PREP FOOTBALL : Empire League : Cypress Surprises Loara With a Scoreless Tie

Loara High School’s defense held Cypress to 53 yards, but the Saxon offense could not take advantage of the effort and the teams played to a scoreless tie in front of 1,700 in the Empire League opener for both teams Friday at Glover Stadium.

Loara came into the game with a 4-1 record and as one of the favorites in the league race. Cypress was 1-4 and picked to finish last.

“I guess we were supposed to lose this game,” Cypress Coach John Selbe said. “So I guess a tie has to be looked at as a victory for us.”

Loara had 191 yards in offense but was without its leading rusher, Coy Collins, who was sidelined by an ankle injury suffered this week in practice. Collins had gained 489 yards in the first 5 games. Randy Halcomb, Collins’ replacement, had 87 yards in 18 carries.

Loara appeared to score on a 65-yard punt return by Brett Banta in the first quarter, but the play was called back because of a clipping penalty.

The Saxons’ only other scoring opportunity also came in the first quarter. But Loara kicker Anthony Dunton’s 37-yard field goal attempt was blocked by Cypress’ Rodney Berry.

Cypress missed two fourth-quarter scoring opportunities when Joey Chavez missed on field goal attempts of 43 and 34 yards.

Cypress also had 4 interceptions, 2 by Gabe Trinidad, to slow the Loara offense.