Is anyone beating Folsom this year?

G62

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Folsom is projected to have their best team...maybe ever? At least most talented.

Is anyone in NorCal beating them? I believe they get their open shot this year.
 

FBAddict

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Folsom is projected to have their best team...maybe ever? At least most talented.

Is anyone in NorCal beating them? I believe they get their open shot this year.
I'm hoping for an undefeated season. They need to have a stellar season or have the fortune of at least a DLS defeat to Lakeland or Cathedral to be the serious contender for Open. Overall, DLS has a better schedule and only a Folsom win vs MV (along with an undefeated season) will begin tip the balance toward Folsom's Open bid over an undefeated DLS.
 
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FBAddict

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Is anyone in NorCal beating them?
There is a really good chance for them to be undefeated in NorCal. But of course we all remember what happened last year when a less-than-stellar Serra beat Folsom. This year, Grant has the best chance to give Folsom a good game. The question is - how has Folsom developed their offensive game against stout defensive teams. Historically they have struggled with DLS and Serra defenses.
 

FBAddict

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Its hard to compare two teams, one 11 years in the rear view mirror and one that hasn't played a single current season game yet. But it seems there are at least five players on this 2025 team (Ryder Lyons, Vlad Dyakonov, Jason Hill, Parks Weaver and Rob Larson ) that have high level potential. Many more may follow in this year's development.

There is no doubt that the 2014 team had a guns-blazing offense. But I think is clear this year's team has challenged itself beyond the 2014 counter part. Only the the pre-league Cathedral and Playoff Grant and Oceanside teams were of note for the 2014 team.

This year, Folsom has Mission Veijo, Grant and Serra as games of note. Already it seems clear that the bulldogs have a challenging season to prove themselves. Who knows, right now, how they will perform, but the potential is way higher this season in my estimation.
 
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THEOC89

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Folsom is projected to have their best team...maybe ever? At least most talented.

Is anyone in NorCal beating them? I believe they get their open shot this year.
Just Serra, But probably noone else…. 🤣
 
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The SJS Lord

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This will not be Folsom’s best team ever. Doherty said on record just a few weeks ago that they aren’t even as good as last season, and I would rate that team maybe their 3rd or 4th best team.

Obviously Folsom will still be super solid and one of the best in NorCal but we really need to stop hyping this team up before the season and talking about undefeated seasons. Their schedule is pretty damn hard and Mission Viejo will be big favorites. I’ve seen Mission Viejo rated top 25 in nation on multiple sites now and when I look at their returning roster they have studs everywhere.

If Folsom is able to get past Grant and Serra on the road, and at least keep it close with MV, then we can start to talk about the Open…
 
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Norcalguy111

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I honestly feel like we have this conversation every year with Folsom lol. Let’s talk about who’s gonna represent Northern California in the open after Halloween.
 
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FBAddict

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I honestly feel like we have this conversation every year with Folsom lol. Let’s talk about who’s gonna represent Northern California in the open after Halloween.
Between Pitts and Folsom, these are generally the two best public teams in NorCal - so of course we are going to speculate. Frankly, I don't see any other reasons for this board aside from fan speculation, rivalry reveille, and posting favorite HSFB news.
 

Anon1751504163

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Hard to see Folsom traveling to Southern California and beating Mission Viejo.
More than likely, it will be just as hard traveling to William Rutherford Stadium. If Folsom plays the way we know they can, they'll be more than formidable against Mission Viejo. NorCal needs to change the narrative against SoCal. As a whole, we have to start showing up.
 

THEOC89

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More than likely, it will be just as hard traveling to William Rutherford Stadium. If Folsom plays the way we know they can, they'll be more than formidable against Mission Viejo. NorCal needs to change the narrative against SoCal. As a whole, we have to start showing up.
It’s hard to See a Team like Folsom, who was spotted a 21-0 lead by PITT and lost beat Mission Viejo….

The same story with Folsom every year is when they play a good, Physical team, their OLine gets dominated…. PITT made Lyons look average, MV has some really good defenders returning, this will be a tall task for Folsom….

Both teams have a lot of offensive firepower and have tough schedules with big rivalry games to open the season, so I see a 35-28 type of game with MV coming out on top…. I think it will be a good game!!….
 

BigMann04

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More than likely, it will be just as hard traveling to William Rutherford Stadium. If Folsom plays the way we know they can, they'll be more than formidable against Mission Viejo. NorCal needs to change the narrative against SoCal. As a whole, we have to start showing up.
You're absolutely right!

