CdM Crushes Cypress to Start the Season (2024)

Anaheim – Handel Stadium

Corona del Mar, ranked No. 14, stormed into Handel Stadium on Friday night with a powerful start, quickly seizing control of the game. Senior quarterback Max Nashed and junior wide receiver Dorsett Stecker were the standout performers, leading their team to a decisive 47-14 victory against non-league opponent Cypress.

Nashed orchestrated the Sea Kings’ offense, throwing for 142 yards and three touchdowns, while Stecker was his primary target, hauling in seven receptions for 143 yards and three touchdowns. The dynamic duo connected on consecutive scoring drives, igniting Corona del Mar’s fast start.

Three senior playmakers—running back Wyatt Lucas, wide receiver Emori Davis, and tight end Zach Giuliano, a Stanford commit—also found the end zone, further dismantling the Cypress defense.

“If someone mans me, I think it’s game over, to be honest,” Stecker said after his standout performance. “They have to double me. If they man, I could cook anyone off the release. I’m just confident in myself, and I think that brings a lot of good stuff to my game.”

By halftime, Corona del Mar had surged to a 31-0 lead, and the Sea Kings didn’t let up in the second half. Junior quarterback Brady Annett entered the game and maintained the offensive momentum, completing all three of his passes for 86 yards and two touchdowns. His highlights included a 52-yard bomb to Stecker and a strike to Davis along the sideline.

Corona del Mar’s defense and special teams were also key to the victory. Junior defensive lineman Colton Eggleston recorded a sack, setting up junior kicker Joseph DiBella’s 27-yard field goal. Moments later, the Sea Kings recovered the ball on the ensuing kickoff, giving the offense strong red zone field position.

Head Coach Hettig praised his team’s all-around effort. “(Our defense) was running around swarming, and offensively, that was the cleanest … performance we’ve had in a long time,” he said.

With contributions from all phases of the game, Corona del Mar delivered a statement win, solidifying their reputation as a team to watch this season.