Above, former FHS standout Nataly Vigil competed for Cal Lutheran University. Vigil, a Foothill High School alumna, competed in the Women’s Open 5K on Saturday, September 19, finishing 21st with a time of 21:48.4.
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Fillmore High School alumnus Omar Heredia competed in his first collegiate meet for Cal State Northridge. Heredia finished 10th for the Matadors and improved his personal-best time by 23.7 seconds.
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Camilo Torres
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Angel Garcia
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Fillmore Runners Compete at Kim Dyst Invitational
By Epi Torres
On Saturday, September 12, Omar Heredia, and Diego Rodriguez, both residents of Fillmore, and currently student athletes at Cal State University Northridge competed at their first collegiate meet this season at the River Oaks Golf Course in Turlock, California. They competed over a 8-kilometer course or 4.971 miles.
Diego Rodriguez finished 25th in 25:29.6, and Omar Heredia finished in 41st in 26:04.1. Diego was 6th man for the Northridge Matadors and improved his personal best time for an 8-kilometer race by 4.1 seconds, and Omar was 10th for the team and improved his personal best time by 23.7 seconds.
In the team competition, Northridge finished 2nd. The Fillmore/Northridge athletes will next compete at Riverside Invitational.
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Fillmore Runners Compete at Riverside Cross Country Invitational
By Epi Torres
On Saturday, September 19th, several Fillmore young adult athletes competed at the Riverside Cross Country Invitational. All 4 athletes competed in one of four divisions at this meet. This meet course is flat with a few rolling hills, and hard packed dirt through the agricultural operations center.
The second race of the day featured former Fillmore/CSU Northridge ace, Camilo Rodriguez, who ran unattached in the Men’s 8 K Invite. Camilo placed 98th in 25:05.7 over the 4.97-mile course. Also running in this race was Diego Rodriguez who was the 6th man for the CSU Northridge team. He finished 138th in 25:28.4. CSU Northridge finished 8th in the team competition.
Nataly Tello a former Fillmore athlete, ran in the Women’s Open 5K race as a member of the Cal Lutheran women’s cross-country team. Nataly ran a season best time of 21:48.4. In the team competition, the Cal Lutheran team finished in 21st. Melanie Flores, who ran on the Fillmore High School team last year, was the fourth runner for the Moorpark College team. Moorpark finished 26th in the Open women’s 5K team competition. Melanie placed 281st in 23:28.8.
In the Men’s Open 8k, Omar Heredia, former Fillmore High School, and currently a CSU Northridge runner placed 183rd in 27:47.5. Also, running in the Men’s Open 8K was former Fillmore High School, and former Moorpark College runner, Angel Garcia. Angel placed 147th in 27:09.7.

Leading, FHS Sophomore Melanie Martinez competes in the Scary Dairy Invite on September 5 near Cal State University Channel Islands. Martinez finished 11th with a time of 23:11.3 at the Dairy Invite.
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Pictured is FHS Sophomore Luis Perez, who finished 10th in the Scary Dairy Community Race with a time of 18:59.7.
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**CAMARILLO, Calif.** — The Fillmore High School boys and girls cross country teams launched their season on Saturday, September 5th, with a series of impressive runs at the Scary Dairy Invite near Cal State University Channel Islands. Competitors tackled a demanding dirt and gravel course surrounding the landmark abandoned dairy, featuring both a 1.5-mile Novice loop and a traditional 3-mile distance.
The morning action kicked off at 8:00 a.m. with the 3-mile Community Race, where local Fillmore runners set a dominant tone. Camilo Torres captured first place overall with a winning time of 16:20.9, closely followed by Angel Garcia in second at 16:30.7. On the women’s side, Angelica Herrera placed 17th overall and claimed third place among female finishers with a time of 23:53.9. Art teacher and wrestling coach Michael Torres also completed the course, placing 24th in 28:02.9.
Fillmore’s high school competitors continued the momentum across multiple age divisions:
***Novice Divisions (1.5 Miles):** In the girls’ race, Charlize Estrada took 38th place (15:40.7), with teammate Melany Andres Ramirez right behind in 39th (15:50.6). In the boys’ event, Jacob Khan finished 42nd overall with a time of 15:21.4.
