CIF NorCal Regional live update roundup: Backup Brody Rudnicki bails out Folsom over Riordan

After California Gatorade Player of the Year Ryder Lyons goes down with shoulder injury, the junior quarterback throws two late touchdowns to pull out wild Division 1-AA title comeback victory

Folsom junior quarterback Brody Rudnicki (10) came off the bench late in the third quarter to replace an injured Ryder Lyons, the Gatorade California Player of the Year and BYU commit. Rudnicki's two touchdown passes and a 50-yard scamper helped the Folsom pull off a wild 42-38 comeback win in the CIF Northern California Division 1-AA championship game at Folsom High School. / Photo by Dennis Lee

The CIF Northern California Bowl Championships are underway. Seven games finished off Friday night with the winners all advancing the next week's CIF State Finals against Southern California champions. The top five divisions have traditionally all played at Saddleback College in Viejo with the other 10 games divided between Buena Park High School Stadium or Fullerton Union High School District Stadium.

Only two teams bypass the regional round and that's the Open Division game which pits the top two teams from each region, in this case De La Salle of Concord (North) against Santa Margarita from the South.

That game is already scheduled for 8 p.m. Dec. 13 at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA REGIONAL RESULTS

FRIDAY

Division 1–AA

Folsom 42, Riordan 38

Oregon State bound wide receiver Jameson Powell scored three touchdowns, the last with 5:02 left on a 20-yard pass from Brody Rudnicki to give the host Bulldogs their first lead since the middle of the second quarter, 42-38. / Photo by Dennis Lee

FOLSOM, Calif. — By most every account, Brody Rudnicki would fill the role of unlikely hero who bailed out the home team from a desperate hole.

But coach Kevin Doherty and his Folsom Bulldogs knew better, and even too did the team he thwarted, the Riordan Crusaders who seemed in control of Friday's NorCal Division 1-AA championship game on a cold, crisp night Folsom.

Yes, down 38-28, the Bulldogs' star quarterback Ryder Lyons, California's top 2026 recruit awarded this week with the Gatorade State Player of the Year award, went down late in the third quarter with a considerable left (non-throwing) shoulder injury after a big hit from sophomore linebacker Isaiah Grant.

And yes, the BYU star, grimacing in pain, would not return, putting the balance of the game's in the capable arms, legs and pysche of the confident junior backup Rudnicki, who is no average backup.

The 6-foot-2, 210-pounder already has nine college offers, including Arizona State, Minnesota, Cal and yes, even BYU the school Lyons has already signed to. He'd already proven himself earlier in the season when Lyons was injured, by completing 44 of 58 passes (76%) for 760 yards and nine touchdowns.

Riordan quarterback Michael Mitchell threw for more than 200 yards and three touchdowns but it wasn't enough. / Photo by Dennis Lee

So it was not a big surprise to any of the Bulldogs that Rudnicki rallied the Bulldogs to a thrilling 42-38 victory, first ripping off a 50-yard scramble, then throwing touchdown passes of 21 yards to Rob Larson on the last play of the third quarter, then a 20-yarder to Oregon State-bound Jameson Powell with 5:02 remaining to Folsom the final margin of victory and the team's eighth regional championship.

"He practices every day like he's a starter," Doherty said. "He spits reps down the middle every day 50-50 with Ryder. He competes every day. in drills, in individual team periods, competitive periods, scout teams. ... He has a lot of confidence in himself. He's got a lot of confidence in where he wants to be. He thinks this is the best place for him to prepare to get there. And he's right."

Riordan (12-1), which finished off a historic season with West Catholic Athletic League and Central Coast Section Open titles, didn't let up a squeak once Lyons left, said coach Adhir Ravipati. "We'd seen (Rudnicki) on film and knew what a talent he is," Ravipati said. "We were prepared for him. We thought he might come in regardless of Ryder's health. Give him credit. He made some big plays."

The Crusaders made one after another in a nearly spotless first half, while taking a 38-20 lead late in the second quarter on a 3-yard touchdown run by 6-foot, 220-pound junior load Adonyae Brown, his third TD of the half. He finished with 31 carries for 235 yards.

Riordan junior running back Adonyae Brown rushed for nearly 180 yards and three touchdowns in the first half, but was held to less than 50 and no scores in the second half. / Photo by Dennis Lee

But Folsom's Isaiah Williams returned the ensuing kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown to give the home team the life needed heading into halftime.

The defense then held Riordan scoreless the second half, making key stop after key stop, while the Crusaders hurt themselves with eight penalties, five on one drive.

