The Folsom varsity football team faces Oak Ridge in a neutral-site playoff game today at 7:00 p.m. This highly anticipated matchup is part of the 2024 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Football Playoffs – Division 1 tournament, where both teams will compete for a chance to advance deeper into the postseason.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: California State Football Championship
Who: Oak Ridge vs Folsom
When: Today, November 30, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Football Playoffs – Division 1
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Folsom vs. Oak Ridg
The 2024 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Football Playoffs – Division 1 tournament sets the stage for a thrilling matchup tonight as Folsom takes on Oak Ridge at 7:00 p.m. in a neutral-site clash. Both teams have enjoyed strong seasons and will be vying for a coveted spot in the next round, promising an intense battle under the postseason lights.
Folsom Bulldogs: A Dominant Force
Folsom enters the game with an impressive 11-1 overall record and a flawless 7-0 league performance, showcasing their dominance in the division. Ranked 34th nationally and 13th in California, the Bulldogs boast a remarkable .917 win percentage, with their only loss coming on the road. Folsom has excelled across all venues, going 6-1 at home, 4-0 away, and 1-0 at neutral sites.
The Bulldogs’ high-powered offense has been a cornerstone of their success, averaging 47.5 points per game. Folsom consistently builds early leads, scoring 11.2 points in the first quarter and a commanding 18.1 in the second. Their ability to sustain pressure into the second half, adding 14.2 points in the third quarter and 8.3 in the fourth, ensures they maintain control throughout games. Defensively, they have been equally dominant, allowing just 132 points all season, an average of 11 points per game.
Oak Ridge Trojans: Resilient and Ready
Oak Ridge comes into the matchup with an 8-4 overall record and a strong 6-1 league performance, reflecting their capability to compete at a high level. Ranked 41st in California and 4th in their section, the Trojans have demonstrated resilience and consistency. Their .667 win percentage and 363 points scored this season highlight their balanced attack.
Offensively, Oak Ridge averages 30.3 points per game, with notable scoring in the second quarter (9.0 points) and steady contributions in the third (5.9) and fourth (5.3) quarters. While they don’t match Folsom’s explosiveness, their disciplined approach and ability to compete in key moments make them a formidable opponent. Defensively, Oak Ridge has allowed 184 points this season, showcasing a solid unit capable of handling pressure.
Key Matchups and Game Dynamics
- Offensive Firepower: Folsom’s explosive offense, led by their ability to dominate early, will be a key factor. Oak Ridge must find ways to slow Folsom’s first-half surge and capitalize on their own scoring opportunities in the second quarter to stay competitive.
- Defensive Strengths: While Folsom’s defense has been nearly impenetrable, Oak Ridge’s unit will need to step up against one of the most dynamic offenses in the division. Containing Folsom’s second-quarter scoring could prove pivotal.
- Late-Game Execution: Oak Ridge’s steady scoring in the later quarters could play a significant role if they can keep the game close. Folsom’s ability to maintain control in the third and fourth quarters will test Oak Ridge’s resilience.
The 2024-25 high school football season showcased the dominance of two Northern California programs: Oak Ridge and Folsom. Both teams performed exceptionally against shared opponents, but their overall campaigns revealed distinct styles and outcomes. Folsom emerged as an offensive juggernaut, boasting an 11-1 record and unblemished league performance, while Oak Ridge displayed grit with an 8-4 record and a solid showing in league play. Let’s dive into the numbers to understand what sets these teams apart.
Team Statistics: Offense Rules the Day
| Category | Oak Ridge | Folsom |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 120.3 | 193.5 |
| Passing Yards Per Game | 192.8 | 241.8 |
| Receiving Yards Per Game | 192.5 | 241.8 |
| Total Yards Per Game | 313.2 | 435.3 |
| Tackles Per Game | 68.5 | 52.0 |
| Sacks Per Game | 1.7 | 2.5 |
| Points Per Game | 29.8 | 47.4 |
Folsom’s offense eclipsed Oak Ridge in nearly every category, particularly in total yards (435.3 per game) and points scored (47.4 per game). Their explosive attack is led by a high-powered passing game complemented by a strong rushing effort. In contrast, Oak Ridge relied on a balanced approach, excelling in both passing (192.8 yards per game) and rushing (120.3 yards per game), though at a slower pace than their rivals.
