How a 63-0 win cost an Oregon high school football coach his job

Marist Catholic High School's football coach, Zach Loboy, was dismissed from his position after leading his team to a 63-0 victory over Cottage Grove on October 9th. The game was halted at halftime due to Marist's commanding lead. According to footage, Marist chose to perform an onside kick with a 56-0 deficit in the first half, but failed to recover it.

Loboy then intercepted a pass and scored two more touchdowns to secure the 63-0 win. Marist's athletic director, Rick Gardner, informed parents of Loboy's termination via email, stating that the decision was immediate and not reflective of the school's mission and values. A meeting involving Gardner, Cottage Grove's athletic director, Garrett Bridgens, and the Lane County Football Association's commissioner, Mike Whitty, led to the game's cancellation.

Bridgens explained that the cancellation was not a forfeit and was done in the best interest of the students, fans, and the overall situation. Jake Lowther, who was initially Marist Catholic's offensive line coach, has been appointed as the interim head coach. Marist Catholic, who won the Oregon Class 4A state championship in 2024, currently holds a record of 3-3 overall and 2-1 in Sky-Em League play. The Spartans are set to face North Bend on October 16th.