More than two months after capturing the 2025 CIF State Championship, the Folsom Bulldogs officially celebrated the title in their own community Tuesday night, gathering with residents at the Historic Folsom amphitheater for an evening that put the spotlight squarely on the people and partnerships behind the championship season.
It was coaches, families, school leaders and longtime supporters were amongst the scene at the amphitheater as the Bulldogs celebrated their sixth state championship, turning the focus from the final score to the shared effort that carried the program through a demanding season and a memorable postseason run.
The impromptu celebration wasn’t heavily advertised by school or city leaders and unfolded as a reflection of Folsom football’s deep roots and continuity amongst those closest to the football program.
Former Bulldogs quarterback Dano Graves, a 2010 Folsom High graduate who led the school to its first state championship, opened the program by connecting the current team’s achievement to the foundation laid by earlier title teams. His remarks framed the night as part of a longer story that continues to grow with each championship generation.
Folsom High School Principal Curtis Cadenhead followed by commending the players for how they represented the school throughout the season, noting that the championship reflected not only athletic success but leadership, accountability and pride that carried into classrooms and the broader campus community.
School board president and Folsom High alum Jennifer Laret spoke next, sharing a perspective that bridged past and present. She described the significance of celebrating a state title both as a district leader and as an alum who once stood in the same place as the players now being honored.
Superintendent Erik Swanson emphasized the collaboration required to support a championship run, highlighting the coordination between coaches, families and district staff that allowed the team to focus on football while balancing academics and travel demands during the postseason.
Justin Raithel closed the formal remarks by recognizing the Bulldogs as ambassadors for the City of Folsom, crediting the team with uniting the community and bringing statewide attention to the city through its success on the field.
One of the evening’s most personal moments came when head coach Jordan Banning paused the program to recognize the behind-the-scenes efforts that helped make the state title possible. Banning presented Folsom Cordova Unified School District staff member Christine Spencer with a signed Bulldogs helmet and a state championship hoodie, honoring her work coordinating flights and travel logistics for the team’s state championship appearance.
Headcoach Paul Doherty then introduced the Bulldogs as players stepped forward to sustained applause, posing for photos and sharing the moment with families, friends and fans gathered throughout the amphitheater.
While the night centered on celebration, the championship itself remained a defining backdrop. The Bulldogs secured the 2025 state title in December with a 42-28 victory over Cathedral Catholic at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, a breakthrough win over a program Folsom had never defeated before. The title run was marked by resilience, as junior quarterback Brody Rudnicki stepped in for injured Ryder Lyons and delivered a performance that guided the Bulldogs to their sixth CIF State Championship.
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