Magnolia Tops Cypress, Ends Winless Streak

Magnolia ended a 16-game winless streak in fine style Thursday night, spoiling the Cypress homecoming festivities with a 26-0 victory in a nonleague game at Western High.

“We finally got the monkey off our back,” said Magnolia football Coach Bill Friedrich, moments after his happy players drenched him with water.

The Sentinels, who were 0-9-1 last season and had not won since the eighth week of the 1991 season, completely dominated the game.

Magnolia (1-4) used 15 rushing plays to cover 76 yards on the opening drive, capped by quarterback Robert Nicols’ second successful fourth-down plunge, good for a one-yard touchdown. Mike Dobrzycki made his first of two conversions to give the Sentinels a 7-0 lead with 3 minutes 48 seconds left in the first quarter.

Tony Iliescu scored on a 28-yard run in the second quarter to cap a 59-yard scoring drive.

Magnolia added a touchdown in the third quarter on a 20-yard pass from Nicols to Dobrzycki and a fourth-quarter score on a 62-yard run by Sean Roy.

With 6-foot-7, 330-pound tackle Bobby Matthews opening up holes, Roy was able to account for 158 yards rushing; Iliescu added 131.

Magnolia’s defense limited Cypress to 104 yards passing and minus-seven yards rushing.

Cypress (0-5) was unable to take advantage of 18 Magnolia penalties and five turnovers.

The Centurions had one scoring opportunity in the fourth quarter, but an interception by Delvin Beene on the six ended the threat.