Sharma makes impact in first game

Folsom's game against Oak Ridge last Friday was the first game as a Bulldog for Josiah Sharma, a senior transfer from Inderkum. By sheer size, the 6-4, 320-pound Sharma certain stands out, but if you were at the game, you couldn't miss him because he was literally all over the field making tackles and chasing down members of the Oak Ridge backfield, whether that was quarterback Phoenix Hester or running backs Jasen Womack, Austin Oliver or Throne Watson. On Oak Ridge's first play from scrimmage, Sharma, who has committed to the University of Texas, broke through the line, sprinted 20 yards or so to his right and chased down Olive for no gain. It was one of five tackles for Sharma. "It was a really fun game," said Sharma. "I've still got some conditioning things to work on, but for the most part, it was a pretty good start. It could have been better. I missed a couple sacks, but I had a good game for the most part." While Folsom struggled offensively, their defense was strong all night. The defensive line dominated the game, featuring Sharma and Lua DeBerry at tackles and Theo Greule and Tupou at the ends. "They really got us up front," Oak Ridge coach Casey Taylor said. "They're really good." Sharma led the way for the Bulldogs. Sharma was all over the field, despite the fact that he's 6-4, 320 pounds. The dude can run. "Josiah's deceptively fast for being 320 pounds," Folsom defensive coordinator Jordan Irsik said. "He made tons of plays. They're running stretch to the field and Josiah's on the back side running them down and making plays. His speed is elite for a player his size." Said Sharma, "I was dying on the sideline, so my conditioning could be better. I think for my size, I can move better than a lot of offensive lineman, which gives me an advantage. I wouldn't say I had a great game, but it was good, but could have been better." Sharma' head coach Paul Doherty was thrilled to have him in the lineup. "Josiah was the best player in California on Friday night in the 2025 class," Folsom head coach Paul Doherty said. "Hands down, he was incredible. His best attributes as a player are his relentless pursuit with phenomenal speed. Add to it his 320- pound frame and the roll he puts on linemen and ball carriers with collisions compounded over the course of the game he's like a heavyweight boxer."