By Larry Hicks | OBSERVER Correspondent
The hometown Grant Pacers weren’t ready for primetime Saturday night, but the Folsom Bulldogs, ready for lights, camera and action, provided plenty of highlight reel in a 51-13 victory broadcast nationally on ESPN.
A season-opening matchup of the Sacramento region’s top football programs – each with a cabinet full of Sac-Joaquin Section and state championships trophies – the game was eagerly anticipated by fans who packed William Rutherford Stadium in Del Paso Heights.
Led by senior quarterback Ryder Lyons, one of the top passers in the country with a scholarship to Brigham Young University, Folsom steadily pulled away from Grant, padding an early 8-7 first-quarter lead. Lyons threw for four touchdowns and 408 yards in just over three quarters. He also ran for a touchdown.
He threw to a stable of quick, rangy receivers, including Rob Larson (two touchdowns, 172 yards), Isaiah Williams (one touchdown, 82 yards, and Jameson Powell (100 yards).
The Pacers fought gamely early, but shot themselves in the foot with more than 100 yards in penalties in the first half and giving up a 99-yard punt return by Powell for the Bulldogs first score.
Grant will try to pick up the pieces Aug. 29 when it hosts Central East (Fresno). Folsom visits Junipero Serra (San Mateo) Aug. 30.
