Friday Night Lights: Ready or not, the 2026 prep football season is here

Area teams put preseason warm up behind them as opening night arrives across the region

The waiting is over. Summer workouts, conditioning sessions, practices and preseason scrimmages have served their purpose. Now the lights come on, the scoreboards count and high school football returns across the region Friday night.

The goals vary from program to program. For some, November and December aspirations include Sac-Joaquin Section championships and a potential trip to a state championship game. Others begin the year chasing league titles, playoff berths and an opportunity to extend their seasons. Whatever the destination, everyone starts from the same place this week: 0-0.

Folsom, Vista del Lago, Oak Ridge, Cordova, Casa Roble and Granite Bay are among the local programs stepping onto the field this week with their preseason work behind them and regular-season schedules ahead.

Opening night wastes little time delivering some intriguing matchups.

Folsom begins defense of its state championship against Cardinal Newman of Santa Rosa on the Bulldogs’ familiar blue turf. Oak Ridge heads more than 1,500 miles east to Texas to face Argyle in the first visiting-team appearance at a new stadium complex. Cordova opens at home against Sheldon, Casa Roble travels to Placer, and Granite Bay hosts Vista del Lago in an opening-night matchup between two of the programs featured here.

The scrimmages are over. The preparations are complete. Friday night is no longer a dress rehearsal.

The 2026 season has arrived.

Folsom Bulldogs

There is little ambiguity about what constitutes success at Folsom these days.

The Bulldogs enter 2026 as the defending CIF Division 1-AA state champions after completing a 14-1 season with a 42-28 victory over Cathedral Catholic. It marked the sixth state championship in program history, joining titles won in 2010, 2014, 2017, 2018 and 2023.

Folsom has also won five consecutive Sac-Joaquin Section Division I championships under head coach Paul Doherty. A seventh state championship is now the ultimate prize, but getting there will require the Bulldogs to replace some important pieces while relying heavily on a veteran group that already knows what it takes to play deep into December.

One of the biggest questions has already been answered at quarterback.

Brody Rudnicki takes over following the departure of Ryder Lyons, but Rudnicki is hardly stepping into unfamiliar territory. He started at quarterback in Folsom’s state championship victory last season and played a significant role during the 2025 postseason.

He’ll operate behind an offensive front with considerable experience. Malachi Coleman, Zach Ramirez, Colin Graham and Kingston Wylie return after starting in the state championship game, although Ramirez has been working through an injury. The Bulldogs must also replace graduated senior Vlad Dyakonov, who is now at USC.

Folsom entered the summer expecting to have plenty of weapons around Rudnicki, but the Bulldogs will begin the season without one of their biggest. Senior receiver Rob Larson, who finished second on the team in receptions and receiving yards last season while leading Folsom with 18 touchdown catches, suffered a hamstring injury and is expected to miss at least six weeks.

Larson’s absence removes one of Folsom’s most productive returning offensive players during a particularly demanding portion of the schedule. The UCLA commit could miss much, if not all, of the Bulldogs’ four-game non-league stretch and the beginning of Sierra Foothill League play, depending on his recovery.

That will put more responsibility on the Bulldogs’ other offensive weapons, including receiver Carter Williams and running backs Joseph Eyerman and Osias Bolton.

There is considerable experience on the other side of the football. Defensive tackles Lua DeBerry and Dante Kendrick return, along with linebackers EJ Coleman, Nick Wegner and Daniel Eagleton. Elijah Williams, Travis Beatty and CJ Wallace bring experience to the secondary. Eagleton has also been dealing with an injury entering the season.

Folsom’s final preseason tune-up came Friday in a multi-team scrimmage against Rio Americano, Edison and Pleasant Grove. The Bulldogs came away with areas to clean up but also saw encouraging work defensively while getting valuable live repetitions against three different opponents.

Injuries remain part of the opening-week equation. In addition to Larson, Ramirez and receiver Arhian Acuna have been working through injuries, with Ramirez and Acuna missing the final scrimmage.

And Folsom will not have the luxury of easing into the season.

Cardinal Newman comes to Folsom Friday after an 11-2 season in 2025 with a roster featuring significant returning talent. One week later, Southern California power Mission Viejo arrives on the blue turf.

The Bulldogs then hit the road for back-to-back non-league games, traveling to Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory in San Francisco on Sept. 11 and Inderkum in Sacramento on Sept. 18. Those four contests conclude the non-league portion of the schedule. 

Sierra Foothill League play begins Sept. 25 against Rocklin. Folsom travels to Granite Bay on Oct. 2, hosts Whitney on Oct. 9 and makes the short trip to El Dorado Hills for its annual showdown with Oak Ridge on Oct. 16.

The Bulldogs host Del Oro on Oct. 23 before a bye week and their Nov. 6 regular-season finale at Jesuit.

