Cypress High’s football team didn’t get a win in their season opener on Friday, but the Centurions might be able to learn from some key mistakes that took away some key opportunities for them to put themselves in a position to win the game.
The Centurions (0-1) were locked in a close game that saw them trailing just 9-7 at halftime. Despite a few missed plays, Cypress had kept the game close and they came out to start the third quarter looking like they might take control of the game.
They opened the second half with a 45-yard kickoff return by Isaiah Parra that set up the Centurions at the 45 yard line. On the drive, Parra caught a couple of passes from quarterback Andrew Kiev and had a 16-yard run that put the Centurions in the red zone. A seven-yard reception set Cypress up just outside the 10 yard line with first down. But a deadball personal foul on the Centurions pushed the ball back to the 25 and made it first and 25.
Cypress could gain just four yards and a 43-yard field goal attempt fell short. Woodbridge was stymied on the ensuing possession and forced to punt from their own 16 yard line. Cypress took over at the Woodbridge 40 yard line. Parra broke open for a 21 yard run to the Warrior 19, but a hold at the end of the play pushed the ball back to the 29. Cypress then jumped offsides and later a Woodbridge sack all but ended the drive.
Cypress Head Coach Jeff Feldman chalked the mistakes up to inexperience and over-aggressive first game energy. Still, he saw some things he hopes the team can build upon.
“I thought we kept working hard,” Feldman said.
The Centurions kept the Warrior offense stymied through the third quarter, but their defensive line began to get better push off the ball. Cypress was able to counter with misdirection plays, but may have worn down some. By the fourth quarter, Woodbridge was able to put together a 7-3 yard drive that ended with a touchdown run and ate up almost half of the final quarter. The Warriors would tack on another late touchdown that created a final score that was not indicative of how close the game was.
The Centurions face another solid team at Fullerton High on Friday at 7 p.m. Feldman said he sees plenty of upside and is confident his team will find its stride.
“We’re going to get better, we’re going to keep fighting and we’ll be fine,” Feldman said.