Goal-Line Stand Saves Fullerton

Fullerton High School, saved by a fourth-quarter goal-line stand, defeated La Habra Friday night, 15-12, in a Freeway League game at La Habra High.

Leading, 15-12, with 9 minutes 3 seconds remaining in the game, Fullerton linebacker D.C. Olsen sliced through the La Habra offensive line and tackled Jason Johnson a yard short of the end zone.

La Habra had a first and goal at the four-yard line, but gained only three yards on four plays.

It was crucial defensive series, because it allowed Fullerton (5-1 overall, 1-0 in league play) to hang on and defeat the Highlanders (4-2, 0-1).

The Fullerton defense established itself early by causing Johnson to fumble on each of La Habra’s first two series of the game, but the Indians’ big defensive plays came in the fourth quarter.

Olsen, a 6-foot 1-inch, 220-pound linebacker, had 11 solo tackles and six assisted tackles. And two other key plays by Olsen, who also plays fullback, were critical to Fullerton’s victory.

He scored the go-ahead touchdown for the Indians in the third quarter on a one-yard run.

Later, in the fourth quarter, Olsen took a pitch in the Fullerton end zone and punted 40 yards on third down, giving the Indians some breathing room and setting up another defensive stand.

This time, Johnson gained eight yards on first down but was stopped on two successive running plays, the second one after gaining one yard on fourth-and-two. Fullerton then moved from its 31 to the La Habra five before giving the ball up.

It was a frustrating night for Johnson, a junior tailback who entered the game as Orange County’s second-leading rusher, averaging 165 yards a game.

Johnson gained 131 yards in 29 carries and scored the Highlanders’ first touchdown, but except for his efforts, La Habra’s offense was anemic--the rest of the offense gained 40 yards total.

In the second quarter, Geoff Grenier, a 6-2, 225-pound running back, broke through the La Habra defensive front and managed to outrun the secondary for a 45-yard touchdown. Grenier led Fullerton rushers with 95 yards in eight carries.