PHOTOS: Big plays in second half lift Brea Olinda to victory over Fullerton

Brea Olinda first-year coach Jae Kim talks to his players Friday night. (Photos courtesy Jim McCormack, For OC Sports Zone).

Asked to pick a play of the game, it would surprise no one if the choice was the 65-yard, fourth-quarter pass-run hookup between Brea Olinda quarterback Cullen Doyle and Axl Rodriguez.

That connection, on a second-and-27, broke a scoreless tie with 10 minutes to play and was the catalyst for Brea Olinda’s 14-0 victory over its frustrated Fullerton High host.

But a strong case could be made that the big play actually came earlier in the game and happened when Brea Olinda was on defense.

To see the slide show, click on the first photo:

In the defensive play of the game … Brea Olinda's Roman Meraz tackles Fullerton’s Deshawn Cobbs
a yard short of a first down at the Brea 4-yard line.

Fullerton’s powerful Deshawn Cobbs rushed for an unofficial 140 yards. Brea Olinda defenders include Jonah Cerezo (11) and Joseph Gomez (24).

Brea Olinda quarterback Cullen Doyle threw two TD passes in 14-0 win.

Brea Olinda's Roman Meraz is hoisted in the air after catching 4-yard TD passs.

Brea Olinda's Jonah Cerezo (11) moves in to break up a pass intended for Fullerton’s Ben Chacon (22).

Officials were screened on this Brea Olinda fumble, recovered by Fullerton’s Dallas Padron (14) at the one. Runner was ruled down, Brea Olinda retained ball and scored three plays later.

Brea Olinda's Jonah Cereo (11) and Clayton Corbett (7) defend on a pass intended for Fullerton’s Henry Pillon.

Fullerton defenders corral Brea Olinda quarterback Cullen Doyle for a loss.

Fullerton players pause for a prayer after teammate Micah Welsh, a safety, suffered a
broken leg (according to coaches) making a fourth-quarter tackle.

Fullerton coach Richard Salazar instructs his defense during a timeout.

His family, wife Angela and sons Jayden, Jakson and Jameson are Fullerton coach Richard Salqzar’s biggest fans. Jameson, holding sign, put his own dollar in the 50-50 drawing and won.

When referee Mark Andrews certifies game balls, he looks for the “3 Ps” … pebbles (texture), paint (stripes) and pressure. Only footballs with his secret sign are allowed.

Service veterans and members of the Fullerton High Junior ROTC unfurled a giant flag during pregame ceremonies honoring veterans.

The Fullerton offensive line gets some sideline instruction while the defense is on the field.

Fullerton cheerleader Colie DeBenitez gets in some pre-game flight practice.

Brea Olinda cheerleader Sophie Viramontes gets tossed in the air.

Members of the Fullerton Junior ROTC before a rifle drill during halftime.

Scene-setter: Fullerton had a fourth-and-7 at the Brea 10 with 3:20 to play in the third quarter.

Fullerton’s standout running back Deshawn Cobbs got to the outside on a screen pass from quarterbackRyan Reger and appeared to have a clear path to a first down if not a touchdown.

But Brea Olinda’s talented Roman Meraz made an open-field tackle, dragging Cobbs down a yard short of a first down.

Officials first signaled a Fullerton first down, but a recheck showed Cobb was tackled well short of the required yardage and Brea Olinda got the ball.

Up to that point both teams, facing aggressive defenses, labored to move the ball.

Fullerton had the best early opportunities but missed a 23-yard field goal and then failed to capitalize on the series that reached the Brea Olinda 4.

After the Brea Olinda stop the two teams traded miscues into the fourth quarter when the game was stopped for nearly a half-hour after Fullerton safety Micah Welsh suffered a broken leg making a tackle, according to a Fullerton assistant coach.

Two snaps after play resumed Doyle threw a beautiful strike to Rodriguez, streaking down the north sideline and the 6-3, 200-pound senior got the ball in stride and outran everyone to the end zone.

Brea Olinda then added a second score, a 4-yard pass from Doyle to Meraz with four minutes remaining to build the advantage to 14-0.

Up next, Brea Olinda (3-1) hosts unbeaten Canyon (4-0) and its aerial circus. Fullerton (2-3) opens Freeway League action, facing Sunny Hills (1-3) at Buena Park High School. Both games are Friday.

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—Courtesy Jim McCormack for OC Sports Zone