Los Angeles witnessed a display of athletic talent as the Bishop Amat Lancers triumphed over the Loyola Cubs with a score of 30-14 on October 18, 2025. The standout performance came from junior quarterback Domenico Doran, who showcased his dual-threat capability after transferring from Servite. Doran’s contributions included throwing for 141 yards and two touchdowns, alongside a remarkable 122 rushing yards, capped by a decisive 50-yard touchdown run in the final moments of the game.
Loyola focused its defensive efforts on stopping star running back Ryan Salcedo, who had previously rushed for 351 yards in a prior matchup. While Salcedo managed just 41 yards on 12 carries against Loyola’s formidable defense, he still made an impact with a touchdown catch, demonstrating the depth of the Lancers’ offensive strategy.
Domenico Doran expressed his gratitude for the support he received, stating, “They were just focused on Ryan, and when you face our offense now you kind of have to face a dual threat quarterback too. It means a lot. I’m blessed by the coaching staff and offensive line helping me through this and coming out of the sit-out period.”
Coach’s Praise and Team Momentum
Bishop Amat’s head coach Kory Minor commended Doran’s journey to this moment. “He was at the lowest of the low in spring and in summer, and he didn’t waver, he didn’t cry, and he didn’t complain. He stayed locked in,” Minor said. “He got his turn and look what he did. I’m so proud of him.” This victory marked the Lancers’ first back-to-back wins of the season, lifting their record to 5-3 and 2-1 in the Mission League.
The Lancers are set to face the undefeated Sierra Canyon next week, a challenge that will test their newfound momentum. The victory over Loyola not only solidifies their playoff ambitions but also signifies a crucial step in building confidence within the team. Minor highlighted the importance of this win, stating, “It means everything. We couldn’t do it, we couldn’t put it together until tonight.”
Game Highlights and Key Performances
The game commenced with Doran’s impressive 58-yard keeper, setting up the Lancers’ first score. He connected with Salcedo for a six-yard touchdown pass, giving Bishop Amat an early lead. As the first half progressed, the Lancers’ defense stepped up significantly. Seth Tellez intercepted Loyola quarterback Gavin Grabe, returning it 37 yards for a touchdown, extending the lead to 13-0.
Adding to the excitement, Doran launched a final play pass as time expired in the first half, resulting in a 35-yard touchdown catch by Jaiden Combal, pushing the score to 20-0 at halftime. Despite a determined comeback from Loyola, including a strong performance from Kane Casani, who finished with 128 yards and two touchdowns, the Lancers maintained control of the game.
Bishop Amat managed to extend their lead with a 27-yard field goal from Noah Guillen, before Doran’s explosive run sealed the victory. Reflecting on his performance, Doran stated, “It feels fantastic. There’s no other feeling like it.”
With this win, Loyola drops to 4-4 and 1-2 in league play. As the season progresses, the focus now shifts to the challenges ahead, particularly for Bishop Amat as they aim for a strong finish and a potential playoff spot.
