News Summary
The Folsom Bulldogs are gearing up for a nationally televised season opener against the Grant Pacers in Sacramento. Scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff, this matchup is part of ESPN’s prestigious “High School Football Kickoff” series. Both teams have a strong rivalry and histories of excellence in high school football, with Folsom winning several state titles and Grant boasting notable championships as well. Key players from both teams are expected to shine, as the community eagerly anticipates this exciting clash to kick off the high school football season.
Sacramento – The Folsom Bulldogs are set to face the Grant Pacers in a nationally televised high school football season opener on Saturday, August 23, 2025. The game will take place at Grant Union High School’s home field in Del Paso Heights, Sacramento, with a kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT.
This matchup is part of ESPN’s “High School Football Kickoff” series, which highlights elite prep football talent from around the country. The event will also include a triple-header featuring top-tier matchups, such as the opening game between Mater Dei of Orange County and St. Thomas Aquinas from Florida.
This upcoming clash marks the fourth meeting between the Folsom Bulldogs and Grant Pacers in major contests, which includes prior season openers and playoff battles. Both teams have strong support from enthusiastic fan bases and share a history of excellence in high school football.
The Folsom Bulldogs are hailed as one of California’s most successful high school football programs. They have won four consecutive CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division I titles and claimed a total of 11 section championships and five CIF state titles since 2010. The team is ranked No. 20 nationally as they head into this contest.
On the other hand, the Grant Pacers have also demonstrated their prowess on the field, achieving three consecutive CIF Sac-Joaquin Section championships in Divisions II and III. Overall, Grant has a total of 10 section titles and three CIF state championships, including the renowned CIF State Open Division title.
Key players for the Folsom Bulldogs include quarterback Ryder Lyons, who is ranked No. 49 among senior recruits and has committed to BYU, and offensive tackle Vlad Dyakonov, ranked No. 214 and committed to USC. The Grant Pacers feature junior tight end Rahzario Edwards, who is ranked No. 58 and holds offers from prestigious programs including Alabama, Michigan, USC, and Oregon. These key players are expected to showcase their skills during the highly anticipated match, which has significant implications for player rankings and future college recruitment opportunities.
In preparation for the August 23 game, the Folsom Bulldogs will participate in two scrimmages: a Blue and White Scrimmage on August 8 and a preseason scrimmage against St. Mary’s of Stockton on August 15. Following this opener, Folsom will continue its regular season with games against Junipero Serra, Mission Viejo, and various Sierra Foothill League matchups.
ESPN has spotlighted the improvements made to Grant’s facilities, particularly a revamped press box that will be utilized during the broadcast. This enhancement is a part of ongoing efforts to elevate the experience of both players and spectators at the venue.
Historically, the rivalry between Folsom and Grant has seen both teams trading victories in their earlier encounters, adding further excitement to this rematch. As both teams continue practicing through mid-August, anticipation builds in the community for what promises to be an electrifying start to the high school football season.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Orange County High School Football Season Preview
Grant Pacers Set to Face Folsom Bulldogs in Season Opener
Mission Viejo High School Football Prepares for Competitive Season
Additional Resources
- ABC10 News
- Folsom Times
- Sacramento Bee
- CBS News
- Wikipedia: High School Football in the United States
Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
