Cypress Ridge quarterback Russell Shepard worked feverishly during the summer on improving his passing game, trying to round himself into even more of a complete quarterback despite receiving a handful of offers from large colleges after a sensational sophomore season.

But the junior didn't outthink himself Saturday night when Cypress Falls’ defense loaded the sidelines in an effort to force the Rams to run.

He went back to his roots for a breathtaking performance, rushing for a career-high 341 yards and five touchdowns – all of 40 yards or more – to power Cy Ridge to a 51-35 win.

It was reminiscent of last year, when he rushed for more than 1,400 yards and passed for almost 900 to turn heads across the entire state. For his efforts, Shepard is The Athlete’s Connection Athlete of the Week.

“You take what the defense gives you,” said Shepard, who scored touchdowns from 43, 55, 70, 54 and 40 yards. “In the Cinco Ranch game a few weeks ago, I threw for (167) yards over the top. This team (Cy Falls) was working the sidelines, and we were able to run the ball.”

The Rams amassed 479 yards rushing on 48 carries; Hasan Lipscomb added 135 yards and two touchdowns. But it was Shepard’s performance that got the entire area talking more about the junior rated the state’s top quarterback in his class by rivals.com.

“He’s definitely a great runner, and he throws the ball well,” Cy Ridge coach Gary Thiebaud said. “He’s real improved in throwing routes, especially intermediate routes. If teams load up the box, he can go over top of them in a hurry.

“(Saturday night) they tried playing balanced defense outside and in the middle. They wanted to keep the run defense intact and still cover the wideouts, and we felt we could explode some through their run defense. … Russell just ran right by people anytime he got into open space.”

Shepard effused praise for his offensive line, spearheaded by senior center Robert Parker.

“The line takes care of me,” Shepard said. “They walk me to class every day and we eat wings together on Tuesday nights.”

Shepard, who had 20 rushing touchdowns last year, has received verbal offers from nine College Football Subdivision (formerly Division I-A) schools, including Texas A & M and Texas Tech, and countless more are showing interest.

But it was a statement game for Cy Ridge, which lost 34-33 to Cy Falls last year. The Rams, who returned 14 starters from a year ago, improved to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in District 17-5A entering Friday night’s game against Cy Springs (2-3, 1-1) at The Berry Center.

“We expect a lot of ourselves this year,” Shepard said. “We’re averaging (47) points (in wins) and about 400 yards of offense. We know we’re capable of some big things.”

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