ball back to Loyola with about nine minutes to play. The Flyers have the ball in the red-zone and Allen finds Kuhr in the end-zone for the last score of the game. The point after off the toe of Lafitte is good. That sets the final score at Loyola 39, Tigers 14.
The game would get very contentious between the two squads, so much so that the teams did not shake hands at the conclusion. Saint Mary’s hits the road next Friday to play North Webster.
The Tigers yielded 415 yards of total offense to the Flyers. No Red Barron tonight as Snoopy grounds the Tigers.