Oregon Coach Fired After 57-0 Rout in Football Game
Oregon high school football coach fired after team scores 57-0 in dominant win, sparking debate over school values.
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Marist Catholic High School in Eugene, Oregon, has fired head football coach Zach Loboy after his team’s overwhelming 63-0 victory over Cottage Grove on Oct. 9. The Spartans’ dominant performance, which included a controversial onside kick attempt in the first half, led school officials to conclude that the scorched-earth approach did not align with the Catholic school’s values.
Controversial Onside Kick Sparks Firing
With the score at 57-0 and just 1:47 left in the second quarter, Marist attempted an onside kick down the right sideline. The ball rolled out of bounds for a penalty, but the move was seen as a clear message of dominance. School officials, including principal Bob Fraley, stated in a letter to football families that new leadership was needed to reflect the school’s mission and values. Loboy’s removal took effect immediately.
Here is a clip of Marist Catholic onside kicking, up 57-0 late in the 2Q… #opreps https://t.co/dDGJ8O9dYP pic.twitter.com/ghbWGzYE5R
KVAL footage showed the Spartans successfully recovering a second onside try earlier in the game, though the score at that moment wasn’t visible. The video also highlighted the disparity in manpower, with Marist’s sideline crowded with reserves while Cottage Grove had very few backups. The game was called at halftime due to the margin, and Cottage Grove never took the field for the second half.
Cottage Grove, with a 1-5 record and five consecutive losses, has been outscored 206-36 in that span, including a combined 105-0 over their last three losses. Oregon already has a mercy rule to prevent blowouts from getting worse, but school officials cited the school’s values as the reason for Loboy’s firing.
Interim Coach Steps In
Jake Lowther, who joined the Marist staff in his first season after serving as a varsity assistant at Cascade High School, will serve as interim head coach for the rest of the year. He will debut Friday when the 3-3 Spartans visit North Bend.
Fraley acknowledged in the letter that a midseason coaching change can be difficult for players and families, expressing appreciation for their understanding and support. He also thanked them for their continued commitment to Marist and its student athletes.
Source: Daily Wire
