YORBA LINDA — Matthew Morrell returned to his explosive ways on Friday night.
The Cypress wide receiver, sidelined with a hip injury earlier in the summer, opened a scrimmage at Yorba Linda by scoring on a 70-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Elliott Lemonnier on the first play from scrimmage.
And just like, one of Orange County’s top players was back.
“Matt Morrell looks like he’s doing OK,” Cypress football coach Rick Feldman said with a slight chuckle. “I was very worried.”
Morrell took a quick out pass from Lemonnier, recently named Cypress’ starting quarterback, and accelerated up field and through the secondary to the end zone.
It was just the type of play he made last season en route to earning All-County honors and Empire League MVP.
“I know he’s close to 100 percent but wasn’t quite sure what it would look like against another team, and these (Yorba Linda) guys are so good,” Feldman said. “I’m guess in a way I’m surprised but in a way, I’m never surprised with him.”
Morrell, who suffered a fractured hip, felt thankful to be back after missing events such as the Battle at the Bay passing tournament in June.
“Very blessed to be back out there on the field with my teammates,” he said. “Excited for the season.”
Cypress posted two other scores as it prepared for its season opener against Foothill on Aug. 19.
Rising senior wide receiver Trevor Monteleone made a slick, toe-tap grab in the back of the end zone for a 15-yard TD grab from Aidan Houston, who also will see action at quarterback.
@MonteleoneTrev still hot for @CypressHSFB ! @ocvarsity pic.twitter.com/WpbE7H9Qfc
— Dan Albano (@ocvarsityguy) August 13, 2022
Junior running back Destin Sanchez added a rushing score.
Senior quarterback Reyn Beal tossed touchdowns to JJ Conrad and Dylan Gardner for Yorba Linda, which opens next Friday at Damien.
Yorba Linda coach Jeff Bailey said he also was impressed with senior running back William Saucedo.
“I’m excited about the season,” said Bailey, whose team is No. 10 in the county preseason rankings.