Folsom wins 6th CIF State crown. Backup QB Brody Rudnicki stars again
The last time the Folsom Bulldogs invaded Orange County, they got mollywhopped in a nonconference showcase game of California prep football juggernauts.
The 39-point loss at Mission Viejo High School on a clear, warm night in September served as a wakeup call for the top-ranked team in the greater Sacramento region, a chance to recover and reset.
On Friday night at nearby Saddleback College in a dense belt of dripping fog, Folsom capped the sort of season it expected, topping San Diego top-ranked Cathedral Catholic 42-28 to win the CIF State Division 1-AA championship. The Bulldogs capped the campaign at 14-1 with a 12-game winning streak in moving to 6-1 all-time state title games since 2010, including two in the last three years under coach Paul Doherty.
Five-star quarterback Ryder Lyons re-aggravated a high-ankle injury against Mission Viejo, an ailment that dogged him for weeks. Three-star backup Brody Rudnicki started the next game, passing for five touchdowns in a rout of Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep of San Francisco to serve notice of the outlandish depth at the position for Folsom, which has cranked out top-flight passers since 2009.
Lyons was knocked out late in the third quarter in last week’s Northern California game against Riordan of San Francisco with a shoulder injury, and he cheered on his pal Rudnicki, who dazzled in relief to engineer a dramatic comeback victory.
Both basked in the glow of winning on Friday.
Rudnicki started, and he impressed in passing for 117 yards with touchdown strikes to Rob Larson and Elijah Tua, and he rushed 24 times for 186 yards and four touchdowns to fluster a Cathedral Catholic team that included players who tried to taunt and intimidate Folsom players.
By the time Folsom stormed to a 42-14 lead early in the fourth quarter, Folsom coaches pulled the starters, and as odd as it looked, along came Lyons to close it out. He handed the ball off mostly to ball carriers. He had one running play, racing to the safety of the sidelines, which conflicted with his burning desire to barrel into opponents as a renowned competitor.
And, fittingly, it was Lyons who took a knee in victory formation.
Folsom’s six CIF State crowns are the most for a public school in the 19-year history of the modern CIF State playoffs, and tied for the most all-time behind De La Salle of Contra Costa County.
‘Brody’s biggest fan’
Lyons and Rudnicki immediately embraced as the final seconds ran off, and they sat next to each other, all grins, for the team photo at midfield, the scoreboard in the background, as everyone passed around the trophy as treasured goods. Lyons bows out as one of the greatest quarterbacks in regional history — a multiple Bee Player of the Year, a two-time state Gatorade Player of the Year, a four-time section champion and a two-time CIF State champion. He led Folsom on a late winning drive to win state honors as a sophomore.
“The emotions are so mixed,” said Doherty, the Folsom coach who was equal parts giddy, relieved and emotional. “All Ryder wanted to do was be out here and play at 100%. He’s the ultimate team kid. He’s Brody’s biggest fan. He knew Brody was going to play.”
On Rudnicki, Doherty beamed. He bids farewell to Lyons but will welcome back Rudnicki, just a junior.
“He’s incredible,” the coach said. “He’s going to be the best quarterback in the country next season. I’ve coached a lot of good quarterbacks, and he’s as good, if not better, than any of them.”
Folsom moved to 3-0 against Cathedral Catholic in state-title games by doing what the Bulldogs always do. Attacking on offense with a star quarterback and playing stout defense. The final score was not indicative of how much better Folsom was. The Bulldogs led 35-7 at one point.
Growth, execution and joy
Bronson Bambino rushed for 85 yards for Folsom, and junior defensive stalwarts Lua DeBerry and EJ Coleman had five and four tackles respectively, to power the Bulldogs. Rudnicki had touchdown runs of 2, 28, 12 and 1 yard as he showcased his wheels and his 6-foot-2, 210-pound frame.
Rudnicki said he was “thrilled” to help his team win the last two games, but he reminded that it took everyone to finish on top and that he is merely a piece of the machine.
“Ryder’s a great friend,” he said. “We were able to grow physically and as well spiritually. I love football. It’s super fun.”
Lyons, ever the good teammate, praised Rudnicki for his preparation and execution against Riordan and Cathedral Catholic.
“He’s a special football player,” Lyons said. “Just so happy for him for this team and for him. It’s just emotional right now. This team means a lot. Just so happy for the team.”
Doherty said he does not take reaching state championship games for granted, never mind winning them.
“It’s hard to get here, and harder to win it,” Doherty said. “It takes a lot of work. It’s pretty special stuff.”
This story was originally published December 13, 2025 at 12:30 AM.