May 5, 2024

OC Sports Zone: Community First

SUMMER FOOTBALL UPDATE: Fullerton got right back to work

4/2/21: Fullerton coach Richard Salazar talks to his players after win over Troy. Photo courtesy Jim McCormack for OC Sports Zone.

Fullerton football coach Richard Salazar talks to his players after a victory in April over Troy. (File photo Jim McCormack, For OC Sports Zone)

Fullerton High School’s football team, coached by Richard Salazar, didn’t waste any time getting to work in preparation for the 2021 season.

Fullerton wrapped up the first portion of training Thursday to get ready for its season opener on Friday, Aug. 20 on the road against Pacifica.

“We just finished our six weeks of summer ball,” Salazar said. “The kids have shown tremendous improvement.”

While teams are not required this summer to take a dead period as normally mandated by the CIF, Fullerton’s football team will be taking a break, Salazar said.

“We have a two-week dead period we are still taking,” he said. “A couple kids banged up could use the rest. The season is already here, crazy fast. Wish we had more time in gym to get stronger but felt we maximized our four days a week.”

Salazar said players who stood out during the summer session were Mason Calvillo, senior defensive back/wide receiver; Henry Pillon, sophomore wide receiver/defensive back; Chris Castillo, senior quarterback; Aiden Pacillas, quarterback; Ryan Knight, running back; Steven Hurburt, wide receiver/defensive back; Ty Dillon, wide receiver; Franklin Honrado, offensive lineman; Levi Banuelos, offensive lineman; Vinnie Noriega, offensive lineman; Michael Ramirez, offensive lineman; Jaden Pulsifer, nose tackle; Brad Casas, defensive back and Fa’alaga Su’e, defensive end.

Fullerton’s first home game will be on Friday, Aug. 27 against Whittier. Fullerton then has a road game against Canyon on Friday, Sept. 3, a home game against Santa Fe on Friday, Sept. 10 to prepare for Freeway League play.

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