The Flashes celebrated a victory over longtime rival Santa Paula on Friday, October 30, marking the 116th meeting between the two teams. Both the JV and Varsity squads defeated the Cardinals, with JV winning 41-10 and Varsity earning a 56-17 victory. Pictured above is the Varsity Football Cheer Team celebrating the win. The Flashes now turn their attention to the playoffs, which begin with a home game against Irvine on Friday, November 6. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola.
Above is action from the Flashes JV game against rival Santa Paula, JV beat the Cardinals 41-10. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola.
By FHS Head Coach Charlie Weis, M. Ed.
The Fillmore Flashes wrapped up the 2026 regular season the way they’ve played all fall: complete, complementary football in all three phases. On Friday, October 30, Fillmore beat longtime rival Santa Paula 56-17 in the 116th meeting of the Route 126 Rivalry. The Leather Helmet trophy stays in Fillmore, and so do the bragging rights for the Santa Clara Valley.
The win finished an 8-2 regular season and a perfect 5-0 run through league play, earning the Flashes the Tri-County League title. It’s the fifth time in the last six seasons that Fillmore has won more than seven regular-season games and earned a postseason berth. It’s also the fifth time in six years the Flashes have beaten the Cardinals.
Offense: 452 yards on 29 snaps
Fillmore’s offense barely needed the ball to do its damage. The Flashes piled up 452 yards and seven touchdowns on just 29 offensive snaps.
Senior running back Micah Harm led the ground game with 172 yards and a touchdown on only 10 carries. Junior Efrain Arenas added 47 yards and a score, and sophomore quarterback Nathaniel Tafoya ran for 52 yards and another touchdown.
Through the air, senior quarterback Nate Perez was flawless, completing all 10 of his passes for 150 yards and three touchdowns, all in the first half. Seniors Saul Fraga-Sandoval, Andrew Estrada and Stephen Tello each caught a touchdown pass, and Estrada added a rushing score.
None of it happens without the men up front. Fillmore’s offensive line, led by seniors Brandon Lane, Valentin Garcia, Landyn Long, Angel Valencia, and GianCarlos Bautista, controlled the Santa Paula front seven from the opening snap to the final whistle.
Defense: Setting the tone early
The Bolts’ defense hit the Cardinals from the very first series, forcing turnovers and negative plays that kept the Santa Paula offense out of rhythm all night.
Junior JJ Jasso led the Flashes with eight total tackles, including a tackle for loss, and recovered a fumble. Senior Matthew Zavala continued his dominance in the trenches with six tackles, three tackles for loss and a sack, and he found the end zone himself by returning a blocked punt for a touchdown.
Special teams: Tello’s two blocks
Special teams have been electric throughout league play, and Friday was no exception. Senior Stephen Tello blocked two kicks, a field goal and a punt, while also adding a tackle on defense and a touchdown catch on offense. It was a do-everything night for one of Fillmore’s most versatile players.
The full-team effort was a fitting reflection of the community that packed in to support the Flashes against their longtime nemesis.
Next up: Irvine, Friday at 7 p.m. in Fillmore
With the regular season complete and a league title in hand, the Flashes turn to the postseason. This year Fillmore was placed in the Division 8 CIF championship bracket, the highest division in which the program has ever earned a playoff berth.
The Flashes will host the Irvine Vaqueros in the first round on Friday, November 6, at 7 p.m. in Fillmore.
The Flashes need their community behind them. We are calling on all Flashes fans, families and alumni to come out Friday night, fill the stands, cheer loud, and help the Bolts advance to the second round.
Go Flashes!
