PHOTOS: Fullerton, led by Deshawn Cobbs, notches shutout win over Whittier

Quarterback Ryan Reger (left), who threw one TD pass and No. 5 Deshawn Cobbs, who scored three times to lead Fullerton. (Photos courtesy Jim McCormack, For OC Sports Zone).

Deshawn Cobbs knew he would be a marked man entering his senior season at Fullerton High School and he did his best to prepare for it.

That preparation included adding nearly 30 pounds to his 180-pound body from a year ago when he carried the ball 237 times for 1,305 yards and 14 touchdowns, numbers that would make anyone a marked man.

That was the case, some of the time, Friday night when a visiting Whittier team focused its defensive attention on Cobbs, often meeting him at the line of scrimmage.

Ultimately Cobbs prevailed, rushing for more than 150 yards and three touchdowns as the Indians subdued the Cardinals 28-0 in front of a crowd happy to have its team back on its own field.

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

Fullerton’s Deshawn Cobbs tumbles into the end zone for the first of his three TDs against visiting Whittier.

Fullerton’s Dallas Pardon came within a fingernail of a spectacular end zone catch over the defense of Whittier’s Andres Ramos.

Fullerton Head Coach Richard Salazar encourages his defense.

Fullerton’s David Williams accepts congratulations after his third-quarter fumble recovery.

Fullerton’s Ben Chacon is defended by Whittier’s Andres Ramos.

Fullerton’s Jordan Dunner breaks up a pass intended for Whittier’s Van Ingolia.

Fullerton’s Cole Davis is greeted by coaches and teammates after his recovery of fourth-quarter strip fumble.

Running back Deshawn Cobbs (5) and linemen, from left, Jonathan Ibarra, Anthony Minero and Marcos Lerma led the Fullerton offense.

Whittier’s Ezayoh Valasquez upends Fullerton’s speedy Jeramie Diaz on a punt return.

Fullerton players are silhouetted behind Tribe Pride banner.

Referee Gary Gilman with the pregame coin toss.

In three decades of coaching, Scott Lusk has had varied responsibilities. Currently one of his duties is as the “get back” coach, keeping Fullerton players behind the bench restraining
lines.

The moon did a fly over to remind everyone that the year’s biggest, and brightest, full moon of the year, the Blue Moon, will be here on Aug. 30-31.

Everyone had a close look at Fullerton's Joel Clemente sideline tackle of Whittier’s Andres Ramos.

Whittier’s defense was impressive before ultimately wearing down under the onslaught of Cobbs and his offensive mates.

Whittier won the toss and controlled the ball for the first nine minutes of the game. Once the Indians got the ball, they tested the waters with Cobbs, mixing in critical passes from quarterback
Ryan Reger, who would ultimately throw for 130 yards and one touchdown.

Cobbs scored his first TD in the second quarter and the Indians led 7-0. He scored again in the third quarter, and then put the game away with a 65-yard burst in the fourth.

The last score pushed his over the 100-yard mark, by a lot. He finished with 153 yards. It was the 10th time in the last games that he had rushed for at least 100 yards.

Fullerton’s defense was sparked by David Williams and Cole Davis, both of whom recovered Whittier fumbles.

Fullerton (1-1) is back on the road this week, playing Canyon (0-2) at Fred Kelly Stadium. Whittier (0-2) is at Bassett.

Both games are at 7 p.m. Friday.

—Courtesy Jim McCormack, For OC Sports Zone