MAGNA — Steve Romero threw for 165 yards and four touchdowns to lead Cottonwood to a 37-0 victory over Cyprus in Region 6 action here Friday as the Colts improved to 5-0 on the season.
"The kids really took care of business this week," said Cottonwood coach Cecil Thomas. "We had a great week of practice. It was a great effort on all three phases; offense, defense and special teams."
Romero completed 12 of 19 passes. His performance was aided by the running of tailback Isi Solele, who racked up 130 yards on 13 carries. Solele also ran for a 3-yard touchdown and caught a 16-yard touchdown pass.
"I think (Romero) had an awesome night tonight," Thomas said. "He really threw the ball well."
The Colts took their opening possession 80 yards in just less than four minutes to score on Romero's 15-yard touchdown pass to Spencer Larsen. Larsen's touchdown capped a nine-play drive for the Colts.
Cyprus managed to lose a yard on its first offensive possession and Asi Hosea returned a punt 44 yards to the Cyprus 3, setting up Sofele's touchdown run on the next play, giving Cottonwood a 14-0 lead.
Cottonwood held the Pirates to six total yards — seven through the air and -1 on the ground — in the first quarter.
The Colts struck again in the second when they took possession at the Cyprus 25. Cottonwood needed only one play to score, as Romero hooked up with Larsen for a 25-yard touchdown strike.
After again forcing a punt, the Colts took over at the Cyprus 48 and scored on another one-play drive. This time, Romero hooked up with Alo Moli for a 48-yard scoring toss.
In the third quarter, Romero hit Sofele to cap a three-play, 16-yard drive, giving the Colts a 35-0 lead. The good field position was set up by another Hosea 44-yard punt return.
The final score came when Cyprus' George Thomas was tacked in the end zone to give the Cottonwood defense a safety.
Cecil Thomas said it isn't difficult to keep his players motivated, even when they are holding a big lead. The Colts' average margin of victory is just more than 28 points on the year.
"These guys know how to handle it and take care of business," Thomas said. "We came out of the locker room playing like it was 0-0. I really appreciate the kids' effort.
The Pirates, who fell to 2-3 on the year, were shut out for the third time in four weeks. Cyprus is 1-1 in Region 6, while Cottonwood moves to 2-0 in league play.