The most costly came after Powell's final touchdown, a holding call wiping out a long completion from Stanford-bound quarterback Michael Mitchell, who threw for 259 yards and three touchdowns. Pushed back to the 35 first-and-18, runs of 7, 4 and 3 yards made it 4th-and-4 and Mitchell's scramble came up inches short.

Folsom, which now plays Cathedral Catholic in the state finals, needed just one first down to seal the win and Rudnicki provided it with a 9-yard scamper on third down. He finished with 170 yards of offense in just more than a quarter of play.

"I've always dreamed of my time to come but I've never dreamed of him getting hurt," Rudnicki said. "I never wanted my time to come because he got hurt. People think Ryder and me are competing - we do compete - but it's in a friendly, competitive healthy way. We're really good friends and spend a lot of time together outside of football."

Ryder Lyons wanted to go back in but after a series of tests - he couldn't lift his left arm - he was ruled out the fourth quarter. Coach Paul Doherty said he wouldn't rule Lyons out of the state finals next week at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo against Cathedral Catholic. / Photo by Dennis Lee

As far as getting out there, Rudnicki said he wasn't warmed up. "It was holy crap, it's my time and I'm excited for this. I'm not warmed up at all."

The 50-yard run "got my juices going," he said. "That definitely warmed me up."

At halftime, Rudnicki wasn't thinking about going in, he said. "I was thinking more how I can support the team. What would work best with Ryder and the rest of the team."

Lyons was superb in his nearly three-quarters of play with 240 yards of offense and three total touchdowns, but with his arm in a sling by the end of the game, he had to leave early before celebrating much with the team.

Riordan took even less time, 80-yards six plays, keyed by one of four perfectly thrown bombs from Mitchell, this one to Nash for 51 yards, setting up a 12-yard TD slant pass to Cynai Thomas, tying the score at 7-7 with 7:37 left in the first. 

Back sprinted the Bulldogs, again Lyons to Powell for a 26-yard score. This time it was all Powell who took a short out and somehow evaded four would-be tacklers. The extra point was blocked, but Folsom led 13-7. 

Ryder Lyons have a 10-yard touchdown run cut Riordan's lead to 26-20. / Photo by Dennis Lee

Back came Riordan, this one was all Brown. He broke off a 25-yard burst to start the drive, then capped it with another 25-yard touchdown run. Like Folsom, Riordan had extra kick blocked, keeping at 13-13 with 3:15 left in the first. 

Brown was just getting warmed up. 

After a punt, Brown busted off a 70-yard touchdown run over the left side, making 20-13 early in the second quarter. A sack of Lyons by Zachary Kleppin led to a 3-and-out and a 7-yard punt led to a very short field. Folsom tackled Brown for a two-yard loss, but after a timeout, Mitchell found Israel Vaenuku all alone in the middle of the field for a 20-yard touchdown, making it 26-13 with 8:19 left in the second quarter.

When Folsom came back immediately with a 10-yard touchdown run by Lyons, capping a 60-yard drive it appeared this first team to 50 might win.

Especially after Mitchell followed a 14-yard scamper by Brown with a beautiful 38-yard touchdown bomb to Judge Nash. Once again, however, the Crusaders missed on a 2-point conversion try. As they did after Brown's third TD run, a 3-yard to make it 38-20.

Folsom, meanwhile converted its 2-point conversion after Williams kickoff return making it 38-28.

How were the Bulldogs able to keep Riordan off the scoreboard in the second half?

"We just tackled better," Doherty said. "We just played better."

Check back for more game results, stats, quotes

Preview: Riordan-San Francisco (12-0) at Folsom (12-1) — First meeting ever between the programs features two of the top senior quarterbacks in the state and could decide State Player of the Year in Riordan’s rMichael Mitchell, a Stanford commit who has completed 189 of 279 (68%) for 3,471 yards, 46 touchdowns, four interceptions), against the state’s top 2026 recruit in Ryder Lyons, a BYU commit who is 242 of 318 (76%) with 34 TDs and nine interceptions along with 14 rushing TDs. Folsom has won five state titles, Riordan is making its first NorCal final appearances. Watch: NFHS Network  

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Division 2–AA
Final: St. Mary's 31, Serra 24

The visiting Padres from Serra thought it had scored the game-winning touchdown on a 2-yard touchdown run by Andrew Takapautolo, set up with a 62-yard catch and run by Charles Walsh after a pass from freshman to go up 24-23 with less than three minutes to play. But a 67-yard pass from x Jaden Galvan to Ivan Hereta set up the game-winning touchdown on a 3-yard run by Diego Hernandez with just 34.7 seconds remaining. A sack by Jack Lucatello on freshman quarterback William Orr all but finished off the Padres, who overcame an 0-3 start to win a 10th section crown and finish 8-6 on the season. St. Mary's 12-2) now plays Bakersfield Christian, a 24-21 winner over La Habra.

