For the first time in the school’s history, Cypress High School Centurion varsity football team has gone 10-0 in the regular season and faces Huntington Beach in their first playoff game Friday.
“It’s a great feeling,” said head coach Rick Feldman, “but all the credit goes to a great group of players who have really stepped up this season.”
Moreover, Coach Feldman, in his 6th year as head coach, said while he has had great players on the team before now, he thinks the exceptional “character” of this team has made most of the difference.
“We have a great group of seniors,” said Feldman, who do most everything together, including going to church. “You can call them the group that could,” said Feldman, adding “they are so humble, and they win for each other, not themselves.”
“Character does matter,” he said.
Part of that group is standout Isaac Hurtado, a Centurion standout that is being recruited by colleges and universities around the nation. “He is nicest, most humble guy, but he plays like a maniac,” said Feldman.
For instance, Hurtado is nearing 2,000 rushing yards for the season and is a triple threat; on offense and defense. For instance, in one game, Hurtado rushed for 286 yards on 26 carries, scored four touchdowns, threw a touchdown pass, had eight tackles and two sacks.
Scouts are looking hard at Hurtado and he has already received two scholarship offers, said Feldman, and others are on the way.
The Centurion head coach also credited his defense, which he said, “has been great this season.” The Centurions have scored nearly 350 points while holding its opponents to 127.
“We also have to credit the offensive line,” said Feldman, which has blown holes in the defense to give Hurtado and the other backs plenty room to run.
Regardless of what happens in the playoffs, Feldman said it has been a magical season for the 23 seniors. “It was a team effort and a perfect season,” said Feldman, “and I’m very happy for them.”