News Summary
The Grant Pacers and Folsom Bulldogs are gearing up for a thrilling football match as part of ESPN’s High School Football Kickoff series. Scheduled for August 23, this game will see both teams returning to the field as they continue their longstanding rivalry. Fans can expect an evening filled with competitive spirit as these two powerhouse programs, with impressive histories and records, clash at Grant Union High School, showcasing many talented athletes and marking the beginning of their high school football seasons.
Sacramento – The Grant Pacers and Folsom Bulldogs are set to clash in a highly anticipated football matchup on August 23, 2025, as part of ESPN’s “High School Football Kickoff” series. This game will not only mark the beginning of the high school football season for both teams, but it will also be broadcast nationally, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 PM PT at Grant Union High School.
This encounter will see both teams return to the field together for the fourth time in recent years, including season openers and postseason games. Fans have much to look forward to, as these two powerhouse programs have a long-standing history of competitive games against each other.
Significant Matchup History
Current Team Standings and Achievements
The Folsom Bulldogs have earned their reputation as elite competitors, boasting four consecutive CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division I championships and amassing a total of 11 section titles and five CIF state championships since 2010. The team was further honored as The Bee’s Team of the Decade for the 2010s. In contrast, the Grant Pacers, recognized as The Bee’s Team of the Decade for the 1990s and 2000s, have a robust track record with 10 section championships and three CIF State championships, including a CIF State Open title. Last season, Folsom was ranked No. 1 in the Bee rankings, while Grant closely followed at No. 2.
Coaching Changes and Player Highlights
The game will take place against the backdrop of changes in the Grant coaching staff following the passing of longtime coach Mike Alberghini in February 2025. Co-head coaches Carl Reed and Syd Thompson now lead the Pacers into the upcoming season. The Grant roster features promising talents, including junior receivers Koby Shabazz and Zo Edwards, safety Savion Bandy, and edge rusher Sosaia Noa.
Folsom Bulldogs Roster and Future Games
Folsom comes into this match with star quarterback Ryder Lyons, a 5-star recruit committed to BYU. They also have significant contributions from receiver Jameson Powell and lineman Vlad Dyakonov. After facing Grant, Folsom will engage in further matchups against Serra of San Mateo and the state-ranked Mission Viejo of Orange County.
Upcoming Challenges for Both Teams
Meanwhile, Grant is set to challenge teams like Central Section powerhouse Central East and Cardinal Newman in the second week of their season, highlighting the strength of their schedule as they step up to Division I due to sustained success.
ESPN’s High School Football Kickoff Series
The ESPN High School Football Kickoff 2025 represents the 16th year of this celebrated series, which showcases top matchups and players, with more than 45 athletes ranked in the ESPN 300 and ESPN Junior 300 set to feature. This national telecast promises to draw significant attention to high school football, illuminating the talent and hard work that goes into developing these young athletes.
With both teams eager to stake their claim this season, fans can expect an exciting atmosphere at Grant Union High School on August 23. The contest not only begins the football season for these two storied programs but also continues their legacy of fierce competition on the field.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- ESPN Press Room
- Sacramento Bee
- CBS News Sacramento
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Football
- Google News: High School Football