Defensively, Oak Ridge registered higher tackles per game (68.5), demonstrating their ability to grind out stops. Folsom’s superior sack rate (2.5 per game) highlights a defense built on disrupting opponents’ backfields.
Team Leaders: Stars Shine Bright
| Stat | Oak Ridge | Folsom | National Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rushing YPG | #7 Phoenix Hester (42.3) | #1 Carter Jackson (70.3) | 20.1 |
| Passing YPG | #3 Joaquin Graves-Mercado (188.8) | #3 Ryder Lyons (239.6) | 50.8 |
| Receiving YPG | #11 Issac Pierce (59.1) | #2 Jameson Powell (80.6) | 17.2 |
| Total Yards YPG | #3 Joaquin Graves-Mercado (197.0) | #3 Ryder Lyons (289.5) | 36.3 |
| Tackles PG | #24 Dean Davis (8.8) | #6 Logan Hutton (4.5) | 2.7 |
| Sacks PG | #42 Brayden Molloy (1.0) | #9 Theo Greule (0.7) | 0.2 |
| Points PG | #10 Jasen Womack (10.2) | #2 Jameson Powell (8.7) | 2.6 |
Folsom’s offensive engine is quarterback Ryder Lyons, whose 239.6 passing yards per game and 289.5 total yards per game have powered the Bulldogs’ success. Complemented by Jameson Powell’s 80.6 receiving yards per game and Carter Jackson’s 70.3 rushing yards, Folsom’s big three make them nearly unstoppable.
For Oak Ridge, Joaquin Graves-Mercado has been the linchpin of their offense, contributing nearly 200 yards of total offense per game. Phoenix Hester and Isaac Pierce have provided strong support, balancing the Trojans’ attack.
Common Opponents: Dominance All Around
Both teams faced seven common opponents and were flawless against them, going 7-0. However, Folsom’s victories came with greater margins, underscoring their offensive firepower.
- Del Oro: Oak Ridge won 28-7, while Folsom dominated 58-0.
- Granite Bay: Oak Ridge prevailed 30-17, but Folsom cruised 48-10.
- Jesuit: Oak Ridge secured a 23-3 win, while Folsom overwhelmed Jesuit 55-10.
- Whitney: Oak Ridge dismantled Whitney 63-0, but Folsom topped that with a 69-7 victory.
Folsom’s ability to consistently post big wins highlights their superior scoring efficiency, while Oak Ridge leaned on a methodical and balanced approach to secure victories.
Record Breakdown
| Category | Oak Ridge | Folsom |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 8-4 | 11-1 |
| League | 6-1 | 7-0 |
| Non-League | 0-3 | 2-1 |
| Home | 4-2 | 6-1 |
| Away | 3-2 | 4-0 |
| Playoff | 2-0 | 2-0 |
Folsom’s 11-1 record reflects a dominant season, including a perfect 7-0 in league play. Oak Ridge’s 8-4 record is respectable, though a winless non-league slate dampened their overall performance. Both teams have been excellent at home, but Folsom’s ability to remain unbeaten on the road further separates them.
Head-to-Head Showdown
The teams met once this season, with Folsom earning a decisive 31-7 victory. The game showcased Folsom’s balanced dominance on both sides of the ball, while Oak Ridge struggled to contain the Bulldogs’ offensive weapons.
Conclusion
Oak Ridge and Folsom have proven themselves among the elite in Northern California football. While Oak Ridge has had a strong season marked by balance and resilience, Folsom’s explosive offense and consistent dominance have set them apart. With both teams performing well in the playoffs, their paths may cross again, setting up another clash of two powerhouse programs.
