Cypress, Injuries Finish Off Savanna
Savanna’s sideline looked more like an infirmary Friday night. And that was before its nonleague game against Cypress.
By the end of the Rebels’ 26-0 loss at Western High, the injury list had grown to include starting running back and inside linebacker Marcus Jimmerson and quarterback Brad Thompson, both felled by knee injuries.
Jimmerson injured his right knee late the first half during a 53-yard interception return by Cypress defensive back Mark Crommie. Jimmerson injured the same knee last season in the third-to-last game against Brea Olinda and was lost for the year.
“It’s in a different spot this time,” Jimmerson said. “Last season it was my [lateral collateral ligament].”
Thompson was knocked out of the game with a left knee injury midway through the fourth quarter.
Thompson and Jimmerson joined two-way starters Buddy Kendrick (hand) and Thomas Tuvalu (shoulder) on the sideline, as well as defensive starters Michael Gonzalez (thumb), Norman Brown (knee) and Eddie Brown (shoulder).
“We’re down a free safety, a linebacker and two defensive ends,” said Fred DiPalma, coach of Savanna (0-3) before the game. “We’re hoping to get them back next week, at least 80% of them anyway.”
Cypress (4-0) wasn’t immune to injury either.
Darren Shorter, the county’s leading rusher, sprained his left ankle late in the third quarter and didn’t return. Shorter missed two games last season with a ankle injury, but didn’t think his latest injury was as serious.
Shorter also sat out the first quarter for disciplinary reasons, but still managed to finish with 53 yards in 15 carries.
The Chargers scored their first touchdown following a Savanna turnover on the second play of the game. Thompson went back to pass and was hit by two defenders as he threw. Defensive lineman David Hansen picked the ball out of the air and returned it to the Savanna 13, setting up a seven-yard touchdown run by quarterback Justin Rice.
Cypress took a 13-0 lead late in the first quarter on a 17-yard pass from Rice to Kerry Lathon.