Loyola wins its first MIAA rugby championship since 2022

by Derek Toney

Loyola’ Blakefield's Connor Johnson raised his hands in celebration as he ran towards the middle of Mount St. Joseph’s John M. Plevyak Field after scoring in Wednesday’s MIAA rugby final.

The moment symbolized the end of frustration for the Dons who defeated Archbishop Spalding, 28-21, for their first championship since 2022. Nathan Koors, Thomas Rosen and Andrew Spencer each scored a try.

Loyola raced to a 21-0 first half advantage before weathering a Spalding rally to deny the Cavaliers of a three-peat. The Dons (7-1 overall) completed a perfect season in league play (5-0).

“This was the last run for all our seniors who’ve been here for three, four years,” said Johnson. “This is our moment to really put in the work and all that work since February added up every day and it’s been apparent through each day how much we were getting better…it’s nothing but bliss.”

It was exactly that when Johnson sprinted untouched about 15 yards to the end zone for a try midway through the second half. Marco Taylor followed with a kick and the Dons had some breathing space at 28-14.

Dons coach Nathan Brady knew his senior captain Johnson would come through Wednesday.

“He’s always been the fire brand, got a lot of energy,” said Brady. “Really positive guy…he’s going to be missed.”

Johnson discovered rugby after being cut from the Dons’ junior varsity baseball team as a freshman. After learning the ins-and-out, Johnson was a key contributor his sophomore year.

Last spring, Johnson broke his arm in the first season and didn’t play the remainder of the spring. The Dons lost to Spalding in the semifinals.

After outlasting the Cavaliers, 23-19, two weeks ago, Loyola stunned the champs early Wednesday. Koors, Rosen and Spencer scored and the Dons led, 21-0, with less than 10 minutes left in the opening half.

“It was mainly because of our teamwork,” said Rosen, a junior who played offensive line for the Dons’ football team. “We’re brothers…we’ve been working since February to get to this point.”

Spalding (5-4), looking to become the second team in MIAA rugby history to three-peat, woke up in the second half. The Cavaliers got back-to-back tries from Cade Cobb, inside the first 10 minutes, to pull to within 21-14.

Spalding countered Johnson’s try as Jon Kandrac’s try and Hagen Pedersen’s kick made it, 28-21, with about 10 minutes left in regulation. The Cavaliers were unable to complete the comeback.

“We made too many ball handling mistakes and dug ourselves too deep a hole,” said Spalding coach Chad Newcomb. “They (Loyola) got a bit more size and were able to rob a couple of more possessions.”

The Cavaliers were attempting to become the first team since Loyola (2008-2010) to win three in a row. The Dons won their 10th title Wednesday. 

Johnson said he was emotional after what proved to be the title-clinching score. 

“I kind looked up and tears dripped down my face,” he said. “This is everything I’ve been working for and this is such a great way to go out.”