Nestled in the vibrant suburb of Folsom, California, just east of Sacramento, Folsom High School football isn’t just a team—it’s a phenomenon. For over a decade, the Bulldogs have dominated the gridiron, racking up state championships, producing NFL stars, and igniting a community passion that rivals any in the Golden State. From the electric atmosphere at Prairie City Stadium to the buzz of college scouts lining the sidelines, Folsom football embodies the spirit of Friday night lights with a California twist. In this 1500-word deep dive, we’ll unpack the program’s storied history, recent highs and lows, standout players, and the secret sauce behind their sustained success in the ultra-competitive CIF landscape. Ready to discover why the Folsom Bulldogs are a name every football fan should know? Let’s hit the field!
What Makes Folsom High School Football Special?
California high school football is a beast of its own, and Folsom High School stands tall as one of its fiercest predators. With a campus that’s been churning out talent since its move to Iron Point Road in 1998, the Bulldogs have turned a once-average program into a national powerhouse. What’s the magic? It’s a potent blend of innovative coaching, a high-octane offense, and a fanbase that treats every game like a Super Bowl.
The Bulldogs don’t just play football—they redefine it. Known for their spread-option attack, they’ve set scoring records and produced players who shine on college and pro stages. But beyond the stats, it’s the unbreakable bond between the team and the Folsom community that fuels their fire. This isn’t just a team; it’s a legacy.
Folsom High School Football at a Glance
Here’s a quick rundown of what defines the Bulldogs:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Folsom, California, east of Sacramento |
| School Established | 1922; current campus opened in 1998 |
| State Championships | 2010, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2023 (CIF titles) |
| Recent National Ranking | No. 25 (MaxPreps, end of 2024 season) |
| Notable Players | Jake Browning (QB, Cincinnati Bengals), Jonah Williams (OT, Bengals), Ryder Lyons (QB, 2026 star) |
| Head Coach | Paul Doherty (current), following legends like Kris Richardson and Troy Taylor |
| Rivalries | De La Salle, Oak Ridge, Pittsburg |
| 2024 Record | 12-2, lost 28-27 to Pittsburg in CIF Division 1-AA title game on Dec 6, 2024 |
This table is your cheat sheet—keep reading for the full playbook!
A Brief History of Folsom High School Football
Folsom High School football’s journey to greatness kicked into high gear in the 21st century. While the school dates back to 1922, its football program found its stride in 2010. That year, led by quarterback Dano Graves and future NFL safety Jordan Richards, the Bulldogs crushed Gardena 48-20 to claim their first CIF Division II state title. It was a statement: Folsom had arrived.
The program hit its golden era under coaches Kris Richardson and Troy Taylor in the 2010s. They transformed Folsom into a scoring machine, winning state titles in 2014, 2017, and 2018. The 2014 squad, quarterbacked by Jake Browning—who’d later become a Gatorade National Player of the Year—went 16-0 and averaged over 50 points per game. Since 2010, Folsom has notched 11 Sac-Joaquin Section titles and five state championships, cementing their status as a California dynasty.
Key Milestones in Folsom Football History
- 2010: First state title, signaling the start of a dominant run.
- 2014: Undefeated season and a national ranking as high as No. 4.
- 2023: Fifth state crown with a 20-14 win over St. Bonaventure, proving their staying power.
Recent Results: Folsom Football in 2024
The 2024 season was a rollercoaster of brilliance and heartbreak for Folsom. Finishing 12-2, the Bulldogs torched opponents with an average of 45.6 points per game, thanks to junior quarterback Ryder Lyons’ dazzling play. Their playoff march included a 52-10 demolition of Oak Ridge in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division 1 final. But the dream ended in the CIF Division 1-AA state title game on December 6, 2024, with a nail-biting 28-27 loss to Pittsburg.
Standout Games of 2024
- Section Final: A 52-10 rout of Oak Ridge, where Lyons threw for 357 yards and five touchdowns.
- State Championship: A 28-27 defeat to Pittsburg, decided by a late defensive stand that stopped Folsom’s two-point conversion attempt.
Despite the loss, Folsom ended 2024 ranked No. 25 nationally by MaxPreps—a solid finish for a team eyeing more hardware.
2024 Season Stats
- Record: 12-2 overall.
- Offense: Averaged 45.6 points per game.
- Defense: Allowed just 11.4 points per game in the regular season.
Who Are the Standout Players on the Folsom Bulldogs?
Folsom’s roster is a talent pipeline, feeding colleges and the NFL with regularity. Here are the stars who lit up 2024:
Ryder Lyons – Quarterback Phenom
- Class: 2026.
