ORANGE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL / PREP EXTRA : DIVISION VII : Fullerton Dominates Redondo Union, Advances to Semifinals

Fourth-seeded Fullerton took the straight-forward approach in its 28-0 victory over Redondo Beach Redondo Union in a Southern Section Division VII second-round playoff game Friday at Redondo Union High.

The Indians physically dominated the line of scrimmage all night. Fullerton’s defense held Redondo Union to 27 yards offense in the first 3 1/2 quarters, and running back John Wilkie led the offense, rushing for 127 yards and three touchdowns in 23 carries.

Fullerton advanced to the semifinals to play Covina, a 33-7 winner over Manhattan Beach Mira Costa. The Indians last won a section championship in 1984, beating La Mirada for the Central Conference title.

Fullerton (11-1) kept its title hopes alive in convincing fashion Friday.

Its defense recovered a fumble, intercepted two passes and limited Redondo Union to 64 yards total offense. Sea Hawks quarterback Ed Sanchez did not complete his first pass until 4:10 remained in the fourth quarter, and he had 37 yards passing in their final possession.

Fullerton had 288 yards of offense and had 15 first downs. Redondo Union had only four first downs.

Fullerton made few mistakes, but they didn’t do any damage.

Quarterback Gabriel Almanza fumbled two exchanges from center, but Redondo Union recovered only one and could not score after the turnover, failing to convert on a fourth-and-goal at the seven.

Fullerton was flagged for two roughing the passer penalties, one facemask penalty and one unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against Wilkie in the third quarter.

“I took him out to try and calm him down,” Fullerton Coach Julian Smilowitz said, laughing, “Sometimes John gets excited and I guess the refs didn’t understand that.”

Wilkie came back in to finish that drive, and it finished Redondo Union. Wilkie scored on a one-yard run to end an 11-minute, 80-yard drive. The touchdown made it 28-0 with 9:43 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Wilkie scored Fullerton’s first touchdown on a seven-yard run to cap an 89-yard drive to make it 7-0 with 9:00 remaining in the second quarter. He also scored on a one-yard run later in the quarter.

Fullerton quarterback Gabriel Almanza showed the Indians could be balanced. He tossed a 45-yard touchdown pass to Michael Garner to help Fullerton to a 21-0 halftime lead.