Loyola Cubs set physical, balanced tone under Casani for 2024 campaign

Loyola High School’s Cubs men’s football program enters the new season under head coach Drew Casani with a clear identity built on physical defense, balance on offense and overall toughness. With a strong returning core and competition at key skill positions, the Cubs are aiming to blend experience with emerging talent as they navigate a demanding varsity schedule. The focus in the preseason has been on building depth, sharpening execution and establishing a consistent standard week to week.

Offensively, the Cubs have multiple options at quarterback, led by returners Tommy Derbyshire, Gavin Grabe and JC Rising. Their presence gives Loyola flexibility in how it structures the passing game and manages tempo. On the perimeter, wide receivers Brandon Alexander, Gage Santos and Evan Santos give the offense reliable targets, while two-way threats such as Zion Phelps and Jayden Rogers provide playmaking ability both in the run and pass games. The staff expects competition across the skill positions to help drive consistency and raise the unit’s overall production.

Defensively, Loyola’s identity again centers on physicality and pursuit to the football. Linebackers Kane Casani and Holden Smyser bring size and experience in the middle, anchoring a front seven that is expected to set the tone. On the edge, Zachary Harrison and Wes McMullin give the Cubs length and versatility at defensive end and outside linebacker, with the ability to impact both the run game and pass rush. In the secondary, cornerbacks Malique Pollard and Xavier Wimbley, along with defensive backs such as Phelps, Gage Santos, Peter Sciarrino and Dashel Valdes, give the Cubs a rotation of athletes capable of matching up with spread offenses.

The coaching staff has emphasized that team speed and versatility are strengths, particularly with several players contributing on both sides of the ball and on special teams. At the same time, Loyola is targeting improvements in situational football — third downs, red-zone efficiency and turnover margin — as key areas that could swing close games. With a challenging slate ahead, the Cubs are treating those details as the difference between simply competing and consistently finishing games in the fourth quarter.

The schedule again features several high-profile matchups that will test Loyola early and often. Nonleague contests are expected to provide immediate benchmarks for the Cubs’ physicality and depth, while league play will bring familiar rivals and playoff implications. Marquee dates against traditional powers and road tests in difficult environments stand out as natural measuring sticks for the program’s growth under Casani and his staff.

With a veteran core, emerging contributors and a clearly defined identity, Loyola enters the season aiming to take the next step in consistency and postseason contention. The Cubs’ blend of defensive toughness, offensive balance and competitive depth gives them the tools to contend each week. How quickly they solidify roles, stay healthy and execute in critical moments will go a long way in determining how far this group can go by season’s end.