PITTSBURG – The Folsom Bulldogs’ pursuit of another CIF State Championship came to an end with a heartbreaker Friday night, falling 28-27 to the Pittsburg Pirates in the CIF Regional Football Championship Bowl Game, which was the decider factor for which of the two teams would advance to compete for a state title. Despite a strong start, the Bulldogs couldn’t overcome Pittsburg’s second-half surge and a dramatic defensive stand that extended into the final minutes of the game
Folsom opened the game with confidence, dominating early on both sides of the ball. After receiving the opening kickoff, the Bulldogs methodically moved downfield, punctuated by Carter Jackson’s explosive run to Pittsburg’s 5-yard line. Quarterback Ryder Lyons finished the drive with a 1-yard rushing touchdown, putting Folsom ahead 7-0 midway through the first quarter.
Moments later, Pittsburg’s struggles continued as Folsom’s Lua DaBerry recovered a fumble deep in Pirates territory. Taking advantage of the turnover, Lyons connected with wide receiver Daymion Rivera for a 6-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 14-0 by the end of the first quarter.
Folsom’s defense stifled Pittsburg’s attempts to respond, forcing punts and capitalizing on mistakes. Early in the second quarter, Lyons delivered a pinpoint 30-yard touchdown pass to EJ Coleman, giving Folsom a commanding 21-0 lead.
Just when it seemed the Bulldogs had full control, Pittsburg found its rhythm. Quarterback Marley Alcantara led the Pirates on a scoring drive midway through the second quarter, culminating in a 17-yard touchdown pass to Kenneth Ward. With the score now 21-7, the Pirates regained momentum.
On the next possession, Pittsburg’s offense struck again. Alcantara connected with Rolph Mosley for an 11-yard touchdown pass, closing the gap to 21-14 before halftime. Folsom’s offense stalled late in the second quarter, allowing Pittsburg to keep the momentum as both teams headed to the locker room.
The second half began with Pittsburg carrying their newfound energy. Alcantara wasted no time orchestrating a 25-yard touchdown pass to Mosley, tying the game at 21-21 early in the third quarter. The Pirates’ defense held strong, forcing multiple Folsom punts and giving their offense additional opportunities.
Late in the third quarter, Pittsburg seized the lead for the first time. Alcantara capped another impressive drive with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Truly Bell, putting Pittsburg ahead 28-21.
Facing a seven-point deficit, Folsom battled to stay alive in the fourth quarter. Their defense forced a critical fumble, which the Bulldogs recovered deep in Pittsburg territory. With three minutes remaining, Lyons powered into the end zone with a 2-yard rushing touchdown, bringing the Bulldogs within one point.
In a high-stakes decision, Folsom opted for a two-point conversion to take the lead. Lyons attempted to rush through Pittsburg’s defense, but the Pirates held firm, preserving their slim 28-27 advantage.
Folsom’s defense continued to fight, forcing Pittsburg to punt with just over a minute remaining. Starting their final drive from their own 27-yard line, the Bulldogs needed a quick march downfield to set up a potential game-winning score. However, the Pittsburg defense held strong, stopping Folsom near midfield as the clock expired.
Despite not having the opportunity to compete for State, the Bulldog’s wrap up their season in dominate fashion, finishing 12-1 overall and 7-0 in league competition. As of Friday night they were ranked 31 nationally and ranked 11th in the state. This is a fast-pass game report, additional information on Friday’s game and team reaction will be added shortly.
Ryder Lyons named Gatorade California Player of the Year
Prior to Friday’s game, it was announced that Lyons, Folsom’s standout junior quarterback has been named the 2024-25 Gatorade California Football Player of the Year.
Folsom Times file photo by P.J. Petersen.
The 6-foot-3, 220-pound athlete earned the prestigious honor after leading his team to a 12-1 record and the Sac-Joaquin Section Division I title, culminating in a berth in the CIF Division 1-AA North Regional championship.
Lyons showcased his dual-threat abilities this season, amassing 2,874 passing yards, 44 touchdown passes, 556 rushing yards, and 12 rushing touchdowns through 13 games prior to Friday night. His exceptional performance has drawn national attention, with Rivals.com ranking him as the No. 4 recruit in the Class of 2026.
“Ryder is a great player. His numbers and wins speak for themselves,” said Casey Taylor, head coach of a rival Oak Ridge, who fell to the Bulldogs last week in the division finals. “His escapeability really stands out to us. He scrambles and runs for big yardage and passes for big plays once you think you have him down. They go to him when they need a big play, and he usually delivers.”
Off the field, Lyons has excelled in the classroom with a 4.0 GPA. He is also a dedicated community volunteer, serving as a youth football coach and participating in multiple service initiatives through his church youth group.
The Gatorade Player of the Year program recognizes outstanding athletic performance, academic excellence, and exemplary character. Lyons, a 2023 Sacramento Bee Player of the Year, now joins an elite list of past winners.
