First look at Cypress football 2021: Centurions lose key players but have talented returners

Cypress players get ready for a game last season. (File photo: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone)

Cypress High’s football team loses some key players off last year’s team that advanced to the CIF Division 7 title game, including star running back/linebacker Isaac Hurtado, who signed with Army.

But Coach Rick Feldman hopes the team can put together another solid year. Cypress won the Empire League crown last year with a 5-0 mark and finished 13-1 overall, losing to Temcula Valley 28-21 in the CIF championship contest.

“We lose 17 starting positions but had a 10-0 freshman team,” Feldman said. “We stepped up our non-league schedule by adding San Juan Hills, Foothill, Western and Katella. We hope the young guys step up and we compete for the league championship.”

Among the top players returning for Cypress are quarterback Dylan Eldridge, who passed for 2,300 yards and 22 touchowns; Corey Anesi, who was an All-CIF defensive back; John Fonseca, an All-CIF offensive lineman and defensive back Neil Jackson.

Cypress is scheduled to open the season on Friday, Jan. 8, 2021, on the road against defending CIF Division 4 champion San Juan Hills.

CYPRESS 2021 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Friday, Jan. 8, at San Juan Hills

Friday, Jan. 15, Western (H)

Thursday, Jan. 21, vs. Foothill at Tustin

Thursday, Jan. 28, Katella (H)

Friday, Feb. 5, at Capistrano Valley

Friday, Feb. 12, Valencia (H)

Friday, Feb. 19, at Crean Lutheran

Friday, Feb. 26, Tustin (H)

Thursday, March 4, Pacifica (H)

Thursday, March 11, at Kennedy