Patterson Helps Cypress Rally Past Century

Kelly Patterson rushed for 253 yards in 22 carries and scored two touchdowns for visiting Cypress in a 26-14, come-from-behind victory over Century in an Empire League game Friday at Santa Ana Stadium.

Patterson’s first score, on an eight-yard sweep, made the score 14-13 after Andrew Thome’s kick for the point-after struck the crossbar.

Patterson scored his ninth touchdown of the season with 1:34 left in the game to put Cypress up, 26-14.

Century (2-6, 0-3) limited Cypress (3-5, 1-2) to 69 yards of offense in the first half in taking a 7-0 lead. Century scored on the opening play of the third quarter when Cypress quarterback Jeff Crooks’ handoff to Patterson was mishandled. Defensive lineman Kevin Watson scooped up the fumble and sprinted 17 yards to give Century a 14-0 lead.

Gustavo Gonzalez scored first for Century, running for a touchdown in the second quarter. He finished with 134 yards in 18 attempts.

Cypress stays mathematically in the hunt for a playoff spot provided it wins its remaining games. Century extended its losing streak to five games.