Cypress meets the challenge against tough competition at CdM tourney

Cypress Coach Rick Feldman talks to his players after Friday’s tournament at Corona del Mar. (Photo: OC Sports Zone).

Cypress High School’s football team had some promising results Friday night in the inaugural Battle at the Bay Tournament at Corona del Mar.

The Centurions had victories over La Habra, Aliso Niguel and San Clemente and reached the finals of the 7-on-7 passing tourney, losing to CdM 30-14. CdM also defeated Cypress 29-23 in the regularly scheduled match-up.

Junior quarterback Aidan Houston took all the snaps for the Centurions and impressed his coach.

“He did a good job, it was his first real competition for us,” said head coach Rick Feldman.

Cypress was without all-county receiver Matthew Morrell, sidelined with an injury, but Feldman believes his squad answered the challenge well. The Centurions were 10-3 last year and won the Empire League title with a 5-0 mark. Cypress reached the semifinal round of the CIF Division 4 playoffs losing to Long Beach Poly 35-0.

“We’ve done like two seven-on-sevens and three-ways, but this is the first competition we’ve had,” Feldman said.

Feldman said he wasn’t sure what to expect with some tough match-ups lined up.

“Our guys always play like they play, they play really hard,” he said. “We had a real tough game against La Habra and squeaked them (winning 23-21) and then a real tough game against CdM. We were up two on them and they scored on fourth down on pretty much the last play of the game.”

Other players who stood out for Cypress were Trevor Monteleone, Bobby Castillo, Blake Cousimano on offense and Nate Snyder, Jacob Wilkie and Brady Sjostram on defense, Feldman said.

The coach was pleased that his team battled the whole way.

“It’s not real football, but it gets us out there competing, I want to see how we stand up against a lot of real good, public Orange County schools,” Feldman said. “I wanted to see if we can compete and hang in there.”

Cypress opens the season on Friday, Aug. 19, playing Foothill at Tustin. The Centurons then have the first of seven Thursday night games when they host San Juan Hills on Aug. 25 at Western.

For photos and coverage of the finals, click here:

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com