Herrera Makes the Big Catches for Cypress

Cypress defensive back/wide receiver Richard Herrera intercepted three passes in the second half to lead the Centurions to a 32-13 victory over Canyon Friday at Western High in the first round of the Southern Section Division VI playoffs.

Herrera also broke Cypress’ single-season receiving record with his 55th catch. He capped off his record-performance by intercepting Jerod Bauer’s pass on the final play of the game, returning it 55 yards for a touchdown.

Trailing at halftime, 13-9, Cypress scored 23 unanswered points to secure the victory and advance to the second round against Irvine.

The Centurions took control of the game in the third quarter when Cypress got touchdown runs from Darren Shorter and Justin Jones. Jones rushed for 103 yards on 11 carries and Shorter added 74 yards on 14 carries.

Canyon took a 7-0 lead early in the first quarter after a turnover by Cypress. Two plays after defensive lineman Eric Chavez recovered a fumble at the Centurion 10-yard line, running back Tyler Culver scored on a fourth-down run from the one-yard line.

Paul Kerr kicked a 22-yard field goal to make the score 7-3. The Centurions marched 73 yards in 10 plays in the second quarter to take a 9-7 lead when quarterback Jeff Crooks scored on a nine-yard run.