FULLERTON – The year was 1984, and Yorba Linda coach Jeff Bailey was a sophomore playing varsity football at Fullerton High.
Fullerton won the CIF championship that year, and Bailey graduated in 1987, later living with his wife and kids on what he called “Cheapskate Hill,” a stretch of homes overlooking Fullerton High’s football stadium.
Bailey returned to the field on which he captured high school football’s ultimate prize, this time leading Yorba Linda to its first win of 2014.
Mustangs quarterback Jake Gigliotti finished with three touchdowns, and running back Michael Mossett rushed for 100 yards as Yorba Linda defeated Fullerton, 34-27, Friday at Fullerton.
“We needed a win,” Bailey said. “We’ve played some tough teams, and our kids needed some confidence. We still have a ton of work to do, but our kids fought hard tonight. They never gave in.
“They took 10 years off my life, but I’ll take it.”
Despite losing multiple fumbles, Gigliotti ran Yorba Linda’s veer to victory.
When Yorba Linda needed 5 yards, Gigliotti ran for 6. When Yorba Linda needed 7 yards, Mossett ran for 8. Yorba Linda finished with 45 rushes for 210 yards.
“Jake played safety, too, so he was a bit fatigued,” Bailey said. “But he runs the veer very well. He makes the right reads.”
Gigliotti, Mossett and Chandler Scharr stood out on offense and on defense, with Scharr returning an interception for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Fullerton opened the game with an eight-play drive culminating in a 44-yard TD reception by Kaene Soto. Yorba Linda answered with a long drive itself, scoring and taking the lead on a short run by Gigliotti.
Fullerton quarterback Andrew Tavarez again connected with Soto for points, regaining the lead at 14-7. A pair of empty drives followed, and Mossett completed a halfback pass to Brandon Hailey for a 25-yard TD. A 2-point conversion run by Gigliotti put the Mustangs ahead, 15-14.
“We just need to get healthier, and get our young guys some confidence,” Bailey said. “It’s been trial by fire, but our guys have been up for the challenge.”
On its first annual Armed Forces Appreciation Night, Fullerton honored 94-year-old Kendall Neisess, a 1938 alum and retired U.S. Navy Reserve Commander.
Contact the writer: bwhitehead@ocregister.com
