News Summary
The Folsom Bulldogs, ranked No. 1 in Sacramento, are set to face off against the No. 4 ranked Mission Viejo Diablos this Friday. Coming off a decisive victory against Serra High School, Folsom aims to solidify their place in the CIF State Open championship. Coach Paul Doherty emphasizes the significance of this matchup, highlighting the competitive history between both teams. With quarterback Ryder Lyons recovering from an injury, fans anticipate a thrilling encounter as local high school football heats up.
Folsom, CA – The Folsom Bulldogs, ranked No. 1 by the Sacramento Bee, are gearing up for a pivotal showdown against the Mission Viejo Diablos, who are currently ranked fourth by Cal-Hi Sports. The highly anticipated match is set to take place on Friday night, following a successful start to the season for the Bulldogs, including a dramatic victory over Grant, the No. 2 ranked team in the state, which aired on ESPN.
In their most recent game, Folsom triumphed against San Mateo’s Serra High School, the top team in Northern California from 2002 to 2024, winning decisively with a score of 56-42. This victory has set a hopeful tone as the Bulldogs aim for a place in the CIF State Open championship game in December, where they could potentially face off against national powerhouses such as Mater Dei or Bosco.
Folsom’s Head Coach Paul Doherty emphasized the importance of their last win, remarking that it represented “taking the next step” in their season. With such bold scheduling, Folsom looks to solidify their status as the premier football team in Northern California, a title that remains up for grabs as the season progresses.
Previous matchups against Mission Viejo have shown that this will be a closely contested game. The last time a team from Placer County faced Mission Viejo was in 1980, when the Placer Hillmen beat the Diablos 6-0 during an undefeated season. Current forecasts for the upcoming game suggest a competitive environment, with predicted scores varying widely—from a narrow Bulldogs victory at 21-20, to a more substantial lead at 45-40.
Much focus has been placed on the health of Folsom quarterback Ryder Lyons, who is currently recovering from an ankle injury yet still managed to participate in recent games. His performance could be a determining factor in the outcome of the matchup against Mission Viejo.
The increasing trend of bold scheduling among Sacramento area high school teams has brought excitement to the local football landscape, aided significantly by social media visibility. Local teams are also making headlines, including West Park and Roseville, as well as the Del Oro versus Placer game, with all indicating a promising week of competitive football ahead.
In the latest scores from high school football in Sacramento, Ponderosa narrowly defeated Casa Roble in a thrilling contest that ended 36-34. This revealing result showcases the competitive nature of this year’s football season, as various teams strive to make their mark in the community.
As Folsom prepares for this crucial match against Mission Viejo, players and coaches alike are focused on the task at hand, striving to not only secure a victory but also to affirm their place as leaders of Northern California high school football.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
CIF Southern Section Unveils Preseason High School Football Rankings
Mater Dei and St. John Bosco Gear Up for New Football Season
Orange County Unveils Hot 150 High School Football Talent
Orange County Football Preview: Alpha League Competition
Folsom Bulldogs to Face Grant Pacers in Season Opener
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
- Sacramento Bee: Folsom Bulldogs Prepare for Mission Viejo
- KCRA: High School Playbook
- West Coast Preps: Sacramento Football Predictions
- CBS News: Northern California Heatwave Impact on High School Football
- ABC10: High School Football Highlights
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.