***Freshman & Sophomore Divisions (3 Miles):** Freshmen Aleks Laureano (3rd, 17:47.6) and Luis Perez (10th, 18:59.7) both secured medal-winning performances, supported by teammate Giovanni Cortez Rodriguez (44th, 21:48.8). In the sophomore boys’ race, Damian Santa Rosa earned a medal with a 4th-place finish (17:26.3), ahead of Alex Becerra (52nd, 20:56.5) and Prince Kamradt (72nd, 22:38.3).
***Frosh/Soph Girls (3 Miles):** The team posted a standout group effort as Melanie Martinez (11th, 23:11.3), Mariana Elvira (13th, 23:28.8), and Gabriela Lopez (31st, 24:33.3) recorded course personal bests. Elvira shaved more than two minutes off her previous time, while both she and Martinez brought home medals.
***Varsity Divisions (3 Miles):** Camila Rodriguez led the varsity girls with a medal-winning 7th-place finish in 19:29.9, while Andrea Gamez finished 73rd (24:23.5). On the Varsity boys’ side, Nikolias Cerda paced Fillmore as the team’s top finisher in 116th place (20:15.7), running alongside Chris Torres and Alfredo Basilio.
Following their season-opening efforts in Camarillo, the Flash runners will spend the coming weeks preparing for the prestigious Woodbridge Invitational, held at the Great Park in Irvine on Saturday, September 19th.

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On Friday, September 11, Fillmore defeated defending CIF Grace champions. Above, FHS varsity player No. 3 raises his hand in celebration after scoring a touchdown during Friday night’s game. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola.
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Above, two Flashes players team up to take down a Grace player during Friday night’s game. Fillmore defeated Grace 62–34. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola.
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By FHS Head Football Coach Charlie Weis, M. Ed.
FILLMORE — Nobody outside the Flashes’ own locker room gave them a chance.
Every local outlet, every sports reporter, every preseason prediction had Fillmore losing to defending CIF champion and undefeated Grace on Friday night. The Flashes read every word of it — and then went out and made the Lancers pay for it.
From the opening whistle, Fillmore stormed out to a commanding lead and never looked back, dismantling Grace’s high-flying attack on both sides of the ball enroute to a 62-34 statement win.
Defense Sets the Tone
The Flashes’ defense refused to let Grace’s vaunted passing game breathe all night. Juniors David Williams and James Magana led the charge with 9 tackles apiece, while Christian Renteria and Matthew Zavala each brought down the Lancers’ quarterback for a sack, disrupting the rhythm of Grace’s aerial assault time and again.
The signature play of the night belonged to Stephen Torres, who slammed the door on a Grace scoring threat with a jaw-dropping 48-yard interception return out of his own end zone — instantly flipping momentum and snuffing out what could have been a back-breaking drive for Fillmore.
An Electric Night on Offense
If the defense set the tone, the offense turned it into a show. The Flashes piled up 547 total yards and 8 touchdowns in a full team effort.
Senior quarterback Nate Perez was nearly unstoppable through the air, completing 11 of 15 passes for 294 yards and 4 touchdowns spread across four different targets:
A 71-yard bomb to Andrew Estrada
A 41-yard strike to Saul Fraga-Sandoval
A 51-yard connection with Stephen Torres
A 38-yard score to Rocky McDowell
On the ground, Micah Harm was just as dangerous, pounding out 148 yards and 3 touchdowns of his own to keep Grace’s defense off balance all night. Senior Michael Sandoval punched in the Flashes’ final offensive score of the evening.
Special Teams Seal It
Once again, special teams proved to be a difference-maker for Fillmore. In the final quarter, senior Andrew Estrada turned in a monster performance in the return game, racking up 140 kickoff return yards, highlighted by a backbreaking 90-yard touchdown return that put the game out of reach and sealed the win over the Lancers.
It’s the latest example of special teams swinging a big game for the Flashes, who continue to find new ways to make explosive plays when it matters most.
Swagger Restored
With their confidence, and their swagger, fully restored, Fillmore has just one non-league game remaining before turning its attention to league play. The win over a program as decorated as Grace is a signature moment for a team that spent the week hearing it couldn’t be done.