Interestingly, the Folsom vs Grant series has never produced close or competitive games. When these two collide, it's usually lopsided one way or the other, and historically, Folsom has had the upper hand with a 5–2 lead. That dominance speaks to Folsom’s sustained top-level execution and depth. Meanwhile, Grant’s resurgence in the 2020s has been impressive, especially against mid-tier teams, but the step up to consistent high-level, D1 competition is a different beast.

Their recent struggles against top programs like Oak Ridge and Monterey Trail and the 0–3 record against top D1 teams last year highlight the gap. If Grant wants to truly be in that elite NorCal convo again, they'll need to match physicality, depth, and scheme with the top-tier schools every week, not just during league play or sections.
As for NorCal vs SoCal? 100% with you.
NorCal schools need to start taking signature wins off of Southern Section powerhouses like Cen10, MV, Sierra Canyon

These games help narrow the perception gap and push NorCal players and coaches to innovate and elevate. Iron sharpens iron.
It’s encouraging to see teams like Folsom, Pittsburg, and Grant scheduling tougher opponents. These battles may come with early losses, but they pay off in playoff resilience.

I’m locked in for both matchups. Which one do you think has more upset potential this season?
 
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Anon1751504163

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You're absolutely right!

Interestingly, the Folsom vs Grant series has rarely produced close games. When these two collide, it's usually lopsided one way or the other, and historically, Folsom has had the upper hand with a 5–2 lead. That dominance speaks to Folsom’s sustained top-level execution and depth. Meanwhile, Grant’s resurgence in the 2020s has been impressive, especially against mid-tier teams, but the step up to consistent high-level, D1 competition is a different beast.

Their recent struggles against top programs like Oak Ridge and Monterey Trail and the 0–3 record against top D1 teams last year highlight the gap. If Grant wants to truly be in that elite NorCal convo again, they'll need to match physicality, depth, and scheme with the top-tier schools every week, not just during league play or sections.
As for NorCal vs SoCal? 100% with you.
NorCal schools need to start taking signature wins off of Southern Section powerhouses like Cen10, MV, Sierra Canyon

These games help narrow the perception gap and push NorCal players and coaches to innovate and elevate. Iron sharpens iron.
It’s encouraging to see teams like Folsom, Pittsburg, and Grant scheduling tougher opponents. These battles may come with early losses, but they pay off in playoff resilience.

I’m locked in for both matchups. Which one do you think has more upset potential this season?
I see your point. I agree with the majority of your position.

I don't believe Grant played Oak Ridge and MT since "22". 0-3 vs DLS, Clovis, and Lincoln SD last yr with JV players at all the skilled positions. Folsom 15 yr plus run has been very impressive with championship level play. Folsom will continue it's stellar play...

I believe don't Grant has anything left to prove at any level, particularly in Norcal. Five years ago, Grant’s national rankings where in the thousands, now at #203 which is a bit low IMO. Honestly, Folsom and Grant never been at this peak together at the same time. 30 plus offers between both schools before the season starts. Aug 22 will determine who's on top of mountain until early December, possibly. While Grant was on the decline, Folsom was on the incline. Schools like MT and Oak Ridge has something to prove oppose to a School with multiple State Championships at each level, Open included. If Grant is fortunate enough to compete for a State Championship they'd take the Open game forsure, however the DI A or AA game will allow them to be the only School in CA history to compete or win all 4 State Championships at 3 different levels besides being the only Public school to win the Open, thus far. Nothing to prove...

Elite programs have multiple State Championships. Folsom, DLS, Grant may experience dips "player wise" but they're always lurking... For Folsom, DLS and Grant it's State or bust week 1. We need the rest of NorCal to step up and help represent regardless of the bowl game level.

Pitts, Oak Ridge, MT, Riodan, Rocklin, St. Mary's, Serra, Grantie Bay, and SI are programs needing to step up to the plate and finally deliver in the moment. No slight to Pitt... they're very close and have never complained about competing against DLS along the way to my knowledge. I'm willing to bet Pitt's community would tell you the same. Very tough program, they don't make excuses. GB has a chip as well. But it's time. Time for this community to critique and challenge aforementioned schools.

Who's going to step up? Time will tell...
 

coachlittle

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I see your point. I agree with the majority of your position.
Aug 22 will determine who's on top of mountain until early December, possibly.
should be a good one .. if grant can keep all those jr pacer kids nobody is beating them ... ... dca has a monster squad coming up too ....
 

Mtn John

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It’s hard to See a Team like Folsom, who was spotted a 21-0 lead by PITT and lost beat Mission Viejo….

