Folsom freshman football team improves to 6-0

The Folsom Bulldogs hosted the Jesuit Marauders in a nail-biting 34-27 victory that came down to the last play of the game. The game not only displayed two teams unwillingness to quit but also showcased how the Bulldogs' tenacity has earned them a 6-0 record this season.With a shaky start the Bulldogs found themselves trailing for the first time all season when a Jesuit receiver got behind the defenders deep down the right side for a long score. Responding immediately from their own 33-yard line, Folsom quarterback Jason Samuels launched the ball to midfield where Hunter Hast reeled it in and found enough room in the Marauder secondary to even the score at seven.The Bulldogs continued pressing the visitors, capitalizing on both big plays and teamwork. A 42-yard run from Derek Stiles led to a touchdown run from Samuels. Later a catch by Phillip Carter set up a touchdown catch by Phillip Maestre. Key blocks from Dalton Bledsoe and Quincy Capel opened a gaping hole for Chaz Arnold to run through for another trip to the end zone. The Folsom offense stayed focused, relying on a balanced attack and responded to every Jesuit threat or score with one of its own.The Bulldog defense struggled at times, giving up uncharacteristic yards up the middle and allowing receivers to burn them on deep routes. But it also had its share of bright spots with key players such as Ryan Drinnen, whoreturned an interception for a touchdown in the second quarter and also added some hard-hitting tackles. Other leading tacklers were Arnold, Trace Noble and Stiles, who also added a sack to the stats.But the tenacity of this defense was best demonstrated on the last play of the game. With a mere six seconds left and the ball a tantalizing few inches from the end zone, Jesuit was threatening to tie the game, but the Folsom line didn't just stand their ground, instead they drove hard into Jesuit with Stiles as nose guard plowing the center back into the quarterback and forcing a fumble. No sooner had the Marauder quarterback recovered the ball when Arnold was there to put him into the turf to end the game. It was not the play of any one defender that made the difference; it was the concerted effort of the entire defense that kept their win intact.