Fullerton football team looks to ‘make an impact’ in Freeway League race this season

Fullerton Coach Richard Salazar talks to his players before a game last season. (Photo courtesy Jim McCormack, For OC Sports Zone).

Fullerton High School football coach Richard Salazar said his players have been working hard in preparation for the season opener on Friday, Aug. 18.

With new alignments likely for most Orange County teams in 2024, Salazar said the Indians are focused on a successful league finish and a trip to the CIF playoffs.

Fullerton was 4-6 overall and 2-3 in the Freeway League last season.

“We look to make a impact on what looks like our last Freeway League season,” he said. “The goal is always to win or take the top three spots in league to qualify for the playoffs. Last year hurt, we finished tied for third but lost a coin flip.

“We were tied with Sunny Hills and Sonora. This year our focus has been finishing. Finishing reps finishing plays finishing anything we start. Players have put a ton of time in and looking forward to next season.”

Among the top returning players is senior running back/defensive end Deshawn Cobb, a first team all-league player last year.

“He’s very strong, and faster than last year and about 25 to 30 pounds added,” Salazar said.

Coaches from Northern Arizona. University of La Verne, Valparaiso University, North Carolina Central, Tarlton State, Cal Lutheran, Nichols State and Alcorn State have shown an interest and “one (offer) one will come based on his senior season,” Salazar said.

Henry Pillon, a senior defensive back and wide receiver who was first team all-league last year and had a great second half last year and senior defensive back Dallas Padron, a second team all-league cornerback and quarterback are two other key players.

Fullerton is also looking to sophomore linebacker Joel Clemente, a second team all-league player last year, who is “very instinctive and plays with a chip on his shoulder,” Salazar said. He started nine games as a freshman.

The Indians also expect a big year from senior defensive back/wide receiver Aidan Zavala, who had a “great off season being a leader by example has really improved his game started as a sophomore. Looking for him to have a awesome senior season,” Salazar said.

Another top player is senior defensive back/wide receiver Micah Welsh, who  “has had great off season has shown some skills in the secondary with soft hands and good ball skills. He also has been working at wide receiver position,” Salazar said.

Senior running back/defensive back Ben Chacon is “showing tremendous effort working really hard,” the coach said.

On the defensive line, junior Garrett Chew leads the group. Senior offensive lineman/defensive lineman David Williams has improved, is the strongest player on the team and has shown excellent leadership qualities, the coach said.

He holds the team’s lift records: 330 bench, 530 squat, 360 push and 350 clean, Salazar said.

Junior offensive/defensive linemen Jack Arnold, Anthony Minero , Marcos Lerma and Johnny Ibarra are other key linemen.

“Quarterback Ryan Reger returns from last year and has shown tremendous improvement with reads accuracy and arm strength,” Salazar said.

Fullerton also welcomed newcomer Abdul Karim Umar who is “extremely fast and talented transferred from Gahna. He started at the forward position on our soccer team has tried out and made a significant impact with play and attitude as a person. He finished with a 4.0 (GPA) last semester,” Salazar said.

2023 SCHEDULE

Friday, Aug. 18, at San Dimas

Friday, Aug. 25 (H) vs. Whittier

Friday, Sept. 1, at Canyon (El Modena)

Friday, Sept. 8 (H) vs. Santa Fe

Friday, Sept. 15 at Brea Olinda

Friday, Sept. 29 at Troy

Friday, Oct. 6, (H) vs. Sunny Hills

Friday, Oct. 13, at Sonora

Friday, Oct. 20 (H) vs. La Habra

Friday, Oct. 27 (H) vs. Buena Park

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com