Cypress returns ‘a lot of key pieces’ from team that reached CIF championship game

Coach Rick Feldman leads the Centurions before a game last season. (Photo: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone).

Cypress High School’s football team has begun preparing for the 2023 season, which begins with a game on Friday, Aug. 25 at La Mirada.

Cypress was 13-1 last season, winning the Empire League title and advancing to the championship game of the CIF Division 4 playoffs, losing to Downey.

“We are in the middle of our summer training,” said Cypress Coach Rick Feldman. “We will be at Mission Viejo July 8 and Paloma Valley July 15 for tournaments.  Although we lose (Matthew) Morrell and (Trevor) Monteleone, we have a lot of key pieces coming back.”

Among the returning players is dual threat senior quarterback Aidan Houston, who had 3,000 passing yards, 29 touchdowns and 1,150 rushing yards with 19 touchdowns.

Feldman is also looking for big years from Jesse Mauldin, a running back/defensive back.

“We expect big things from a three-year starter,” Feldman said. “Hayden Frazier and Matthew Fonseca are three-year starters on the offensive line. Rocco Burdett is a three-year starter playing linebacker. Bruno Caldarella, a defensive end/tight end, led our team in sacks and tackles for a loss. Brady Sjostrom, a strong safety, was second on the team in total tackles.”

Other players expected to make big contributions are wide recevier Jake Porteneuve, defensive backs Destin Sanchez, Michael Hubbard and Matthew Baldonado, defensive back/wide receiver Bobby Castillo and linebacker Josh Brito, who all had playing time last year.

“We hope to compete for the league title and make a run at that elusive CIF championship,” Feldman said.

2023 Schedule

Home games at Western High School

Friday, Aug. 18, at La Mirada

Friday, Aug. 25, at CdM (Newport Harbor)

Thursday, Aug. 31 (H) vs. El Modena

Friday, Sept. 8, at Lawndale

Friday, Sept. 15 (H) vs. Tesoro

Friday, Sept. 29, at Pacifica

Friday, Oct. 6 (H) vs. Kennedy

Thursday, Oct. 12 at Valencia

Friday, Oct. 20 (H) vs. Crean Lutheran

Friday, Oct. 27, at Tustin

For best view, click on the photo:

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