There are new faces in important places and injuries to navigate early, but there is also enough returning experience for Folsom to begin 2026 with expectations extending well beyond another league championship.

2026 Folsom Bulldogs Schedule

Non-League

Aug. 28 – Cardinal Newman (Santa Rosa), Folsom High School, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 4 – Mission Viejo, Folsom High School, 7 p.m.

Sept. 11 – at Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory (San Francisco), Kezar Stadium, 7 p.m.

Sept. 18 – at Inderkum (Sacramento), Inderkum High School, 7:15 p.m.

Sierra Foothill League

Sept. 25 – Rocklin, Folsom High School, 7 p.m.

Oct. 2 – at Granite Bay, Granite Bay High School, 7 p.m.

Oct. 9 – Whitney, Folsom High School, 7 p.m.

Oct. 16 – at Oak Ridge (El Dorado Hills), Oak Ridge High School, 7 p.m.

Oct. 23 – Del Oro (Loomis), Folsom High School, 7 p.m.

Nov. 6 – at Jesuit (Carmichael), Jesuit High School, 7 p.m. Vista del Lago Eagles

Vista del Lago Eagles

Vista del Lago enters 2026 believing experience gained the hard way a year ago can begin paying dividends.

Eight sophomores saw varsity action last season, giving the Eagles a young group that enters this fall with something it didn’t have a year ago — significant varsity experience.

That starts at quarterback with Jacoby More.

More battled injuries during his first varsity season but enters 2026 healthy and with a full year of experience behind him. His development will be an important piece of an offense that has several established weapons.

Gavin Brainerd moves into the primary role at running back after beginning last season while still working his way back from a broken ankle. Cael Rens returns as one of Vista’s top receiving threats, while Luke Roberts also returns as a starter.

The bigger step could come defensively. A largely inexperienced unit was forced to learn on Friday nights last season, with first-year varsity seniors and players elevated from the junior varsity level filling significant roles. Many of those growing pains have now become experience, with improved tackling among the areas the Eagles have emphasized entering the new season.

Vista got its final test last Friday in a scrimmage against West Park and came through it healthy. The Eagles saw productive work in all three phases and now turn immediately toward a Granite Bay team that provides a considerably different challenge.

There is also a score from a year ago that Vista won’t have trouble remembering.

Granite Bay defeated the Eagles 45-7 last season, with Isaiah Ene rushing for 215 yards. Ene has since graduated, but the Grizzlies return quarterback Dominic Cattolico and remain a program built around physical football.

Matching that physicality will be one of Vista’s first tests Friday night.

After Granite Bay, Vista returns home Sept. 4 to host Antelope and remains home Sept. 11 against Reed High School of Sparks, Nevada. The Eagles travel to Bella Vista on Sept. 25 before the Capital Valley Conference portion of the schedule takes center stage. 

Rio Americano visits Oct. 2 before consecutive road games against Christian Brothers and Inderkum. Vista closes with three straight home games against Woodcreek, Laguna Creek and Ponderosa.

The Eagles enter the year looking for more than incremental improvement. With a more experienced roster and a healthy quarterback, the program begins 2026 believing a playoff berth — and potentially a run once it gets there — is within reach.

2026 Vista del Lago Eagles Schedule

Non-League

Aug. 28 – at Granite Bay, Granite Bay High School, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 4 – Antelope, Vista del Lago High School, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 11 – Reed (Sparks, Nevada), Vista del Lago High School, 7 p.m.

Sept. 25 – at Bella Vista (Fair Oaks), Bella Vista High School, 7:15 p.m.

Capital Valley Conference

Oct. 2 – Rio Americano, Vista del Lago High School, 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 9 – at Christian Brothers (Sacramento), Christian Brothers High School, 7 p.m.

Oct. 16 – at Inderkum (Sacramento), Inderkum High School, 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 23 – Woodcreek (Roseville), Vista del Lago High School, 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 30 – Laguna Creek (Elk Grove), Vista del Lago High School, 7:15 p.m.

Nov. 6 – Ponderosa (Shingle Springs), Vista del Lago High School, 7:15 p.m. 

Oak Ridge Trojans

Oak Ridge begins 2026 with aspirations every bit as substantial as those of its neighboring rival.

The Trojans are coming off a 9-4 season that included a 9-7 Sac-Joaquin Section semifinal victory over Grant and another trip to the Division I championship game. Under head coach Casey Taylor, Oak Ridge has reached four consecutive section title games.

Taking the next step will inevitably bring the conversation back to Folsom.

Oak Ridge has lost 25 consecutive meetings with the Bulldogs, but the Trojans enter this season with a veteran roster they believe can contend at the highest level.

Senior Nick Johnson returns at quarterback and will lead an offense expected to make greater use of the passing game. Oak Ridge entered camp particularly confident in its receiving corps, led by Isaac Pierce and Braxton Martinez along with Jack Granrud and Nate Anzelec.

