Loyola Blakefield Caps Undefeated Season with MIAA Rugby Championship Win Over Archbishop Spalding
Loyola Blakefield completed a perfect season in memorable fashion, capturing the MIAA Rugby Championship with a hard-earned victory over Archbishop Spalding in a high-intensity final.
The Dons set the tone early, delivering a dominant first-half performance on both sides of the ball. Loyola’s attack produced three first-half tries from senior Nathan Koors, junior Thomas Rosen, and senior Andrew Spencer, each crossing the try line while a suffocating defensive effort kept Spalding off the board. The Dons carried a 21–0 lead into halftime, firmly in control of the championship matchup.
The Cavaliers responded with urgency to start the second half, quickly shifting momentum with 14 unanswered points in the opening 10 minutes to cut into the deficit and bring the contest back into reach.
The Dons set the tone early, delivering a dominant first-half performance on both sides of the ball. Loyola’s attack produced three first-half tries from senior Nathan Koors, junior Thomas Rosen, and senior Andrew Spencer, each crossing the try line while a suffocating defensive effort kept Spalding off the board. The Dons carried a 21–0 lead into halftime, firmly in control of the championship matchup.
The Cavaliers responded with urgency to start the second half, quickly shifting momentum with 14 unanswered points in the opening 10 minutes to cut into the deficit and bring the contest back into reach.
Loyola, however, steadied under pressure, closing the match with a try from senior Connor Johnson, a disciplined defense, and composure in possession to secure the win and claim the MIAA Championship.
Junior Marco Taylor was perfect on the day, going 4-for-4 on conversion attempts to provide crucial points after each try and extend Loyola’s advantage throughout the match.
When asked to reflect upon the game, Coach Nate Brady had this to say about the decisive victory:
"The whole team fought hard together and refused to quit even as momentum was against them for most of the second half. Stalwart defensive performances by the team throughout but the work rate from Michael Sabatino, Leo Gabriele, Joey Cuomo, Marco Taylor and Nathan Koors really set the standard we needed from the first whistle. I am extremely proud of the team this year for their unselfish attitude and playing for their teammates. From early in the season we focused on "Nobody but Us". We would decide whether we won or lost by how we supported our teammates and how hard we would work. The team made that decision every day at training and did the hard work to be undefeated MIAA champions. I can't put to words how proud I am of the team and the attitude our Seniors brought. Their humility and effort set the standard and brought everyone to be 'bought in' to this team and this season."
Junior Marco Taylor was perfect on the day, going 4-for-4 on conversion attempts to provide crucial points after each try and extend Loyola’s advantage throughout the match.
When asked to reflect upon the game, Coach Nate Brady had this to say about the decisive victory:
"The whole team fought hard together and refused to quit even as momentum was against them for most of the second half. Stalwart defensive performances by the team throughout but the work rate from Michael Sabatino, Leo Gabriele, Joey Cuomo, Marco Taylor and Nathan Koors really set the standard we needed from the first whistle. I am extremely proud of the team this year for their unselfish attitude and playing for their teammates. From early in the season we focused on "Nobody but Us". We would decide whether we won or lost by how we supported our teammates and how hard we would work. The team made that decision every day at training and did the hard work to be undefeated MIAA champions. I can't put to words how proud I am of the team and the attitude our Seniors brought. Their humility and effort set the standard and brought everyone to be 'bought in' to this team and this season."
The victory not only delivers a conference title but also completes an undefeated season for the Loyola Blakefield rugby program, marking a standout campaign defined by consistency, resilience, and championship execution. Congratulations to the Varsity Rugby Dons on an incredible season!
