Bulldog Effort

  When No. 1 faces No. 2, the hype can often overshadow the game itself. So when Folsom, the top-ranked team from the Sac-Joaquin Section and defending section Division II champion, travelled to Granite Bay to play the defending Division I CIF State Bowl winner, there was a fear that the game would not live up to the expectations.

  While Folsom controlled the game en route to a 30-14 victory, many witnesses on hand came away with a feeling that the matchup was as good as advertised, including Folsom co-coach Kris Richardson.

  “It was a great test for both teams,” Richardson said. “You know that you are going to come out of it, win, lose, or draw, knowing where you are at early in the season.

  “I loved every minute of it.”

  Folsom’s coaches and fans may have a brighter view of the early test due to the victory, but both sides emerged with a better idea of what needs improvement in preparation for challenging league and playoff schedules down the road.

  Bulldogs junior quarterback Jake Browning was efficient, passing for 220 yards and two touchdowns, despite facing a secondary often filled with Grizzlies defenders. Granite Bay rushed only three players much of the night to prevent Browning from turning in a monstrous stat line.

  The loaded secondary allowed Folsom junior running back Bailey Laolagi to rush 19 times for 106 yards and a score after getting just four carries in a season-opening victory over Woodcreek on Aug. 30. Richardson believes his rushing attack, featuring Laolagi and Bryan Weldy, can be efficient and successful to keep defenses honest.

  The biggest takeaway for Folsom, however, was the experience of winning a game with stakes as big as the buildup.

  “It was great for our guys to execute like they did in a hostile environment,” Richardson said. “We have great challenges ahead of us before we start our (Delta River) League schedule.

  “To be able to walk off the field on the road with a win is a big confidence boost.”

   “” Jim McCue