Domenico Doran Shines as Bishop Amat Defeats Loyola 30-14

Los Angeles witnessed an impressive performance from Bishop Amat’s quarterback, Domenico Doran, as he led the Lancers to a decisive 30-14 victory against Loyola on October 18, 2025. In a game where opposing teams typically focus on stopping running back Ryan Salcedo, Doran’s dual-threat capabilities emerged as a game-changer, showcasing the Lancers’ offensive versatility.

Doran, a junior transfer from Servite, marked his first start with a standout performance, throwing for 141 yards and two touchdowns while adding 122 rushing yards, including a critical 50-yard touchdown run in the final minutes. His performance not only helped the Lancers secure the win but also demonstrated his adaptability after a challenging period of adjustment. “They were just focused on Ryan, and when you face our offense now you kind of have to face a dual-threat quarterback too,” Doran remarked.

Bishop Amat’s head coach, Kory Minor, expressed pride in Doran’s progress and resilience. “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,” Minor stated. “He stayed locked in, he got his turn and look what he did. I’m so proud of him.” This victory brings Bishop Amat’s record to 5-3 overall and 2-1 in the Mission League, setting them up for a challenging matchup against the undefeated Sierra Canyon next week.

The win was particularly significant for the Lancers, marking their first back-to-back victories of the season. Minor emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and commitment throughout the game. “It means everything, we couldn’t do it until tonight,” he noted. “We said if guys stay focused, stay committed, we can get it done and we did.”

Despite the Lancers’ efforts to contain him, Salcedo struggled against Loyola’s strong defensive front, finishing with just 41 yards on 12 carries. However, he contributed with 102 all-purpose yards and a touchdown catch. Doran’s opening act set the tone for Amat, as he executed a 58-yard keeper to set up the first score of the game, culminating in a six-yard touchdown pass to Salcedo for an early 6-0 lead.

Amat’s defense played a crucial role as well, doubling the lead when Seth Tellez intercepted Loyola quarterback Gavin Grabe and returned the pick 37 yards for a touchdown, establishing a 13-0 advantage just before halftime. As the half drew to a close, Doran added an exclamation point with a last-second toss to Jaiden Combal, who made a spectacular catch for a 35-yard touchdown, giving the Lancers a commanding 20-0 lead at the break.

Loyola showed resilience in the second half, mounting a long drive that culminated in a 14-yard touchdown run by Kane Casani, closing the gap to 20-7. Casani finished the game with 128 yards and two touchdowns. After a costly fumble on a punt return allowed Loyola another opportunity, Casani capitalized again, scoring another touchdown to bring the score to 20-14 at the end of the third quarter.

Despite the pressure, Bishop Amat extended their lead with a field goal from Noah Guillen, making it 23-14 with just over seven minutes left. Doran’s final touchdown run sealed the game, ensuring a triumphant finish for the Lancers.

Reflecting on his opportunity, Doran said, “It feels fantastic. There’s no other feeling like it.” As Bishop Amat prepares for their next challenge against Sierra Canyon, the team looks to build on this momentum and solidify their position for a potential playoff berth. Meanwhile, Loyola’s record now stands at 4-4 and 1-2 in league play, with hopes of rebounding in their upcoming games.