Mike Loucks: Canyon Football's Little Big Man

CANYON COUNTRY – Mike Loucks is just 5-foot-9 and 170 pounds, but the Canyon High “designated hitter� never worries about getting overpowered. He’s too busy overpowering the other guys, thanks to his hit-first-ask-questions-later football approach.

“That’s just the way I’ve always been because I’ve always been smaller than everyone else out there,� Loucks said. “My thinking is you hit them harder than they hit you, and they’ll get the worst of it. It’s been working very well for me. I just try to stay away from the offensive linemen.�

Loucks and his teammates are looking for an edge Friday, as host Canyon (1-1) takes on state power St. Bonaventure (2-0) of Ventura. Kickoff is 7 p.m.

“Mike puts his whole body on the line,� teammate J.J. DiLuigi said. “He’s like a bullet. He doesn’t care how big you are because he’s going right through you. He’s also a great wide receiver. He does a lot.�

Hard-nosed coach Harry Welch loves Loucks’ fiery enthusiasm. The senior is just the kind of player that fits into the “Cowboy Football� type that Welch always talks about.

“Mike Loucks isn’t one of those pseudo fired-up guys who’s just enjoying the moment,� Welch said. “He’s an unsung star because he’s fearless.�

Middle linebacker Blake McMartin is the leader of the defense – and also one of Loucks’ best friends – and McMartin believes Canyon would not be the same without its prized defensive back.

“Mike is the man,� McMartin said. “He hits really hard, and he’s just a good team player. He gives 110 percent every time.�

Loucks is coming on as a receiver, too. He had three receptions for 50 yards in a one-point loss to Notre Dame last week after totaling 12 receptions for 279 yards (23.5 avg.) and three touchdowns as a junior, helping Canyon to the Southern Section Div. II championship.

It’s no surprise Loucks is such a versatile athlete. His sister, Nini, was a top Canyon soccer player who’s now playing for USC on a full scholarship. His father, Michael Sr., was a two-way starter in football for Cleveland High in Reseda.

“Things are going pretty well,� Loucks said. “We’ve been practicing hard this week trying to prepare for St. Bonaventure. The coaches have done a good job, and I think we’ll be ready.�

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com
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