By Joe Davidson
jdavidson@sacbee.com
CARSON - A precision team that relies on timing - and generally good footing - the Folsom Bulldogs didn't let a torn-up muddy field derail its dream football season.
Dano Graves accounted for six touchdowns, and the Bulldogs scored three touchdowns in a 25-second span in the fourth quarter to break it open at the Home Depot Center, stunning state power Serra of Gardena 48-20 in the Division II State Championship Bowl Game.
Serra, a private-school in Los Angeles County, came in boasting of a 29-game winning streak and a roster chock full of Division I recruits, but it was it was home-grown Folsom with kids who have competed together since they were 11 that prevailed in a driving rain - and on a field that could not withstand the elements.
Graves, the brilliant senior and sudden National Player of the Year candidate, had three touchdown passes and three touchdown runs to give him an astounding 85 for the season. His 62 touchdown passes this season are second most in state history, one behind state record holder Robert De La Cruz of Cathedral-Los Angeles (1999).
Graves hit Tyler Trosin for three touchdown passes. Trosin has 28 touchdown catches this season. Graves passed for 214 yards.
Just as important, Folsom played tremendous defense against a Serra team that came in averaging 43 points a game.
Defensive leaders for Folsom include Dan Curry, Burton DeKoning, Trevor Jones and Tanner Trosin, who had an end zone interception.
Folsom finished the season 14-1. It joins Grant as an area state champion. The Pacers won the 2008 Open Bowl over Long Beach Poly and Rocklin lost on a last-play field goal to Servite of Anaheim last season.
Folsom beat Grant 41-20 in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division II finals to earn this Bowl bid.
Photo caption: Quarterback Dano Graves accounted for six touchdowns as Folsom held firm on a muddy field in Carson. (Hector Amezcua/hamezcua@sacbee.com)


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