Folsom Advances to CIF State Championship over Riordan

Final Score: Folsom 42, Archbishop Riordan 38

Folsom defeated Archbishop Riordan 42–38 in the CIF NorCal Division I–AA Regional Championship, advancing to next week’s CIF State Championship. The teams met for the first time, and both entered with strong offensive production throughout the season. Folsom scored 14 points in the second half while holding Riordan scoreless after halftime to complete the comeback.

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Final
Archbishop Riordan	13	25	0	0	38
Folsom	13	15	7	7	42

Archbishop Riordan High School in San Francisco is a Catholic, college-preparatory institution known for its academic programs, performing arts commitment, and a house system designed to support student leadership and community-building. Riordan has also produced professional athletes, including former NFL running back Derek Loville, a three-time Super Bowl champion.

Folsom High School, located in the Sacramento metropolitan area, is recognized for its academic performance, AP and career-technical pathways, and arts programs. The school also has a notable football history, with several alumni reaching the NFL, including Jake Browning (Cincinnati Bengals), Jordan Richards (New England Patriots, Falcons, Ravens), and Bennett Williams (Las Vegas Raiders, Green Bay Packers).

How We Got Here: A Look Back at Each Team’s Season

Archbishop Riordan (12–0 entering the game)

Riordan entered the regional final following consistent offensive output and a balanced roster.

• Quarterback Michael Mitchell Jr. (Stanford commit):
  • Over 10,000 career passing yards
  • 3,471 passing yards and 46 touchdowns this season
  • 68% completion rate
• Running back Adonyae Brown:
  • 1,212 rushing yards
  • 22 touchdowns
• Receiving corps:
  • Judge Nash, Cynai Thomas, Kyle Welch, Perrion Williams
  • More than 3,000 combined yards and 44 touchdowns
• Defense:
  • DJ Sanchez (13 sacks)
  • Zachary Kleppin (12 sacks)

Folsom (12–1 entering the game; now 13–1)

Folsom continued a strong season with balanced offense and steady defensive performance.

• Quarterback Ryder Lyons (BYU commit):
  • 3,270 passing yards
  • 34 passing touchdowns
  • 14 rushing touchdowns
  • 76% completion rate
• Wide receivers:
  • Jameson Powell (1,203 yards, 13 TDs)
  • Rob Larson (1,045 yards, 16 TDs)
• Defense:
  • Jason Hill Jr. (six interceptions)
  • Linebackers Nick Wegner and EJ Coleman (over 200 combined tackles)

What Happens Next: The Road to the CIF State Championship

With the win, Folsom advances to the CIF State Championship, scheduled for December 12–13. The Bulldogs will represent Northern California in the Division 1–AA state final.

Key details:

• The Division 1–AA final will be played at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo.
• Folsom has multiple state titles in program history and now competes for another.
• Riordan concludes its season with its first-ever appearance in a CIF NorCal regional final.

Why High School Football Matters: Growth, College Pathways and Future Opportunities

High school football supports student development in several areas, both on and off the field.

Character and Skill Development

• Encourages teamwork and communication
• Reinforces responsibility and commitment
• Builds resilience through structured training and competition

Academic Structure and Support

• Requires students to maintain GPA and eligibility standards
• Builds time-management and planning skills
• Supports readiness for postsecondary expectations

College Recruiting and NCAA Pathways

High-level high school football can lead to opportunities at Division I, II, or III collegiate programs. In this regional matchup, both quarterbacks—Mitchell (Stanford) and Lyons (BYU)—are committed to Division I universities.

To help families understand academic expectations for athletic recruitment:
Read more: U.S. College Admission Requirements for Football Athletes

Career Opportunities Beyond Playing

Football experience can lead to future roles across the sports ecosystem, including:

• Coaching and athletic development
• Athletic training and sports medicine
• Data analytics and performance technology
• Broadcasting, journalism and sports communication

Final Thoughts

With a final score of Folsom 42, Archbishop Riordan 38, Folsom advances to the CIF State Championship, and Riordan completes a notable season highlighted by its first NorCal regional final appearance. Both programs demonstrated strong execution throughout the year, contributing to a competitive postseason matchup.

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