Cypress Can’t Rebound From Player’s Death

Cypress’ troubles continued on and off the football field. The Centurions were defeated by Magnolia, 14-0, Thursday night in nonleague game at Western High after learning of a teammate’s death.

Cypress (0-5), which had four starters suspended last month, learned that junior linebacker Robbie Jin had been shot and killed early Thursday while parked outside his family’s apartment in Cypress.

A moment of silence was held before the game in his honor.

On the field, the Centurions were unable to stop Magnolia senior Carlos Martin. Playing both sides of the ball, Martin, 6-2, 225 pounds, was unstoppable. He was responsible for both Sentinel touchdowns and helped shut down Cypress.

After David Pea blocked a punt for Magnolia (2-3) on the first drive of the game, Martin took the ball on the Sentinels’ first play and blasted through the Cypress defense for a 51-yard touchdown and a 7-0 lead less than three minutes into the game.

Later in the first quarter, Magnolia’s Javier Chavez intercepted a pass from Nick Vanderwal on the Sentinel 25-yard line, closing down a scoring opportunity for Cypress. Twelve plays and 75 yards later, Martin, who carried the ball nine times in the drive, picked up his second touchdown of the night from four yards out with 10:25 left in the half. Martin ended the night with 151 yards on 26 carries.

Cypress got the ball inside Magnolia’s 10-yard line on three possessions, but was unable to score.