Fullerton football players remain enthusiastic and dedicated preparing for opener

Fullerton players go through conditioning drills Monday night. (Photo courtesy Fullerton football)

It was an exciting time Monday night as Fullerton High School’s football players enthusiastically held conditioning drills under the lights at its campus stadium.

“Yeah it was fun,” said Coach Richard Salazar. “This group has a ton of energy and a great sense of humor. Since Sept. 22, Fullerton Joint Union High school District opened up and allowed for modified training.”

Fullerton is preparing for its scheduled opener on Friday, Jan. 8, 2021 vs. Whittier at home under the revised CIF plan. Local, state and county health officials have to give final approval for the games to be played. 

“It has been great making the most of our practices,” Salazar said. “Modified weight lifting and speed training have been the primary focus. We have had a ton of opportunities to break down individual skill work. Getting back to the basics has been a silver lining in our situation, being able to slow everything down and really focus on technique, alignment and assignment football has been great.”

The team, led by senior quarterback Dylan Neal has been making strides, even though footballs aren’t allowed yet because of safety reasons.

“Dylan Neal and his center Levi Banuelos have had a ton of time working together and seem to progressing nicely even without a ball exchange,” Salazar said. “Wide receivers Bryce Mays and Jake Romero have been working on route running without being able to catch a ball.

“On the defense, Matt Galvan, Hudson Chacon, and Jimmy Diaz have been progressing on their blitz and stunt assignments along with returner Brad Casas. Really interested to see who will show up from the defensive back corps. Young guys like Mason Calvillo and Steven Hurlburt could help Cameron Williams and Bryce Mays in the secondary.” 

Fullerton has also been ending practices this year with a quote of the day, a ritual initiated by one of the coaches from the local fire department, Salazar said.

“Cameron Williams was on film quoting his favorite verse from the Bible, Matthew 23:12 ‘For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.'”

“He goes on to explain ‘I chose this quote because a lot of people are already doubting us this season. So we just gotta keep grinding how we are so come season we surprise a lot of people and they can do the talking for us.'”

“Every day the previous player passes the baton to a new one to share a quote with the team,” Salazar added. “It has been awesome to see these kids mature in front of us and speak from the heart. It is not easy to stand and speak in front of 70 of your peers with the risk of feeling judged.

“But it has been a safe environment where players are growing in their emotional intelligence and practicing empathy, which has allowed for the subconscious to reaffirm our team goals and vision.”

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