Cypress powers its way past University

ANAHEIM - Weekend afternoon football games aren't the norm for high schools, so the nonleague clash between Cypress and University on Saturday had a sense of the unknown.

Reality would soon hit the visiting Trojans, however, as Cypress physically beat up an undermanned University squad, 35-7, at Western High. (Click here for full game stats.)

"They were far more physical," Trojans coach Mark Cunningham said of Cypress. "They did a good job and we didn’'t."

Explained Centurions coach Ray Fenton: "We get physical in the weight room, and we want to transfer it on to the field."

Already without their top three running backs to begin the game, University (4-1) would see three other players leave the field because of injury.

Cunningham said afterward that all would be fine. Despite being shorthanded, the Trojans scored first on an Elliott Martin 4-yard keeper.

Cypress (2-2) would dominate the rest of the way. Before sitting out the second half because of a slight concussion, Max Reza scored on an 8-yard run and tossed a 17-yard touchdown to Taylor Coe.

Akeelie Muhammed rushed for a game-high 74 yards, including a 22-yard scoring run. The junior was also on the receiving end of a Zach Ortiz 36-yard touchdown pass.

Defensively, Cypress recorded four second-half interceptions to quell any hopes of a University comeback.

"I was really proud of the defense," Fenton said. "We didn't know how fast or how emotional we would be on a Saturday.

Both teams conclude nonleague play next week. Cypress plays at Irvine while University hosts Sunny Hills.

Contact the writer: preps@ocregister.com