Up Next
The Flashes turn their focus to a longtime rivalry as they host the Carpinteria Warriors.
JV: Thursday, 9/17 — 5:00 PM
Varsity Senior Night: Friday, 9/18 — ceremonies at 6:30 PM, kickoff at 7:00 PM
Come out and support the Flashes as they celebrate their seniors and look to keep the momentum rolling.

FHS JV No. 32 carries the ball as he works to break through the Buena defense. Final scores JV lost 20 -19; Varsity defeated Buena 34-24. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola.
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Friday, September 4, the Flashes Varsity and JV football teams faced Buena High School. Above, a Flashes Varsity player carries the ball up field as his teammates help clear a path. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola. Final Score Varsity won 34 - 24; JV lost 20-19.
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Above, Flashes JV players bring down a Buena player during Friday’s game against the Buena Bulldogs. The Flashes JV team fell 20-19 in a close contest. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola.
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At Friday night’s football game, the Fillmore Flashes celebrated their annual Youth Night. Fillmore Youth Football players and cheerleaders joined the festivities, running through the player tunnels and taking part in performances alongside the Flashes cheer squads. Above and below are photos from the evening’s Youth Night celebration. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola.
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Above, a Fillmore High School Varsity player prepares to make a move as his teammates work to clear a path during Friday night’s game. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola.
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By FHS Head Football Coach Charlie Weis, M. Ed.
After two challenging season-opening battles, the Fillmore Flashes needed a statement. On Friday night under the lights at home, they delivered one, storming back from a 10-6 halftime deficit to beat the Buena Bulldogs 34-24 in a performance defined by grit, resilience, and one absolutely electric fourth quarter.
Fillmore trailed at the break but never blinked. The Flashes clawed ahead 13-10 heading into the final quarter, then blew the game open with a stunning 21-point fourth quarter that buried any hope of a Buena comeback. It was the kind of response you earn, not one you’re given, and this Flashes squad, tested early by two tough season-opening matchups, answered the call when it mattered most.
The defense set the tone all night. Buena came in looking to run wild with its up-tempo attack, but the Flashes defensive front had other plans, holding the Bulldogs to a mere 23 rushing yards on the ground. That kind of dominance up front is what turns momentum and controls games.
Senior Micah Harm powered the offense, leading all rushers with 148 yards and two touchdowns. Andrew Estrada was a matchup nightmare all night, racking up 122 all-purpose yards and finding the end zone twice, once on the ground, once through the air. Saul Fraga-Sandoval was money in the passing game, leading the team in both catches and receiving yards while hauling in a touchdown of his own.
But the biggest play of the night may have come on special teams. With Buena searching for answers and momentum threatening to shift, senior Daniel Beserra-Barbera came flying off the edge to block a Buena punt, and recover it deep in Flashes territory, slamming the door on any comeback bid. It was the exclamation point on a night where Fillmore won complementary football in all three phases of the game.
Three games in, this Flashes team has shown exactly what it’s made of. Now comes the biggest test yet: a trip to Moorpark College to face a high-flying Grace squad fresh off a 2025 CIF title, Friday, September 11th at 7:00 PM.
Fillmore is going to need its community behind it. Bolts, it’s time to show up and show out, let’s pack the stands and be loud for our Flashes!
Go Flashes!

The Flashes JV and Varsity teams hosted Oak Park this past Friday night for their second game of the season. Above, FHS Varsity players team up to bring down an Oak Park player. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola.
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Varsity No. 21 Saul Fraga-Sandoval tries to make his way past the Oak Park defense. Final score FHS 6-Oak Park 28. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola.
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This past Friday, August 28, the Fillmore Flashes faced Oak Park. Above, FHS Varsity players No. 88 Matthew Zavala and No. 32 Christian Renteria attempt to block an Oak Park pass play. Fillmore fell to Oak Park, 28-6. This week the Flashes will host Buena High School and Youth Night. The JV game begins at 4:30 p.m., followed by the Varsity game at 7 p.m. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola.
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A group of Flashes JV players make a tackle, stopping an Oak Park player in his tracks during Friday’s game. The Flashes JV team defeated Oak Park, 20-8. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola.
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By Head Football Coach Charlie Weis M. Ed.