Serra leading rusher Iziah Singleton / Photo by Dennis Lee

Preview:
Serra-San Mateo (8-5) at St. Mary’s-Stockton (11-2) — These teams met in three nonleague games in 2016, 2017 and 2019 with Serra winning the last game, 56-28, while the Rams took the first two, 63-35 and 41-13. The Padres went to their single-wing “Raider” offense in a 28-21 CCS title win over Los Gatos, throwing just one pass, while rushing for 348 yards on 58 carries led by junior Andrew Takapautolo (22 carries, 142 yards). Who knows what the Padres will do versus the Rams, who feature a host of threats, led by senior QB Jaden Galvan (2,508 passing yards, 28 TDs) and senior RB Diego Hernandez (1,223, 21). The teams have one common opponent — De La Sale — Serra losing 26-0 on Sept. 6 and St. Mary’s dropping a 36-7 game three weeks later. Watch: NFHS Network  

Check back for game results

Division 3–AA
St. Ignatius 17, Monte Vista 13

Monte Vista two-way standout Torin Dunphy (8) / Photo by Jim Malone

Preview:
Monte Vista-Danville (8-5) at St. Ignatius-S.F. (7-6), 7 p.m. — Another first-time meeting, both teams overcame rough patches with first-year coaches. St. Ignatius's JaJuan Lawson watched his team start 1-5, with the last loss a 54-0 shellacking at Riordan. But the Wildcats have found their health and footing, behind special teams, senior QB Caedon Afsharipour, running tandem of Steve Malone and Luke Tribolet, and defense led by LB Charlie Ball and DB Ty Hicks. Monte Vista coach Joe Wingert started 3-1, but dropped four of five before catching fire in the NCS playoffs, thanks largely to a stingy defense that last week recorded four sacks, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries in a 24-10 NCS D2 title win over Clayton Valley Charter. Senior LB-RB Torin Dunphy was the star with 129 yards rushing, two TDs, nine tackles and a sack.  Watch: NFHS Network  

Check back for game results

Division 4–AA
Sutter 21, Ferndale 7

Preview:
Sutter (12-1) vs. Ferndale (13-0) at Cal Poly Humboldt — Remarkable twist here is that Sutter coach Ryan Reynolds is a Ferndale graduate. That might not help against a team that has given up just 53 points all season and didn't give up a point until Halloween. Prescott Langer and Tanner Podgeon have combined for 48 touchdown runs. Sutter, led by Max Bringgold and Losi Asiata, are 0-7 in NorCal finals. Watch: NFHS Network  

Check back for game results

Division 5–AA
Bishop O'Dowd 23, Chico 20

Bishop O’Dowd-Oakland (9-4) at Chico (11-2) — Another slow starter — sensing a pattern here — coach Hardy Nickerson watched the Dragons score a grand total of 22 points in three straight losses, before winning eight of their last nine, led by junior RB Lamar Ellis, who has 1,113 yards and 17 touchdowns in just seven games.  Another first-time meeting, the host Panthers started the season 6-0. They have a dynamic RB of their own in senior Zaiveon Patrick (185, 1,512, 19). Watch: NFHS Network   Watch: NFHS Network  

Division 6–AA
Lincoln 28, Gridley 20

Gridley-Butte County (13-0) at Lincoln-San Jose (10-3) — Known for its basketball program, this is Gridley’s first double-digit win season since 2006. Lincoln is led by one of Northern California’s top running backs, Kyan Phillips (1,615 yards, 30 TDs) who rushed for 267 yards and six TDs in the Lions’ CCS title win over Branham-San Jose. Watch: NFHS Network  

Check back for game results

Division 7–AA
Redding Christian 22, Middletown 18

Redding Christian-Palo Cedro (13-0) at Middletown (11-2) — The host squad is hoping for its first state appearance following a 37-23 section title win over Piedmont. The Mustangs have outscored opponents 477-170. The community survived a 2015 fire that nearly destroyed its town. A decade later the town is still rallying around the Mustangs, who have been a North Coast Section power for years. Redding Christian has faced little resistance while winning 13 straight games by a 583-86 count, including a 26-0 Northern Section title win over Maxwell. It was the Lions' sixth shutout of the season. The team's offense is led by junior QB Wyatt Shaw (188-242, 2,887 yards, 52 touchdowns) and RB Levi Putnam (157 carries, 1,344 yards, 16). Watch: NFHS Network

Check back for game results

 SATURDAY (6 p.m. unless noted)

Division 1–A

Fresno Central Brandon Smith signed a letter of intent Wednesday to the University of Arizona. / Photo: Richard Posada

