Oregon high school coach fired after 63-0 rout of rival
Zach Loboy, the head football coach at Marist Catholic High School in Oregon, was dismissed by the school after his team defeated Cottage Grove 63-0 last Friday. The school confirmed the termination in an email stating that a change in leadership was necessary to reflect its mission and values. The dismissal followed an onside kick attempt by Marist while leading 57-0 in the second quarter. The game was halted at halftime and did not resume. Cottage Grove Athletic Director Garrett Bridgens told The Register-Guard that the decision to stop the game was made in the best interest of the students, fans, and the overall situation. The email from Marist, which was obtained by KVAL, said the school's priority is to support its players, maintain a positive team environment, and help the team finish the season strong. The school acknowledged that a mid-season coaching change can be difficult for players and families. It asked for understanding, support, and prayers as it navigates the transition. Loboy's onside kick attempt drew comparisons to Sean Payton's famous onside kick in the 2009 Super Bowl, though the high school context and scoreline made the play unusual. The incident occurred during a game between two local rivals, with Marist holding a significant lead before the kick. The school's statement did not explicitly cite the onside kick as the sole reason for the firing, but linked the leadership change to its core values. The game ended with a 63-0 score for Marist, a result that stood after the early termination.
Zach Loboy, the head football coach at Marist Catholic High School in Oregon, was dismissed by the school after his team defeated Cottage Grove 63-0 last Friday. The school confirmed the termination in an email stating that a change in leadership was necessary to reflect its mission and values. The dismissal followed an onside kick attempt by Marist while leading 57-0 in the second quarter. The game was halted at halftime and did not resume. Cottage Grove Athletic Director Garrett Bridgens told The Register-Guard that the decision to stop the game was made in the best interest of the students, fans, and the overall situation. The email from Marist, which was obtained by KVAL, said the school's priority is to support its players, maintain a positive team environment, and help the team finish the season strong. The school acknowledged that a mid-season coaching change can be difficult for players and families. It asked for understanding, support, and prayers as it navigates the transition. Loboy's onside kick attempt drew comparisons to Sean Payton's famous onside kick in the 2009 Super Bowl, though the high school context and scoreline made the play unusual. The incident occurred during a game between two local rivals, with Marist holding a significant lead before the kick. The school's statement did not explicitly cite the onside kick as the sole reason for the firing, but linked the leadership change to its core values. The game ended with a 63-0 score for Marist, a result that stood after the early termination.