The Fillmore Flashes football team may sit at 0-2 through the first two weeks of the season, but don’t let the record fool you — this squad has been forged, not broken, by one of the toughest opening slates on their schedule in years. And with Buena coming to town this Friday for a can’t-miss Youth Night showdown, the Flashes are ready to turn the page on a gauntlet of a start and get back in the win column.
Week 0: A Heartbreaker at La Cañada
Fillmore opened the season on the road against La Cañada in a game that came down to the wire. The Flashes battled all night and found themselves with a golden opportunity in the fourth quarter — a two-point conversion that would have tied the game. The offense gave it everything they had, but the conversion narrowly fell short, and La Cañada held on for the win.
Even in the loss, there was plenty to celebrate. Senior standout Saul Fraga-Sandoval put together a performance for the ages, hauling in 8 receptions for 177 yards and a touchdown. That outing was enough to vault him to the #1 receiver in Ventura County and 8th in the entire state of California after just one week of play. Flashes fans, keep an eye on this young man — he’s just getting started.
Week 1: Growing Pains vs. Oak Park
Back home for their Week 1 matchup, the Flashes ran into a talented Oak Park squad and fell 28-6. It was a night of growing pains, but in true Flashes fashion, Fillmore kept their Bolts Up and refused to let the tough competition get them down. Andrew Estrada and Stephen Torres were the bright spots of the evening, delivering standout performances on both sides of the ball and showing the kind of grit and fight that defines this program.
Two tough, well-coached, talented opponents right out of the gate is never easy, but there’s real value in facing that kind of fire early. This Flashes team has been tested, and they’re better for it heading into county play.
Looking Ahead: Buena Comes to Town, and It’s Youth Night!
The Flashes are fired up for a big bounce-back opportunity this Friday, September 4th, when Buena visits Flashes Stadium. Last season, Fillmore beat Buena for the first time since the 1960s — and the Flashes are looking to make it two wins in a row this Friday night.
This game is about more than just football. It’s also Youth Night at Flashes Stadium! Any youth in attendance gets in FREE with a paying adult, and every kid there will get to run through the tunnel with the Fillmore Flashes Varsity team before kickoff a memory they’ll carry for a lifetime.
It’s the perfect chance for the Flashes to reclaim their momentum from a year ago, and an even better chance to celebrate what makes Fillmore so special: a community that shows up for its youth, again and again.
Come out and support the Flashes Friday night!
JV Kickoff: 4:00 PM
Youth Night Celebration: 6:30 PM
Varsity Kickoff: 7:00 PM
Bolts Up, Fillmore. See you at the Stadium!

Fillmore Flashes 2026 Football Schedule
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By Head Football Coach Charlie Weis, M. Ed.
Fillmore football is back, and after the season the Flashes just put together, our whole town has reason to be charged up.
The 2025 Flashes rewrote the program’s record books yet again, finishing 9-2 for the school’s first nine-win regular season since 1989. Along the way, Fillmore knocked off Royal and Buena for the first time since the 1960s, statement wins that put the rest of the county on notice. The Flashes fell one game short of a league title to Agoura, but that near-miss has only sharpened the appetite heading into 2026. With Royal now in the fold and Agoura moving up a tier to a new league, the throne is sitting there for the taking — and Fillmore isn’t shy about coming for it.
What makes this preseason especially exciting is how much of that magic is walking back through the doors. On defense, the Flashes return a pair of all-county, all-league standouts in Matthew Zavala and Saul Fraga, anchoring a unit that’s built to be physical and, frankly, punishing. Joining them up front are 2025 all-league honorable mention defensive linemen Patrick Page and Isaiah Lara, giving Fillmore a proven interior to build around. Add in the infusion of talent from JJ Jasso and Andrew Estrada, and this defense has the pieces to be one of the most disruptive groups the program has fielded in years.
Offensively, the Bolts bring back 8 of their 11 starters from a year ago, a number that speaks to just how much continuity and chemistry this group has heading into fall. That list includes county standouts Fraga and Zavala, all-league quarterback Nate Perez, all-league running back Micah Harm, and a battle-tested offensive line featuring all-league performers Landyn Long and Brandon Lane. That’s a lot of experience returning behind center and in the trenches, exactly the kind of foundation championship runs are built on.
