After four weeks of intense preseason play, the Sierra Foothill League schedule finally kicked off Friday night, and it did so with one of its most anticipated matchups. Folsom and Rocklin, two perennial powers in the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section, clashed under the lights at Thunder Stadium. When the dust settled, it was the Bulldogs who walked away with bragging rights and the upper hand in league play, pulling away in the second half for a 34-21 victory.
Both teams came into the contest with momentum. Folsom had rolled through its non-league schedule behind a high-powered offense averaging over 35 points per game, coupled with a defense that had shown marked improvement from last season. Quarterback Ryder Lyons has been consistent in directing the attack, while breakout performances from running back Ramirez have added balance the Bulldogs previously lacked.
Rocklin, meanwhile, had built its own strong résumé with wins over ranked opponents and a defense that had been allowing fewer than 20 points per game. Quarterback Carter’s steady leadership and the Thunder’s ability to stay composed in close games set the stage for a hard-fought league opener.
Folsom Times photos by PJ Petersen
That storyline played out in the first half as the rivals traded blows. Folsom built a 13-7 lead in the second quarter, but Rocklin mounted a determined late drive, punching in a short rushing touchdown to edge ahead 14-13 at halftime. With more than 1,000 fans on hand, the atmosphere matched the stakes, every snap charged with playoff-like intensity.
The second half belonged to the Bulldogs. On their first drive of the third quarter, Lyons connected with wide receiver Rob Larson on a perfectly timed 31-yard touchdown strike to regain the lead. The Bulldogs weren’t done. Just a series later, defensive lineman Lua Deberry jumped a passing lane and returned an interception two yards for a pick-six. In a matter of minutes, Folsom’s one-point halftime deficit had transformed into a 27-14 advantage.
The Bulldogs’ defense continued to suffocate Rocklin’s offense. Dylan Wolfe and Jason Hill Jr. each recorded sacks that stalled Thunder possessions, while Deberry added a tackle for loss in another key moment. When Rocklin’s offense turned the ball over on downs near midfield, Folsom went back to work. Early in the fourth quarter, Lyons capped a drive by keeping the ball himself, breaking through for a nine-yard touchdown run that stretched the lead to 34-14.
Folsom Times photos by PJ Petersen
Rocklin did not quit, stringing together a late drive that ended with a 20-yard touchdown pass in the final minute. But by then, the Bulldogs had already slammed the door with big defensive stops, including an interception by Matsen Wurm deep in their own territory that erased another Thunder scoring chance.
The win lifted Folsom to 4-1 overall and 1-0 in Sierra Foothill League play, affirming their status as the team to beat in one of the toughest conferences in the state. Rocklin, now 3-2 and 0-1 in league, will look to rebound after showing resilience in the first half but struggling to overcome Folsom’s second-half surge.
Oak Ridge edges Del Oro 12-8, sets stage for Folsom showdown
Oak Ridge made its own statement Friday night in Loomis, grinding out a 12-8 win over Del Oro in a defensive battle to open Sierra Foothill League play. The Trojans, now 3-1 overall and 1-0 in league, showcased the resilience that has kept them among the section’s most consistent contenders.
Next week, they’ll take that momentum into Prairie City Stadium for what promises to be another marquee SFL showdown against Folsom. The Bulldogs, ranked No. 10 in California and No. 47 nationally, will put their explosive offense to the test against an Oak Ridge defense that has been one of the stingiest in the section. The Trojans enter ranked No. 16 in the state and No. 151 nationally, making this one of the most high-profile games of the week across California.
It’s a rivalry that has carried championship implications for years, with both programs firmly established as Sac-Joaquin Section powerhouses. With both Folsom and Oak Ridge now 1-0 in league play following Friday’s victories, next week’s clash takes on even greater significance. Kickoff is set for Friday, October 3, at 7 p.m. in Folsom.
Rio Americano tops Vista 28-8
Rio Americano came out on top Friday night, defeating Vista del Lago 28-8 in Sacramento. The Eagles, who made the short trip from Folsom for the conference matchup, were unable to get their offense rolling against a tough Raiders defense. Despite pushing to get back in the game, Vista couldn’t close the gap and took the loss on the road.
In other games across the region Friday night, Granite Bay picked up a big Sierra Foothill League victory on its home turf, taking down Jesuit 31-20. The Grizzlies’ offense kept the Marauders chasing from the start as they improved their league standing.
Over in Shingle Springs, Ponderosa couldn’t hold off visiting Woodcreek, falling 24-7 to the Timberwolves in league play. Antioch protected its home field with a 37-20 non-league win against Del Campo, outpacing the Cougars with a strong second half.
Meanwhile, a marquee matchup further down the hill saw perennial power De La Salle roll into Sacramento and defeat Grant 47-20, keeping the Spartans’ dominance alive in another non-conference test.
Friday Night Regional Scoreboard Sept. 19, 2025
Argonaut 31, El Dorado 24
Atwater 29, Pitman 26
Bradshaw Christian 60, Galt 0
Central Catholic 35, Patterson 18
Clovis West 54, Turlock 7
Del Campo 40, Antioch 37
Denair 36, Stone Ridge Christian 21
East Union 69, Sierra 14
Edison 48, Downey 40
Enterprise 31, Fairfield 27
Hilmar 35, Ripon Christian 21
Hughson 31, Ripon 28
Lathrop 26, Pacheco 13
Legrand 20, Delhi 7
Liberty Ranch 37, Union Mine 8
Lincoln 41, Foothill 6
Merced 43, Madera 34Oak Ridge 12, Del Oro 8
Placer 42, Burbank 6
Rio Americano 28, Vista del Lago 8
Rio Linda 33, Natomas 12
Rio Vista 76, Elite 7
Sonora 49, Escalon 14
Stagg 42, West 7
Summerville 56, Bret Harte 0
Sutter 64, Woodland 8
Vacaville 20, Pioneer 16
Vacaville Christian 58, Encina 0
Valley 30, San Juan 28 (OT)
Valley Christian 40, Delta 32
Vanden 28, Rodriguez 7
Wheatland 28, Bear River 7
Whitney 43, Davis 0
Woodland Christian 28, Esparto 0
Yuba City 33, River Valley 14*Additional scores to come
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