The same story with Folsom every year is when they play a good, Physical team, their OLine gets dominated…. PITT made Lyons look average, MV has some really good defenders returning, this will be a tall task for Folsom….

Both teams have a lot of offensive firepower and have tough schedules with big rivalry games to open the season, so I see a 35-28 type of game with MV coming out on top…. I think it will be a good game!!….
I think more like 42-20 MV. Just too many weapons.
 
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BigMann04

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I see your point. I agree with the majority of your position.

I don't believe Grant played Oak Ridge and MT since "22". 0-3 vs DLS, Clovis, and Lincoln SD last yr with JV players at all the skilled positions. Folsom 15 yr plus run has been very impressive with championship level play. Folsom will continue it's stellar play...

I believe don't Grant has anything left to prove at any level, particularly in Norcal. Five years ago, Grant’s national rankings where in the thousands, now at #203 which is a bit low IMO. Honestly, Folsom and Grant never been at this peak together at the same time. 30 plus offers between both schools before the season starts. Aug 22 will determine who's on top of mountain until early December, possibly. While Grant was on the decline, Folsom was on the incline. Schools like MT and Oak Ridge has something to prove oppose to a School with multiple State Championships at each level, Open included. If Grant is fortunate enough to compete for a State Championship they'd take the Open game forsure, however the DI A or AA game will allow them to be the only School in CA history to compete or win all 4 State Championships at 3 different levels besides being the only Public school to win the Open, thus far. Nothing to prove...

Elite programs have multiple State Championships. Folsom, DLS, Grant may experience dips "player wise" but they're always lurking... For Folsom, DLS and Grant it's State or bust week 1. We need the rest of NorCal to step up and help represent regardless of the bowl game level.

Pitts, Oak Ridge, MT, Riodan, Rocklin, St. Mary's, Serra, Grantie Bay, and SI are programs needing to step up to the plate and finally deliver in the moment. No slight to Pitt... they're very close and have never complained about competing against DLS along the way to my knowledge. I'm willing to bet Pitt's community would tell you the same. Very tough program, they don't make excuses. GB has a chip as well. But it's time. Time for this community to critique and challenge aforementioned schools.

Who's going to step up? Time will tell...

I agree 1000 percent. Historically, no, the Pacers have nothing to prove. They are the top program in the Sac-Joaquin Section. It is not even close. They should have been in the state game in 2006, and their 2008 Open Division championship win is arguably the best state championship moment. Some of the teams from the 1990s and 2000s were remarkable, and I believe the 2009 and 2010 teams were arguably the most star-studded teams of their era.

With that being said, the program took a big hit, and their recent success has come at the Division 2 and Division 3 levels. I have been rooting hard for their success, and the climb has been incredible. Many on this board said the Pacers would never bounce back or amount to anything after Coach Al, rest in peace, stepped down. But they bounced back and have made an impressive climb back to Division 1. Success is success, and I take nothing away from it. They won two SJS championships at the Division 3 level and another last season at Division 2. This has been a tremendous climb back and a remarkable turnaround for a program that had declined immensely. Back in the day, even though the Pacers had an enrollment of only around 1300 students, they still competed at the Division 1 level and had incredible success. Had they played in their proper division during those years, they would have 30 championship banners.

We have witnessed the climb. It has been impressive, like a movie, and redemptive. They conquered the Division 3 and Division 2 mountains. Can this era of Pacer football, the "2020s," climb back to the top of the Division 1/Open Division mountain?

Can they do it again?! I hope so!

*Grant played OakRidge and MT in 2023.
*You are right! Grant was essentially a JV team with a few sprinkles of Upperclassmen. Great point!
*The Private and Open Enrollment Elites have changed the landscape of NorCal football.... I would love to see a true NorCal Open Tournament! Take the Top 8 teams!
 

Anon1751504163

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The possibility of Grant and Folsom potentially playing head to head in the Section, DLS or Pitt for example in regionals and MD for the Open doesn't seem favorable for either.
 
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THEOC89

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I think more like 42-20 MV. Just too many weapons.
You could be right…. Folsom and their highly touted QB’s have historically been really bad against teams that put pressure on them and MV will do that….

Just look at Lyons last year, he couldn’t even Crack 150 yards against either Serra or PITT last year and both teams held Folsom below 300 yards of offense….

I do think that on Defense that Sharma kid for Folsom will make some plays, he is a Beast…. It will all come down to Folsoms O-Line, can they match MV physically and give Lyons time to make plays….if they do, Folsom will have a good chance of pulling off the win…
 
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