Jones and Defense Guide Cypress to a 34-20 Victory Over Loara

Cypress running back Justin Jones scored three touchdowns and the Centurions’ defense intercepted five passes in a 34-20 victory over Loara in an Empire League game Thursday at Glover Stadium.

Cypress (4-4, 2-1) took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter on Rich Herrera’s 50-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Jeff Crooks. The Centurions then blocked a punt in the second quarter and Matt Massey recovered in the end zone for a 14-0 lead.

After Jones scored on a 37-yard run in the third quarter to increase the lead to 20-0, Loara (3-4-1, 0-2-1) answered with a short touchdown run. Jones scored his second touchdown of the game on a 16-yard pass from Crooks, and later scored on a one-yard run to increase the lead to 34-14.

Crooks completed 10 of 20 passes for 226 yards and Herrera caught five passes for 162 yards. Jones finished with 72 yards rushing in 12 carries.