ANAHEIM – All-purpose star Quinten Pounds has excelled at multiple positions this season for Cypress – as a running back, receiver, defensive back and kick returner.
On Friday night against Western, Pounds started the game at quarterback and led the Centurions to a 39-23 Empire League victory at Western High.
Usual starting quarterback Nick Buras returned from a recruiting trip at Army a day later than expected and missed a practice, resulting in a one-quarter suspension.
Cypress coach Rick Feldman said Buras understood the decision and handled it well.
Pounds took control of the offense for the Centurions (8-2, 4-1) and finished with a dynamic stat line – two pass completions for 26 yards, five rushes for 67 yards and two touchdowns, one 5-yard touchdown catch and one interception on defense, proving to be too much to handle for the Pioneers (1-9, 0-5).
“It was pretty cool,” Pounds said of his temporary position change. “I always wanted to play quarterback, but after this game I’d rather play my normal position.”
With Pounds behind center, the Centurions relied heavily on the run. Running back Taylor Williams scored a touchdown in the first quarter and finished with 78 yards on 10 carries.
Buras entered the game in the second quarter and led the Centurions to two more scores before halftime. He finished with 137 yards and two TD passes.