That group suffered a setback during Friday’s scrimmage against Lincoln of Stockton when Pierce sustained a broken hand that is expected to sideline him for a period of time.

Despite the injury, the Trojans came away from the scrimmage encouraged by much of what they saw. The offense took care of the football and moved consistently, while the defense performed well on third downs. Penalties, fourth-down defense and special teams emerged among the areas needing additional work before opening night.

Defensively, Oak Ridge returns plenty of experience. Nick Hunt, Blake Meggers and Brett Roberts anchor the defensive front, while Brayden Molloy and Justen Womack return at linebacker.

Before any thoughts turn toward Folsom, however, the Trojans have a rather large opening assignment — in Texas.

Oak Ridge travels to face Argyle Friday in the first game at Argyle’s new $45 million stadium complex. The Trojans will be the first visiting team to play there, facing an Argyle program that reached the Texas state semifinals last season.

After returning to El Dorado Hills, Oak Ridge hosts Central East of Fresno on Sept. 4 before heading south to face Crean Lutheran in Irvine on Sept. 11.

Sierra Foothill League competition begins Sept. 25 against Del Oro. Oak Ridge visits Rocklin on Oct. 2 before stepping outside league play Oct. 9 to host Tabor Academy of Marion, Massachusetts. 

Then comes Oct. 16.

Folsom visits El Dorado Hills for the latest chapter in a rivalry Oak Ridge has been trying to turn for years. Whether this is the season that happens will be decided on the field, but the Trojans enter 2026 with a veteran quarterback, an experienced defense and expectations of playing deep into the postseason.

2026 Oak Ridge Trojans Schedule

Non-League

Aug. 28 – at Argyle (Argyle, Texas), Argyle ISD Stadium, 7 p.m.

Sept. 4 – Central East (Fresno), Oak Ridge High School, 7 p.m.

Sept. 11 – at Crean Lutheran (Irvine), Crean Lutheran High School, 7 p.m.

Oct. 9 – Tabor Academy (Marion, Massachusetts), Oak Ridge High School, 7 p.m.

Sierra Foothill League

Sept. 25 – Del Oro (Loomis), Oak Ridge High School, 7 p.m.

Oct. 2 – at Rocklin, Rocklin High School, 7 p.m.

Oct. 16 – Folsom, Oak Ridge High School, 7 p.m.

Oct. 23 – at Jesuit (Carmichael), Jesuit High School, 7 p.m.

Oct. 30 – at Granite Bay, Granite Bay High School, 7 p.m.

Nov. 6 – Whitney (Rocklin), Oak Ridge High School, 7 p.m. 

Cordova Lancers

The Cordova Lancers begin their 2026 campaign at home Friday night as a 10-game schedule gets underway with five non-league contests before Metropolitan League competition begins in October.

Sheldon comes to Cordova High School for Friday’s 7:15 p.m. opener, giving the Lancers their first opportunity to put the preseason behind them and begin building momentum.

Cordova stays home Sept. 4 to face Kennedy before a break in the schedule. The Lancers return to action Sept. 18 at Rio Americano and travel to Pinole Valley on Sept. 25 before coming back to Rancho Cordova to host Vallejo on Oct. 2.

Those five games set the stage for Metropolitan League competition.

Cordova opens league play Oct. 9 on the road against West Park in Roseville before hosting Antelope on Oct. 16. A trip to Grant follows Oct. 23, setting up the final home game of the regular season Oct. 30 against Destiny Christian Academy.

The Lancers conclude their regular-season schedule Nov. 6 at McClatchy in Sacramento.

With five games at home and five on the road, Cordova’s schedule provides an even split as the Lancers work through opponents from throughout the region before turning their attention to the Metropolitan League race. 

2026 Cordova Lancers Schedule

Non-League

Aug. 28 – Sheldon (Sacramento), Cordova High School, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 4 – Kennedy (Sacramento), Cordova High School, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 18 – at Rio Americano (Sacramento), Rio Americano High School, 7 p.m.

Sept. 25 – at Pinole Valley (Pinole), Pinole Valley High School, 7 p.m.

Oct. 2 – Vallejo, Cordova High School, 7:15 p.m.

Metropolitan League

Oct. 9 – at West Park (Roseville), West Park High School, 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 16 – Antelope, Cordova High School, 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 23 – at Grant (Sacramento), Grant High School, 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 30 – Destiny Christian Academy (Sacramento), Cordova High School, 7:15 p.m.

Nov. 6 – at McClatchy (Sacramento), McClatchy High School, 7:15 p.m. 

Casa Roble Rams

Casa Roble begins the season with a significantly different roster from the one that produced an 11-2 campaign a year ago.

Head coach Chris Horner enters his 10th season leading the Rams and his 27th year on the Orangevale campus. Graduation took a sizable group of starters from last year’s team, making development of the next wave one of the primary storylines entering 2026.

