Rock Hill, SC, December 14, 2025
The Folsom Bulldogs emerged victorious in the Division 1-AA CIF State Championship, defeating Cathedral Catholic 42-28. Junior quarterback Brody Rudnicki starred, scoring six total touchdowns, helping Folsom secure their sixth state title. The Bulldogs established an early lead and maintained control throughout the game, showcasing the strength of their offense and defense. Cathedral Catholic’s Honor Fa’alave-Johnson shone despite the loss, rushing for 267 yards and two touchdowns. This championship adds to Folsom’s impressive record of state victories.
Folsom Bulldogs Secure Sixth State Title with 42-28 Victory Over Cathedral Catholic
Rock Hill, SC – The Folsom Bulldogs clinched their sixth CIF State Championship on December 12, 2025, defeating Cathedral Catholic 42-28 in the Division 1-AA state football championship at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo. Junior quarterback Brody Rudnicki stepped up in place of the injured Ryder Lyons, delivering an outstanding performance that led the Bulldogs to victory.
Key Highlights
- Brody Rudnicki’s Performance: Rudnicki accounted for six total touchdowns—four rushing and two passing—amassing 305 total yards (177 rushing and 115 passing). His leadership was instrumental in Folsom’s dominant performance.
- Early Dominance: The Bulldogs established control early, leading 21-0 by the end of the first quarter. Rudnicki’s 2-yard touchdown run opened the scoring, followed by a 33-yard touchdown pass to Rob Larson and a 30-yard rushing touchdown.
- Defensive Standouts: Folsom’s defense was pivotal, with Daniel Eagleton intercepting a pass in the third quarter, setting up a touchdown. Linebacker E.J. Coleman sealed the win with a 43-yard pick-six in the fourth quarter.
- Cathedral Catholic’s Efforts: Despite the loss, Cathedral Catholic’s running back Honor Fa’alave-Johnson showcased his skills, rushing for 267 yards on 22 carries and scoring two touchdowns.
Game Recap
The Bulldogs wasted no time asserting themselves. After Cathedral Catholic’s opening three-and-out, Folsom marched down the field, with Rudnicki scoring on a 2-yard run. Minutes later, he connected with Larson for a 33-yard touchdown pass, and before the first quarter ended, Rudnicki added a 30-yard rushing touchdown, giving Folsom a commanding 21-0 lead.
Cathedral Catholic responded midway through the second quarter with a 15-yard touchdown run by Fa’alave-Johnson, narrowing the gap to 21-7. However, Folsom answered with poise. After forcing a turnover on downs, the Bulldogs drove into the Dons’ red zone, and with seconds remaining in the half, Rudnicki fired a 1-yard touchdown pass to Elijah Tuua, sending Folsom into halftime with a 28-7 lead.
In the third quarter, Folsom’s defense stepped up. Eagleton’s interception set up Rudnicki’s third rushing touchdown of the night from 11 yards out, extending the lead to 35-7. Cathedral Catholic responded with a 74-yard touchdown run by Fa’alave-Johnson, but Folsom regained momentum when Coleman intercepted another Dons pass. The Bulldogs methodically drove the field, and Rudnicki capped the drive with his fourth rushing touchdown, a 2-yard score early in the fourth quarter, stretching the lead to 42-14.
Cathedral Catholic added two late scores—a 3-yard run by Brady Palmer and a 10-yard touchdown pass with under three minutes remaining—but the outcome was never in doubt. Folsom controlled the clock, recovered a failed onside kick, and closed out the final minutes to secure the championship.
Background
This victory marked Folsom’s sixth CIF State Championship in seven title appearances and its second state crown in the past three seasons, following the 2023 championship. It also represented a breakthrough win over a Cathedral Catholic program that had previously stood as an obstacle the Bulldogs had never overcome on the state stage. The Bulldogs’ resilience and depth were on full display, underscoring their status as one of California’s elite high school football programs.
FAQ
Who was the standout player in Folsom’s 42-28 victory over Cathedral Catholic?
Junior quarterback Brody Rudnicki was the standout player, accounting for six total touchdowns—four rushing and two passing—and amassing 305 total yards (177 rushing and 115 passing).
What was the final score of the Folsom vs. Cathedral Catholic state championship game?
The final score was Folsom 42, Cathedral Catholic 28, with Folsom securing their sixth CIF State Championship.
How did Folsom’s defense contribute to their victory?
Folsom’s defense was pivotal, with Daniel Eagleton intercepting a pass in the third quarter, setting up a touchdown, and linebacker E.J. Coleman sealing the win with a 43-yard pick-six in the fourth quarter.
What was Cathedral Catholic’s key player in the game?
Cathedral Catholic’s running back Honor Fa’alave-Johnson showcased his skills, rushing for 267 yards on 22 carries and scoring two touchdowns.
How many state championships has Folsom High School won?
Folsom High School has won six CIF State Championships in seven title appearances, with this victory marking their second state crown in the past three seasons.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Standout Player | Brody Rudnicki accounted for six total touchdowns and 305 total yards. |
| Defensive Highlights | Daniel Eagleton’s interception and E.J. Coleman’s 43-yard pick-six were pivotal. |
| Cathedral Catholic’s Performance | Honor Fa’alave-Johnson rushed for 267 yards and scored two touchdowns. |
| Folsom’s Championship Record | Six CIF State Championships in seven title appearances, with two in the past three seasons. |
Now Happening on X
- @wsoctv (December 12, 2025, 1:15 PM) A Rock Hill man has been charged after a teen conspirator was killed during an attempted robbery, according to police reports. View on X
- @RHHerald (December 12, 2025, 5:50 PM) Two Rock Hill men attempted to rob another individual, who then shot them in self-defense, police say. View on X
- @RHHerald (December 12, 2025, 11:40 AM) Police report that two Rock Hill men were shot by their intended robbery victim during an attempted armed robbery. View on X
- @wcnc (December 12, 2025, 2:08 AM) A Rock Hill man has been sentenced for child sex crimes after prosecutors revealed he recorded an assault on an infant. View on X
- @theobserver (December 10, 2025, 2:20 PM) A South Carolina man received a 30-year sentence for drug and gun charges in Rock Hill, raising questions about justice for repeat felons. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
