Arias’ 282 Passing Yards Spark Fullerton Rout

Perhaps it was difficult for Steve Nishimoto, Fullerton High School football coach, to change offensive strategies a few weeks ago, turning his traditional run-oriented team into one featuring the pass. Perhaps he was feeling a little woozy without the wishbone, his favorite mode of operation.

But Thursday night, after watching his quarterback, Rene Arias, pass for a personal-best 282 yards in leading Fullerton to a 27-0 Freeway League victory over La Habra, Nishimoto had to believe that Air Arias has become his team’s ticket to success.

“Until the last three or four games, we’ve basically been a wishbone football team,” said Nishimoto, whose team improved to 7-3 overall, 3-2 in league play and will enter the Southern Section playoffs as the league’s No. 3 representative.

“I’ve always been a run-oriented person. But we’ve got some kids who can catch.”

And, fortunately, one who can throw.

Arias, a senior, completed 16 of 26 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns. He was intercepted once.

“Yeah, this was a good game,” Arias said. “But I think that long pass really helped me.”

Arias was referring to the 74-yard touchdown pass play he combined with Glenn Eggert. The play not only came on the game’s first play from scrimmage, but it was a broken play at that. The call was for Arias to toss a screen pass, but La Habra defender Jeff Besinaiz had that plan covered.

“Rene improvised,” Nishimoto said. “Rene and Glenn were just able to hook up.”

Fullerton scored on its next possession as well, when D.C. Olsen dove over the middle for a three-yard score.

Although Nishimoto described his team as “playing only well enough to win,” the Indians seemed to be connecting on all aspects of the game.

Arias was helped by fine play from his offensive linemen, and even more so from five capable receivers. Eggert caught five passes for 137 yards and added an additional touchdown in the third quarter when Arias hit him with a 25-yard pass. Chris Escalera caught six passes for 73 yards.

Escalera also scored Fullerton’s final touchdown, on a two-yard run early in the fourth quarter. Marcus Roberson led Fullerton’s ground game with 49 yards on 12 carries.

La Habra, which finished the season 4-6 overall, 2-3 in league play, suffered from inconsistency, thanks to Fullerton’s defense.