(PHOTOS) First look at Fullerton football: Team leaning on talented line

Running back Hudson Chacon is one of the top players returning for Fullerton. (Photos courtesy Fullerton High football)

Fullerton High School football coach Richard Salazar is setting the bar high again for his squad as it prepares for the 2021 season.

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

“Every year competing for a CIF title is an expectation; otherwise what are we doing this for?” he said. “We are leaning heavily on our returning line who was real young last year.”

Senior Adrian Noriega (6-5, 320), who has received an offer to Lake Erie Michigan leads the line, Salazar said.

Senior quarterback Dylan Neal 6-3, 185), who sat out five games last year after transferring from Servite and Hudson Chacon (senior linebacker/running back) who have seen interest from Azusa Pacific University are two other standouts.

“Jake Romero (a wide receiver) is looking to have a big year, he’s very fast and great route runner with soft hands,” Salazar said. “Matt Galvan (senior linebacker) is looking to lead our defense (he also sat five games last year from Servite) with Cameron Williams who is a downhill hard hitting safety.”

All but one player on the offensive line returns, Salazar said. The linemen also include senior guard Roman Lopez, junior center Levi Banuelos, junior guard Franklin Honrado and the senior tackle Noriega.

Another top player is junior kicker EJ Ayala, who started as a freshman.

“We have a ton of kids on the must watch list that will step up in big roles and won’t miss a step,” Salazar said.

Fullerton was 6-5 overall last season and 3-2 in the Freeway League.

2021 FULLERTON FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Friday, Jan. 8, vs. Whittier (H)

Thursday, Jan. 14, at Canyon

Friday, Jan. 22, Santa Fe (H)

Friday, Jan. 29, at Brea Olinda

Thursday, Feb. 4, vs. Pacifica (H)

Friday, Feb. 12, at La Habra

Friday, Feb. 19, at Buena Park

Friday, Feb. 26, vs. Troy (H)

Friday, March 5, Sunny Hills at Buena Park

Friday, March 12, Sonora (H)

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