Cypress Scrambles Past Kennedy, 20-13

Cypress had three turnovers in the second half and almost let visiting Kennedy back in the game late in the fourth quarter before turning back the Fighting Irish, 20-13, in an Empire League opener.

Linebacker Donte Reid intercepted a pass from Kennedy quarterback Jeff McClain, subbing for injured starter Mark Cook, on fourth down at the Cypress 35-yard line to preserve the victory. The interception came after Kennedy recovered an onside kick after cutting the lead to 20-13.

Jeff Crooks had two scoring passes as Cypress took a 14-0 halftime lead. Crooks connected with Richard Herrera for a three-yard touchdown pass on Cypress’ third possession of the game. Less than a minute before halftime, Crooks found Justin Jones in the right corner of the end zone for a 10-yard pass. Jones and Crooks set up the touchdown play with a 44-yard pass.

But Cypress almost unraveled in the second half when Crooks had two passes intercepted and fumbled once. Junior running back Cedeno Wyatt (38 carries, 157 yards) scored the first Kennedy touchdown on a 10-yard run in the third quarter to make the score 20-6.

In the final 2 1/2 minutes, McClain connected with wide receiver Tim Reed for a 50-yard touchdown pass.