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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!