ANAHEIM – Connor McBride had fourth-quarter touchdown runs of 66 and 5 yards to help power Woodbridge past Cypress, 23-7, in a nonleague season opener Friday night at Western High.
The 6-foot-2, 220-pound McBride gained 160 yards on 18 carries.
The Warriors took a 9-0 lead in the first half on Drew Phillips’ 28-yard field goal and Chase Bradley’s 20-yard touchdown pass to Nate Ledoux.
Cypress built some momentum going into halftime with a 57-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Andrew Khiev to wide receiver Josh Guitierrez with one minute remaining. Ian Deppner’s point after cut the deficit to 9-7.
The Centurions’ Isiah Parra returned the second half kickoff 42 yards to the Woodbridge 48. Cypress’ drive stalled at the Woodbridge 17, and Deppner’s 38-yard field-goal attempt sailed wide left.
Cypress reached the Woodbridge 22 on another drive in the third, but was stopped for losses on three straight downs to turn the ball over.
Woodbridge drove 82 yards in 11 plays on its opening possession of the fourth quarter, consuming nearly six minutes. McBride gained 39 yards on six carries on the drive and also had a 13-yard reception from Bradley. The junior ran off right tackle from 5 yards out for a touchdown with 6:19 to play, and Phillips kicked the extra point for a 16-7 lead.
Chance Rainey’s second interception set up Woodbridge’s final score.
The Warriors marched 81 yards on six plays. On second-and-18, McBride burst through the center of the line and sprinted 66 yards for a touchdown and a 23-7 lead with 1:50 to play.
Bradley completed 14 of 27 passes for 99 yards with one interception. Ledux had seven receptions for 62 yards.
Khiev completed eight of 17 passes for 121 yards with three interceptions. Cypress’ Jacob Mercado rushed for 63 yards on 11 carries, and Cheikh Eteka caught caught three passes for 70 yards.
