Cypress Makes Most of Katella Miscues

Katella fumbled five times in the first half, losing four, and Cypress took advantage of the mistakes to beat the Knights, 29-2, Friday in Empire League play at Western High.

Katella’s David DeMarco recovered the opening onside kick. But Ruben Torres fumbled two plays later with Cypress’ Mark Crommie falling on the ball.

Torres was held in check most of the night by the Centurions’ David Hansen, Mack Hodges and Josh Leazenby. The senior running back managed 78 yards in 24 carries.

It was Hansen who set up Cypress’ first score when he recovered a stray pitchout by Katella quarterback Chris Haller.

Justin Rice threw 18 yards to Darnell Dodson to move Cypress (6-1, 1-1 in league) to the Katella 15-yard line. Darren Shorter scored on the next play, and Chris Adornetto added the extra point to give Cypress a 7-0 lead with 5:10 remaining in the first quarter. Shorter finished with 122 yards in 21 carries.

After the Knights (3-4, 1-1) couldn’t move on their next possession, the center snap went over the head of punter Drew Zinser.

Cypress’ Leazenby recovered in the end zone to give the Centurions a 14-0 lead with 3:19 left in the first quarter.

Katella avoided a shutout when the Knights got a safety with 5:44 remaining in the third quarter.