PREP FOOTBALL ’99 : EMPIRE LEAGUE : CYPRESS

1998 RECORD: 6-4 overall, 4-1 in league

COACH: Kerry Crabb (9-11 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 6 on offense, 5 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Jonathon Rice, DB, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Darren Shorter, RB, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Matt Massey, LB, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Steve Bouman, FB/DL, 6-2, 220, Sr.; Dave Hansen, LB, 6-3, 230, Jr.; Phillip Suos, OL, 5-11, 230, Sr.; Joe Long, OL, 6-3, 270, Sr.; Chris Crooks, OL, 6-2, 240, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Justin Rice, QB, 6-2, 185, Jr.; Clarence Moore, WR, 6-4, 175, Sr.; Terrance Moore, WR, 6-4, 175; Sr.; Ben Facio, LB, 6-1, 190, Jr.; Anthony Gomez, OL/DL, 6-3, 265, Sr.; Aaron McDowell, OL/DL, 6-1, 230, Jr.

OUTLOOK

The Centurions won their first league title in 20 years last year and Crabb says he has the talent to make a run at repeating. Jonathon Rice, an all-league defensive back in 1998, leads a corps of 11 returning starters. The offensive line, anchored by Crooks and Long, averages a healthy 245 pounds. The biggest loss was quarterback Jeff Crooks, the league MVP. Justin Rice and Chad Halbert, who both took snaps on the junior varsity last year, are competing for the job. Twin 6-foot-4 receivers Clarence and Terrance Moore will be ready to catch the ball no matter who throws it. Kicker Paul Kerr has 40-yard range and has attracted Division I college interest.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 10 vs. Edison at Western HS; Sept. 17 at South Torrance; Sept. 24 vs. Buena Park at Western HS

Oct. 1 at Dana Hills; Oct. 7 vs. Santa Ana at Santa Ana Stadium; Oct. 14 vs. Century at Santa Ana Stadium; Oct. 21 vs. Loara at Western HS; Oct. 29 vs. Katella at Glover Stadium.

Nov. 5 vs. El Dorado at Western HS; Nov. 11 vs. Kennedy at Western HS.

SCHOOL WEB SITE

https://www.auhsd.k12.ca.us/schooldistrict/school/high/Cypress/index.html