Cleave, Cypress Win Home Opener by Beating Estancia

Greg Cleave ran for one score and also caught a touchdown pass to lead Cypress to a 19-7 victory over Estancia Thursday at Western High School.

It was Cypress’ first victory in a home-opener since 1990.

After Cypress had a touchdown called back by a penalty midway through the first quarter, junior running back Bobby Brito scored one that counted, on a 13-yard run with 29 seconds left in the quarter.

Cleave ran 53 yards to bump the lead to 13-0 midway through the second quarter, and ended the half catching a 37-yard touchdown pass from David Wheeler as time expired.

“The touchdown at the end of the half was the back-breaker,” Estancia Coach John Liebengood said.

Estancia scored early in the second half when senior Karlo Amaya scored on a 77-yard run to cut the lead to 19-7.

Estancia couldn’t convert on several opportunities in the fourth quarter, including a fumble recovery at the Cypress 36-yard line.

Estancia’s backup quarterback Jeff Perry mounted two fourth-quarter drives, but both were snuffed out.

Cleave ran for 81 yards in 10 carries and caught three passes for 59 yards and Brito had 64 yards in 10 carries. Wheeler completed four of 12 passes for 62 yards and a touchdown.

Amaya finished with 104 yards in six carries and Perry was six of seven for 51 yards.