In a highly anticipated CIF Division 1-AA state championship match, Folsom and Cathedral Catholic are set to clash Friday night at Saddleback College, with kickoff scheduled for 8 p.m. PT. The Bulldogs come into the game boasting a strong 13-1 record, while the San Diego-based Dons field an impressive 11-2 record after dominating their way through the Southern California bracket.
The storyline for Folsom’s journey to the championship took a dramatic turn last week. Star quarterback Ryder Lyons sustained a left shoulder injury during the final drive of the third quarter in a close contest against unbeaten Archbishop Riordan. With the Bulldogs trailing by 10 points at the time of his exit, junior backup Brody Rudnicki stepped in to lead a remarkable comeback. He ignited the offense with a 50-yard run and threw two crucial fourth-quarter touchdown passes, propelling Folsom to a 42-38 victory and securing the NorCal Division 1-AA championship. The Bulldogs’ defense played a pivotal role, shutting out Riordan in the second half to seal the win.
Rudnicki’s composure in a high-pressure situation was complemented by a standout performance from senior wide receiver Jameson Powell, who racked up 171 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Additionally, Isaiah Williams contributed a game-changing kickoff return for a touchdown. Folsom has now achieved an impressive streak of 11 consecutive wins, positioning the team for its sixth CIF State title since 2010, hoping to improve its record in state championships to 6-1.
On the other side, Cathedral Catholic made its own emphatic statement by overpowering Los Alamitos 42-21, driven by a balanced and physically dominant offensive attack. Junior running back Honor Faalave shined for the Dons with 139 total yards, continuing a trend where Cathedral Catholic has registered decisive victories throughout the season, including six games won by over 20 points. The Dons not only enter this matchup with momentum but also carry the psychological advantage from their 33-21 victory over Folsom in the 2021 state final, which adds extra significance to this rematch.
Folsom’s roster features several noteworthy players:
– Ryder Lyons, the senior quarterback and BYU commit, has amassed 10,074 career passing yards and is regarded as California’s top recruit for 2026. This season alone, he has completed 265 of 345 passes for 3,485 yards, 36 touchdowns, and contributed significantly on the ground with 410 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns.
– Brody Rudnicki, in his role as junior quarterback, has completed 52 of 67 passes for 855 yards and 11 touchdowns, along with 116 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns.
– Other standout players include Jameson Powell, an Oregon State signee with 1,374 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns, and junior receiver Rob Larson, who has also been critical to the Bulldogs’ offense with 1,095 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns.
On the Cathedral Catholic side:
– Honor Faalave, a junior running back/safety, is California’s top recruit for 2027, boasting 1,265 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns alongside notable defensive stats.
– Senior quarterback Brady Palmer has thrown for 2,323 yards and 22 touchdowns this season and has shown dual-threat capabilities with 341 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns.
– The Dons’ offensive line is bolstered by senior tackle Chase Deniz, a USC signee, solidifying their physical play style.
As the game progresses, Rudnicki’s strong start, leading Folsom to an impressive initial drive, culminating in a 2-yard touchdown run, set the tone early. Following that, he demonstrated impressive efficiency, throwing a 32-yard touchdown pass to Larson, giving Folsom a commanding 14-0 lead before the end of the first quarter.
The stakes are high, as both teams not only vie for a championship title but also look to assert their dominance in the competitive world of California high school football. With playmakers on both sides, anticipation builds for what promises to be an exciting and intense championship game.
