Fullerton overpowers Santa Ana Valley

FULLERTON - Behind a mauling offensive line, Fullerton ran past Santa Ana Valley, 42-3, Friday night in the first round of the CIF-SS Southwest Division playoffs at Fullerton High.(Full game stats.)

Julio Cortez, Andre Polo, Eric Lopez, Taylor Rees and Jackson Buis anchored the Indians’ offensive line. Fullerton (9-2) rushed for 395 yards and scored four touchdowns on runs of 40 yards or longer.

The Indians’ Michael Allain scored two touchdowns and led all rushers with 210 yards on 16 carries.

"The offensive line came out together as one tonight and were ready to play," Allain said. "You can’t take anyone lightly in the playoffs. We have to continue to come out here and play our game."

Fullerton opened the game with a seven-play, 53-yard drive resulting in a 1-yard TD run by quarterback Anthony Martinez.

The Falcons (6-5) responded with a 17-play, 88-yard drive that halted at the Indians 3-yard line. Alex Penaloza hit a 20-yard field goal early in the second quarter for Valley’s only points.

A 40-yard touchdown run from Brian Lopez and a 46-yard score by Joseph Hill gave the Indians a 21-3 lead at halftime.

Valley running back Darius Nacoste capped a stellar season with 185 yards.

• Click here for full game stats and links to season totals and team rosters.

Contact the writer: preps@ocregister.com