Cypress High football team jumped out to a 28-0 lead early in the second quarter and the Centurions rolled to a 42-7 win over Cerritos in a non-league game on Thursday at Handel Stadium.
Junior quarterback Justin Hall threw for 266 yards and four touchdowns, leading an offense that compiled more than 350 yards. Hall connected with junior receiver Caden Rynders on a 40-yard bomb that gave the Centurions a 21-0 lead 44 seconds into the second quarter.
“Credit to my guys up front, they did a great job today, I had plenty of time in the pocket,” Hall said.
Hall also said that film prep has been key for the offense, notably getting him and the receivers in sync on the routes and attack schemes. He said that kind of game prep will be key if the Centurions hope to continue winning.
Junior receiver Caden Rynders, right, celebrates his touchdown reception with senior Mekaih Felix.
On Cerritos’ ensuing possession senior linebacker Louden Aljian got the ball back for Cypress with an interception. One play later Hall found sophomore receiver Ian Do on a swing pass and Do split his blockers for a 34-yard touchdown down the right sideline.
Do would also catch a 50-yard touchdown pass 57 seconds into the second half that pushed the Cypress lead to 35-0. Do finished the game with six catches for 182 yards. Senior runningback Jaiden Anthony opened the scoring for the Centurions, capping their game-opening drive with a two yard touchdown run around the right side. Aljian capped the scoring with a touchdown run in the third quarter.
The Centurion defense pressured the Cerritos quarterback most of the night. Senior linebacker Brody Linden led the defense with 10 total tackles and senior linebacker Alijah Ashcraft added six total tackles. Cypress Head Coach Rick Feldman said that once they were able to establish and maintain pressure on the quarterback, the defense was able to fly to the ball and make plays.
“[The quarterback] didn’t have time to throw, we were able to stop the run pretty effectively and then we were able to come after him with some blitzes and he just didn’t have time,” Head Coach Rick Feldman said.
The Centurions will play at Brea Olinda High on Friday at 7 p.m. Brea is coming off a 35-14 win over Marina High.
This Week in Prep Football
Thursday
Los Alamitos vs. Huntington Beach, 7 p.m., Sheue Field at Huntington Beach High
The Griffins look to bounce back from a 21-7 loss to Inglewood in their season opener on Friday. The Griffin offense struggled against the Sentinels, compiling just 123 yards of total offense. Sophomore quarterback Correa Zach threw for 54 yards and the only touchdown, connecting with sophomore Caeson Miller.
Huntington Beach is coming off a 42-14 win over Long Beach Millikan in their season opener. Oiler quarterback Brady Edmunds threw for 446 yards and six touchdowns to lead Huntington Beach.
Kennedy High vs. Woodbridge High, 7 p.m. Handel Stadium at Western High.
The Fighting Irish are coming off a 33- 6 loss to Canyon High of Anaheim. The Irish offense struggled against the Cobra defense, compiling just 77 yards of total offense. Quarterback Paxton Gatewood connected with senior Vance Hank for Kennedy’s only touchdown.