Even with the turnover, there are areas of experience around which Casa Roble can build.

The Rams enter the season encouraged by their defensive unit and play along both lines, while captains Karter Coss, Urijah Fear, Jordan Keller and Ayden Ante provide leadership for a roster being asked to replace significant production from last fall.

Casa Roble gets its first opportunity to see how those new pieces fit Friday at Placer in Auburn.

The Rams remain on the road Sept. 4 to face Bella Vista before making their home debut Sept. 11 against Ponderosa.

Following a week away from competition, Casa Roble returns home Sept. 25 against Sutter before hosting Nevada Union on Oct. 2. The Rams head to Woodland on Oct. 9 before Rio Linda visits Orangevale on Oct. 16.

Casa Roble travels to Natomas on Oct. 23, hosts Dixon in its regular-season home finale Oct. 30 and closes the schedule Nov. 6 at El Camino.

After winning 11 games last season, the Rams begin anew with plenty of personnel to replace but another opportunity to contend in the Golden Empire League.

2026 Casa Roble Rams Schedule

Non-League

Aug. 28 – at Placer (Auburn), Placer High School, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 4 – at Bella Vista (Fair Oaks), Bella Vista High School, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 11 – Ponderosa (Shingle Springs), Casa Roble High School, 7 p.m.

Golden Empire League

Sept. 25 – Sutter, Casa Roble High School, 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 2 – Nevada Union (Grass Valley), Casa Roble High School, 7 p.m.

Oct. 9 – at Woodland, Woodland High School, 7 p.m.

Oct. 16 – Rio Linda, Casa Roble High School, 7 p.m.

Oct. 23 – at Natomas (Sacramento), Natomas High School, 7 p.m.

Oct. 30 – Dixon, Casa Roble High School, 7 p.m.

Nov. 6 – at El Camino (Sacramento), El Camino Fundamental High School, 7 p.m.

Granite Bay Grizzlies

Granite Bay begins 2026 in a familiar position: replacing important pieces while expecting the standard of the program to remain unchanged.

The Grizzlies finished 9-4 last season and once again reached the later stages of the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs. Head coach Joe Cattolico enters the season as a 200-game winner with another Granite Bay team looking to contend in the Sierra Foothill League and make a run toward a section final.

Graduation took a significant group from last year’s roster, including running back Isaiah Ene, but Granite Bay returns quarterback Dominic Cattolico to lead an offense expected to feature some different personnel and potentially a different look.

The first opportunity to see it comes against a familiar nearby opponent.

Vista del Lago visits Granite Bay Friday at 7:15 p.m. The Grizzlies dominated the matchup 45-7 a season ago, but this year’s Vista team arrives with more varsity experience and a healthy quarterback in Jacoby More.

Granite Bay remains home Sept. 4 against Cosumnes Oaks before traveling to Shingle Springs on Sept. 18 to face Ponderosa.

Then the Sierra Foothill League schedule begins.

The Grizzlies open league competition Sept. 25 at Jesuit before returning home Oct. 2 for a matchup with Folsom. Granite Bay then faces consecutive road games at Rocklin on Oct. 9 and Del Oro on Oct. 16.

Whitney visits Oct. 23 and Oak Ridge follows Oct. 30 before Granite Bay closes the regular season Nov. 6 against De La Salle of Concord.

There may be new names filling important roles, but Granite Bay remains a program accustomed to competing well into November. The first indication of how quickly this year’s group can establish its identity arrives Friday night. 

2026 Granite Bay Grizzlies Schedule

Non-League

Aug. 28 – Vista del Lago, Granite Bay High School, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 4 – Cosumnes Oaks (Elk Grove), Granite Bay High School, 7 p.m.

Sept. 18 – at Ponderosa (Shingle Springs), Ponderosa High School, 7 p.m.

Sierra Foothill League

Sept. 25 – at Jesuit (Carmichael), Jesuit High School, 7 p.m.

Oct. 2 – Folsom, Granite Bay High School, 7 p.m.

Oct. 9 – at Rocklin, Rocklin High School, 7 p.m.

Oct. 16 – at Del Oro (Loomis), Del Oro High School, 7 p.m.

Oct. 23 – Whitney (Rocklin), Granite Bay High School, 7 p.m.

Oct. 30 – Oak Ridge (El Dorado Hills), Granite Bay High School, 7 p.m.

Nov. 6 – De La Salle (Concord), Granite Bay High School, 7 p.m. 

Across the region, the ambitions range from winning more games than a year ago to capturing league and section championships and, for those capable of making the deepest runs, playing for a state title in December. None of that can happen Friday night. But every road toward those goals begins there.

The preseason is finished. The records are clean. And when the lights come on Friday night, the 2026 high school football season begins for real.

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