None of it comes easy, though. Fillmore has once again raised its own bar, scheduling its toughest strength of schedule in more than a decade. The Flashes open the year on the road against La Cañada, a Division 7 postseason powerhouse, before facing an Oak Park program that’s been reloaded with transfer talent from across the nation. It’s a gauntlet by design; Fillmore wants to be tested early, so it’s ready late.
Behind the scenes, that mentality has been on display all summer. The work in the weight room, the reps on the practice field, and the buy-in from a roster hungry to finish what 2025 started have set the tone for a program that believes its best football is still ahead of it.
The county has taken notice, too. When the Ventura County Star released its preseason Top 65 list of the county’s top athletes, three Flashes earned a spot: Saul Fraga, Andrew Estrada, and Brandon Lane. For a program the size of Fillmore to place three names on that list is no small feat, and it’s a sign of just how much individual talent is fueling this team’s collective push.
The wait is almost over. The Flashes open the season this Friday, August 21st, at La Cañada High School. JV kicks off Thursday at 4:00 PM, with Varsity following Friday at 7:00 PM.
Fillmore made history in 2025. In 2026, the Flashes are coming for more.

On Tuesday, July 28, three Fillmore residents competed in the Summer Series Track Meet at Moorpark College. Pictured (l-r) are Ranger Murphree, Angel Garcia, and Trent Williams. Ranger is a student at Cal Berkeley, and Angel and Trent are students at Moorpark College.
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On Tuesday night, July 28, Moorpark College hosted the 3rd of their Summer Series Track Meet. This meet started at 5:30 PM and featured seven events. In the 100 meters, Draco Centurion placed 6th in a time of 12.1. Draco will be a junior next year at Fillmore High School. Meanwhile, in the mile run, Angel Garcia competed again against former league rival Ranger Murphree who ran for Malibu High School. Ranger took first in 4:46.21, Angel Garcia finished a close second in 4:47.15. Angel will return to Moorpark College next year.
Three Fillmore residents competed in the 10th and final race of the Boogie Nights summer series in Ventura. This meet is run along the beach at the Ventura Promenade and starts in front of Aloha Steakhouse and The Crowne Plaza. over a 5-kilometer course. J. Ramirez was the top finisher in 30:35. She was followed by Perla Garduno in 42:49, and Esmeralda Garduno in 44:29.

Pictured is Fillmore’s Abraham Castorena after defeating Santa Paula; Abraham went 1-1 overall. Photo credit Michael Torres.
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Pictured above is Flashes James Alcantar taking on a Buena High opponent. James finished the tournament 2-1 overall. Photo credit Michael Torres.
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Above is Flashes Cayden Baladez vs. Santa Paula High. Photo credit Michael Torres.
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Pictured is Fillmore's Kobe Avila going up against Royal High School. Photo credit Michael Torres.
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Above is Flashes Sophia Valdovinos vs. Hueneme High. Photo credit Michael Torres.
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By Michael Torres
FILLMORE, Calif. — The Fillmore Flashes Wrestling program closed out its summer league schedule by hosting a second and final tournament of the season in the FHS Gym. Wrestlers from Buena, Channel Islands, Del Sol, Fillmore, Hueneme, Royal, and Santa Paula high schools took to the mats for a day of competitive matches, giving athletes one more opportunity to test their skills before the official season begins.
The Flashes sent ten wrestlers into action, with several posting strong results. Jasiah Cervantez went undefeated at 2-0, while James Alcantar finished 2-1. Cayden Balades and Abraham Castorena each split their matches at 1-1, and Elvia Palmerin went 1-2 on the day. Rounding out the Fillmore lineup were Kobe Avila, Isaac Ramirez, Annabelle Olaguez, Jackie Rivera, and Sophia Valdovinos, each finishing 0-2 after facing tough competition.
With the summer league now in the books, coaches will continue preparing wrestlers ahead of the official start of the Winter season in November. Any high school student interested in joining the team should see Coach Michael Torres in Room 34 when school begins in August. The coaching staff is hoping to fill out both the boys and girls rosters across all 14 weight classes (from 100 lbs. to 285 lbs.) before the start of the season.