Cypress Runs Over Overmatched Saints

Leading by 28 points, victory in hand, Cypress offensive lineman Chris Crooks told linemate Joe Long he was going to ask Coach Kerry Crabb to let him run the ball before the game ended.

And that was with 1 minute 7 seconds remaining in the first quarter.

Crooks never did get to run the ball, but just about every Centurion got in the game as they cruised past undermanned Santa Ana, 45-6, in nonleague football Saturday night at Western High School.

Santa Ana (1-4), missing numerous starters, including top running back Tony Jones, who was serving a one-game suspension, trailed 28-0 before making a first down.

Crabb said he was aware the Saints were short-handed, but emphasized that his team was not going to look past them to next week’s Empire League opener against Kennedy.

“They had so many kids out, we didn’t know what to expect,” Crabb said. “We saw they were outmanned early and tried to tell our kids it’s very important to have fun with it, but not at Santa Ana’s expense. We’ve all been on the other side of that score.”

Cypress quarterback Jeff Crooks completed seven of 10 passes for 218 yards, including touchdown passes of 34, 51 and 55 yards, in just more than two quarters of play. Justin Jones rushed for 47 yards and one touchdown in four carries and added a touchdown reception for the Centurions (2-3).

Santa Ana spoiled Cypress’ shutout bid on its final possession. Running back Reynaldo Flores, in at quarterback, carried the keeper 12 yards for the score. Flores finished with a game-high 124 yards rushing in 26 carries.