Cypress Keeps Cooking With Rice

Despite losing the county’s third-leading rusher, Darren Shorter, on the second play from scrimmage, visiting Cypress turned to the county’s highest-rated quarterback, Justin Rice, and pounded host Santa Ana, 35-7, Friday at Santa Ana Stadium.

Shorter, who was averaging 8.9 yards per carry through the first four games, twisted his ankle trying to turn the corner on a sweep. With Shorter out for the rest of the game, Santa Ana’s defense keyed on the Centurions’ passing attack.

Rice completed five of 18 passes for 191 yards in the first half.

Cypress (5-0) struck first midway through the first quarter when Shorter’s replacement, Darell Dodson, fought his way into the end zone from one yard. Rice connected with a wide-open Kerry Lathon for a 48-yard completion, setting up Dodson’s run. Lathon finished with four catches for 76 yards.

The Centurion defense limited Santa Ana (0-4) to 105 total yards. Saint running back Jesus Ramirez scored from one-yard out.

Cypress Coach Kerry Crabb noticed some fatigue in his squad that is ranked seventh in Division VI. “Our defense has been the backbone of this team all year,” Crabb said. “Our guys are pretty banged up and the upcoming bye week will help us iron out the kinks and get ready for Loara.”