Rice Passes Cypress to 54-19 Win Over Century

Justin Rice threw five touchdown passes to lead Cypress to a 54-19 victory over Century in an Empire League opener Thursday night at Santa Ana Stadium.

Century (2-4) scored on the game’s opening possession, on a 42-yard run by Fortino Rivera. But Cypress (3-3, 1-0) came back with 28 unanswered points.

Clarence Moore caught touchdown passes of 28 and eight yards from Rice in the first half.

After starter Darren Shorter hurt his ankle on Cypress’ first possession, Jacob Palmer took over at running back and rushed for 54 yards in 21 carries, including touchdown runs of four and two yards.

Rice, who threw for 208 yards on 13-of-23 passing, also had touchdown throws of 28 and 18 yards to Terrance Moore and a 21-yard strike to Jonathan Rice.

“It was a great team win tonight,” said Justin Rice. “Our defense played great and our offense met the challenge that the coaches put on us this week.”

Steve Bouman capped the scoring for Cypress with a 72-yard touchdown run. Bouman rushed for 120 yards in five carries.

Century got most of its offense from Rivera, who scored all three of his team’s touchdowns. Rivera, who rushed for 175 yards in 25 carries, added a 48-yard touchdown run on his team’s first play of the second half, and later scored on a one-yard run.

The stingy Cypress defense held the rest of the Century offense to 91 yards, forced six fumbles and intercepted one pass. The only downside for Cypress was its 16 penalties for 140 yards.