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.
*Check back here for additional game recaps, regional scores from Friday night
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