Key returning players lead defending Empire League champion Cypress into opener

Cypress coach Rick Feldman talks to his players after a game last season. (Photos courtesy Cypress footballl).

Cypress High School’s football team is out to defend its Empire League title with some talented players leading the way.

Cypress was 10-3 overall and captured the league crown with a 5-1 record last season.

The Centurions open the season Friday night vs. Foothill at Tustin.

“We have won at least a share of the league title three years in a row,” said Cypress Coach Rick Feldman.  “We would like to make it four but the league is so improved. The other schools in our league have outstanding head coaches and improved personnel so that goal will be difficult to achieve.

“We had a good summer and the players have been working hard.  Our schedule is very challenging but we are excited about the season.”

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Wide receiver Matthew Morrell and wide receiver/strong safety Trevor Monteleone, two seniors who were both all-county last season, are expected to lead the Centurions again.

“Elijah Gomez, Hayden Frazier and Matthew Fonseca are back and anchor our offensive line,” Feldman said. “Returning linebackers are Nate Schneider, Jacob Wilkie and Rocco Burdett.  The quarterback competition is between Elliot Lemonnier and Aidan Houston, both juniors who had nice summers and played well in the scrimmage against Yorba Linda.”

Cypress also had a strong showing in the Battle at the Bay Tournament at Corona del Mar. 

Cypress plays its home games at Western High and has seven Thursday night games in all this season.

2022 Schedule:

Friday, Aug. 19, at Foothill, Tustin High

Thursday, Aug. 25, (H) vs. San Juan Hills

Thursday, Sept. 1, at Western

Thursday, Sept. 15, at Katella

Friday, Sept. 23, (H) vs. Capo Valley

Thursday, Sept. 29, (H) vs. Tustin

Friday, Oct. 7, (H) vs. Pacifica

Thursday, Oct. 13, at Kennedy

Thursday, Oct. 20, (H) vs. Valencia

Thursday, Oct. 27, at Crean Lutheran

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