Prep football: Folsom fans pack the house to support Bulldogs from afar

The party at The Canyon Grill and Alehouse started well before kickoff Friday night for the Division I-AA state championship game between Folsom and Cathedral Catholic of San Diego.

For those who didn’t make the trip down to Mission Viejo to see the game, this served as the next best thing. Fans, parents, alumni and others packed the restaurant in Folsom, decked in blue to watch the hometown Bulldogs play in their fifth state championship game.

Folsom lost to Cathedral 33-21 to end a magical season. Fans in attendance cheered and shouted on every touchdown or big play. When the Dons scored a touchdown with four minutes left to make it a double-digit lead, the crowd went silent.

But until that moment, it was positive vibes all around. Fans had to get there at least an hour before kickoff to reserve a table. All tables inside and on the outside patio with heaters were occupied.

The owner of The Canyon Grill and Alehouse, Eric Spencer made the trip down to Southern California to watch the Bulldogs. That left manager Julie Seheimen in charge for the night.

Seheimen applauded the turnout and emphasized how much Spencer gives back to the Folsom community.

“The turnout was huge for us tonight,” Seheimen said. “It’s amazing. This is a small business giving back to the community. Makes me want to cry. Eric has made (this place) a community event. The staff and customers are all a part of this community.”

Morgan Sanborn, who is one of the chefs at the restaurant, was also thankful. He could appreciate a crowd like Friday’s because he played high school football at Durham High School.

“It’s been great,” Sanborn said. “It’s sold out tonight. It’s awesome. I love it (because) it’s been a while since we have had this big of a crowd.”

The president of the Folsom football program was also in attendance. That would be Mike McMurtrey, who is in his 14th year in the role. His son, Carson, played high school football at Folsom and helped lead the school to its first state title in 2010. He went on to play football at Cal Poly and was roommates with former Bulldogs’ quarterback Dano Graves.

“I love high school football,” McMurtrey said. “It’s fabulous and it doesn’t get old. (Folsom) has come a long way.”