By Head Football Coach Charlie Weis M. Ed.

The Fillmore Flashes are back under the Friday night lights.

After an impressive run that’s turned heads across the county, the Flashes enter the 2025 season with confidence, experience, and a hunger for more. With playoff berths in four of the last five seasons—setting a school record for consecutive postseason appearances—and two league titles in the past three years, this isn’t just a good run. It’s a golden era for Fillmore football.

Leading the charge this season is a battle-tested group of returning starters who’ve grown into the heartbeat of the team. Middle linebacker and running back Carlos Cabral brings punishing physicality on both sides of the ball and a steady hand as a team captain. In the trenches, Marcus Lechuga anchors the defensive line with grit and leadership that sets the tone for the Flashes’ hard-nosed identity.

On the outside, Mauricio Ocegueda returns as a versatile threat at wide receiver and linebacker—equally dangerous catching the deep ball and stuffing a run. A stalwart offensive line is lead by 3-year returning starter at center, Genaro Villela who provides experience, reliability, and the kind of toughness you want leading the offensive line.

Then there’s Thomas Alamillo, the human spark plug. The returning offensive MVP is a dynamic two-way playmaker who can flip a game in a single play. Whether he’s slicing through defenses or making critical stops, Alamillo is must-watch football every time he steps on the field.

Adding some additional electricity to the team are returning underclassmen Saul Fraga, Brandon Lane, and Mathew Zavala. Fraga led the team in receiving as a sophomore in 2024 and looks poised for a stellar season at wide receiver and defensive back. Brandon Lane returns for his second season starting on the offensive line making the transition from right to left tackle. Mathew Zavala proved to be a physical weapon in his sophomore season at defensive end and tight end. He returns for the 2025 season to boost the Bolt’s presence in the trenches.

But the Flashes won’t ease into the season. They open this Friday, August 22nd, on the road against a formidable Royal Highlanders squad—an early test that will show just how battle-ready this team is. The Highlanders boast size and power, but Fillmore’s experience and leadership could be the difference under pressure.

And then... the home opener. Mark your calendars for August 29th, when the Flashes finally return to Fillmore for what promises to be a night to remember. With the stands full and the town behind them, expect fireworks—both literal and on the field.