Central East-Fresno (11-1) at Pittsburg (12-1), 6 p.m. — Another first meeting between perennial section powers. Both are defending NorCal champions, Central East won at home last season over St. Ignatius 33-23 in the 1-A title game, while host Pittsburg fought back from a 21-0 deficit to beat Folsom 28-27 in 1-AA. Both lost one-score state-final games and want to finish the job. Central East boasts one of the most prolific offenses in the state — it won its section final 70-35 over Clovis — averaging 49.1 points, 541 yards per game. The Bengals are  led by junior QB Jelani Dippel (223-343, 4,096, 52), Arizona-bound RB Brandon Smith (192 carries, 1,790 yards, 27 TDs, 22 catches, 371 yards, 5 TDs) and junior WR Bayon Harris (72 catches, 1,499 yards, 23 TDs). Pittsburg’s offense (430 yards per game) is directed by tandem QBs, JaVale Jones and Carlos Torres, who have thrown for more than 3,700 yards and 44 TDs combined, with main targets, 6-4 Arizona-bound WR RJ Mosley (75, 1,211, 12) and speedy sophomore Kennth Ward, who had eight catches for 134 yards and two TDs in a 42-17 NCS D1 title win.  Watch: NFHS Network

Division 2–A

Woodcreek-Roseville (12-1) at Sonora (13-0) — The is the only lone SJS matchup of the week. Woodcreek has won five straight games since its only loss of the season en route to its first section crown. Senior QB Joey Melendez has accounted for 31 touchdowns. Sonora is riding a 20-game win streak over two seasons thanks in part to senior RB Cash Byington (24 touchdowns). Watch: NFHS Network

Division 3–A

Roseville (11-2) at McClymonds-Oakland (10-2) — McClymonds is looking for a fifth state title but first since 2021 and with Cal-Poly-bound QB Berell Stapes, two Division I WR/DB prospects Prince Staten and Rahsjon Duncan along with San Diego State-bound DL Koi Taiese, the Warriors appear up for the challenge. Roseville safety Justin Fischer has a CCS best eight interceptions. Watch: NFHS Network

McClymonds coach Michael Peters is after a fifth state title. / Photo: Eric Taylor

Division 4–A

El Cerrito (11-2) at Menlo-Atherton (7-6) — Two impressive coaching jobs largely explain these two unlikely opponents as El Cerrito’s Tim Johnson took over a program that was 1-8 last season with eight forfeit losses due to using ineligible players. The Gauchos started 1-2 but have won 10 straight led by defense that gives up 9.0 points per game. M-A coach Chris Saunders watched his team start 0-4, but have gone 9-2 since, including a 31-21 CCS D3 title win over San Mateo as QB Teddy Dacey threw for 202 yards, rushed for 68 and accounted for all four touchdowns. Watch: NFHS Network

Division 5–A 

Miramonte-Orinda (8-5) at Calaveras-San Andreas (11-2) — Second-year head coach Nick Safir led Miramonte to its 11th NCS title the hard way, taking on a rugged schedule while enduring injuries, including starting QB Carson Blair who watched JV QB Lane Dalton lead his team to three playoff wins including 28-21 at top seed Hayward last week when he threw for 235 yards and rushed for two TDs. Calaveras, 0-10 in 2022, has turned it around with the hire of Manny Mossa. Led by a high-powered running attack (247 yards per game), the Red Hawks have outscored opponents 443-114.  Watch: NFHS Network

Division 6–A

Winters (12-1) at Minarets-O’Neal’s (12-1) — Winters won its section final with a 32-29 win over Hamilton thanks to senior QB Lane Brown (172 yards rushing, two TD passes). Minarets, coming off a first-ever section title win over Orosi (21-14), is led by QB Torin Wolf and two-way standout Caden Larsen. Watch: NFHS Network

Division 7–A

Mekai Smith off to the races for one of his six touchdowns, leading Balboa to a 54-42 San Francisco Section championship win over Washington at legendary Kezar Stadium on Thanksgiving / Photo by Ernie Abrea

Piedmont Hills-San Jose (10-3) at Balboa-S.F. (10-2), 12:30 p.m. — Defending state 7-A champion Balboa can make case for best AAA team this century with another state title. They feature the state leader in touchdowns Mekai Smith (46), a 6-2, 220-pound senior, who has 118 carries for 2,195 yards (18.6 per carry). Second game-breaker Joseph Smith was the Chronicle’s San Francisco Player of the Year last season as a sophomore. CCS D5 champion Piedmont Hills won a 31-30 overtime thriller to win its title thanks to four TD passes from John Palomo, two to Travis Linae. Watch: NFHS Network