Interception Seals Victory for Cypress

Matt Monroe prayed and his prayer was answered.

Monroe, a 6-foot-3, 240-pound defensive lineman for Cypress, intercepted a pass by Tom Haas and ran 26 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter as the Centurions upset Kennedy, 9-0, Thursday night in an Empire League game at Western High.

“I was praying that I would catch it,” Monroe said, “because I have a broken finger on my right hand.”

Monroe showed good hands and pretty good speed.

“I saw the end zone and the adrenaline kicked in,” he said.

It knocked out Kennedy.

The ninth-ranked Fighting Irish (6-2, 2-1) weren’t themselves without Garrett Sabol.

The senior running back/defensive back is out for the rest of the regular season after injuring his right knee last week against Katella.

Kennedy managed only 100 yards rushing against Cypress. Sabol had that much yardage at halftime of last week’s game.

The Fighting Irish also were flagged for a costly penalty on Cypress’ opening drive of the second half.

Kennedy was whistled for having too many men on the field with Cypress facing a third-and-four situation. Two plays later, Dulani Jackson made a spectacular catch over Kennedy’s Lester Scott that covered 29 yards to the Kennedy five.

Cypress (3-5, 2-1) eventually got a 21-yard field goal from Jeff Crooks with 5 minutes 39 seconds left in the third quarter.

Monroe, three plays later, would have his moment.