Cubs Set to Lean on Depth, Versatility Under Coach Casani in 2024

With a deep skill group and proven experience on both sides of the ball, the Loyola High School of Los Angeles Cubs men’s football team enters the new season under head coach Drew Casani with the look of a balanced, versatile contender. The Cubs’ identity centers on athleticism in space, multiple options at quarterback and a secondary built to match up with modern passing attacks. As Loyola prepares for another demanding schedule, the emphasis will be on turning that versatility into consistent, four-quarter performances.

Offensively, Loyola appears positioned to attack defenses in a variety of ways. Quarterbacks Tommy Derbyshire and Gavin Grabe give the Cubs options under center, with JC Rising adding further depth at the position. The receiving corps features multiple playmakers, including wideouts Brandon Alexander, Zion Phelps and Evan Santos, while tight end Wes McMullin provides a larger target and a key piece in the run and pass game. In the backfield, two-way standouts such as Kane Casani and Jayden Rogers give the offense a physical edge running between the tackles along with the ability to threaten the perimeter.

Defensively, Loyola’s identity is built around speed and coverage. Cornerbacks Malique Pollard and Xavier Wimbley headline a secondary that also includes Phelps, Santos and Dashel Valdes, giving the Cubs multiple options in man and zone schemes. Safeties Gage Santos and Peter Sciarrino add size and range over the top, while linebackers like Casani and Holden Smyser bring physicality in the box and on blitzes. Up front, edge presence from Zachary Harrison and the support of McMullin on the outside should be critical in setting the edge and pressuring opposing quarterbacks.

The roster’s two-way talent underscores both a strength and a challenge for Casani and his staff. The Cubs have enough athletes to move pieces around and adjust to matchups, but managing snaps and keeping key contributors fresh into the second half will be a point of emphasis. Special teams and situational execution—third down, red zone and late-game drives—figure to be deciding factors in close contests as Loyola works to turn experience into results.

The schedule again features a slate that will test Loyola early and often, with nonleague and Mission League matchups that demand week-to-week focus. League showdowns are expected to carry playoff implications, particularly against traditional rivals and high-powered offenses that will challenge the Cubs’ secondary and defensive front. How Loyola performs in those marquee games will go a long way in determining its postseason path and seeding.

As the season approaches, the outlook around the program is one of cautious optimism. The Cubs have playmakers at key positions, depth in the defensive backfield and multiple leaders capable of steering the locker room. If Loyola can stay healthy, continue to develop along the line of scrimmage and translate its versatility into consistent production, the Cubs have the pieces in place to contend in league play and make themselves a difficult out when the postseason arrives.