- Stats: 3,892 passing yards, 48 TDs, plus 12 rushing scores.
- Future: A 5-star recruit with offers from USC, Oregon, and Alabama.
Lyons’ dual-threat brilliance—think Lamar Jackson with a Cali flair—makes him Folsom’s next big thing. His 80-yard TD run against Pittsburg was pure electricity.
Jake Browning – NFL Trailblazer
- Class: 2015.
- High School Impact: Led Folsom to a 2014 state title with 5,872 yards and 91 TDs.
- Now: Starting QB for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Browning’s high school dominance set the tone for Folsom’s modern era, proving Bulldogs can thrive on the biggest stages.
Jonah Williams – Offensive Line Anchor
- Class: 2016.
- High School Role: Protected Browning en route to the 2014 title.
- Now: Offensive tackle for the Bengals, a third-round NFL draft pick.
Williams’ journey from Folsom to the pros inspires today’s linemen.
How Does Folsom High School Football Prepare for Success?
Folsom’s dominance isn’t luck—it’s a system built to win. Here’s how they do it:
Elite Coaching
Paul Doherty, the current head coach, inherited a juggernaut from Kris Richardson and Troy Taylor. Their spread-option offense—fast, precise, and relentless—keeps defenses guessing. Taylor, now at Stanford, and Richardson, at Sac State, left a blueprint Doherty executes flawlessly.
Practice Schedule
Folsom’s preparation is meticulous. Here’s a typical week during the season:
| Day | Activity | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Film review, light conditioning | 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM |
| Tuesday | Full pads practice, offensive drills | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | Defensive focus, special teams | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
| Thursday | Walkthrough, game plan finalization | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | Game day | Evening |
| Saturday | Recovery, film analysis of game | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
Community Fuel
Folsom’s fans are the heartbeat of the program. Pre-game send-offs at school, with cheerleaders and the band, pump up players. Local businesses sponsor the team, and the city celebrates wins with downtown rallies—like the one after the 2023 title.
What Are Folsom’s Biggest Rivalries?
Rivalries spice up Folsom’s schedule. Here’s the rundown:
- Why It Matters: De La Salle, a national powerhouse, has been Folsom’s ultimate test. The Bulldogs’ 2021 upset ended De La Salle’s decades-long Sac-Joaquin unbeaten streak.
- Memorable Clash: 2018 state title loss, a 14-0 shutout.
- Why It Matters: A local grudge match with playoff implications.
- 2024 Highlight: Folsom’s 52-10 section final win.
- Why It Matters: Recent state title battles have intensified this matchup.
- 2024 Moment: Pittsburg’s 28-27 victory in the championship.
How Can Fans Follow Folsom High School Football?
Stay in the loop with these options:
- Live Streams: NFHS Network broadcasts games.
- Scores & Updates: MaxPreps and Sacramento Bee have you covered.
- Social Media: Follow @FolsomBulldogFB on X for real-time action.
What’s the Practice Schedule for Folsom Football?
See the table above under “Practice Schedule” for a detailed breakdown. It’s a grind that balances strategy, skill work, and recovery—key to their edge.
Why Does Folsom Football Matter to California High School Sports?
Folsom High School football isn’t just a team—it’s a benchmark. Their five state titles since 2010 rank them among California’s elite, alongside names like Mater Dei and De La Salle. They’ve produced seven NFL players, including Josiah Deguara (Packers) and Joe Ngata (Eagles), showing their impact beyond high school. For Folsom, football is a unifier, a source of pride, and a proving ground for greatness.
Fun Fact
Folsom’s 2014 team scored 816 points in 16 games—an average of 51 points per game. That’s more than some college teams!
Tips for Aspiring Folsom Football Players
- Start Young: Join Folsom’s youth leagues to learn the system.
- Hit the Books: Eligibility matters—keep that GPA up.
- Show Up: Summer camps are your audition for coaches.
- Work Hard: Talent gets noticed, but effort earns the helmet.
See Also: fballquery.com
Conclusion
The 2024 season ended one play short of a sixth state title, but Folsom High School football’s story is far from finished. With Ryder Lyons poised to lead in 2025, a coaching staff that breeds success, and a community that bleeds blue and red, the Bulldogs are reloading, not rebuilding. They’re not just playing football—they’re building a dynasty, one electrifying play at a time. Want to witness history? Catch a game, follow their journey, and see why Folsom football is California’s worst-kept secret. What’s your favorite Bulldog moment? Share it below and join the conversation!
