The Gridley High School football team concluded its remarkable season with a 28-20 defeat against Lincoln in the CIF Division 6-AA regional final. The loss marks the end of an impressive 13-game winning streak for the Bulldogs, who finished their season with a record of 13-1, including a perfect 10-0 in the regular season and a championship in the Northern Section Division III.
Gridley started the game strongly, taking an early lead with a touchdown. However, Lincoln quickly responded, scoring two touchdowns to pull ahead 14-7 by the end of the first quarter. The Bulldogs regained momentum in the second quarter, with running back Jace Griggs scoring twice, giving Gridley a 20-14 lead at halftime.
As the game progressed, Gridley found itself in a critical position late in the third quarter, driving to the Lincoln 6-yard line. Unfortunately, the Lions’ defense held firm, leading to a missed field goal attempt that kept the score at 20-14 in favor of Gridley. With just six minutes remaining in the game, Lincoln’s Ryan Bernwanger intercepted a pass, shifting the momentum in favor of the Lions.
Just two minutes later, quarterback Luca Papoulias connected with Michael Whitelaw on a 65-yard touchdown pass, putting Lincoln ahead 21-20. The Bulldogs were unable to recover from this setback as they fumbled on their next possession, allowing Lincoln to score again on a 16-yard run by Kyan Phillips, finalizing the score at 28-20.
Gridley’s roster included 11 seniors, 16 juniors, 11 sophomores, and one freshman, showcasing a diverse team dynamic. Despite the loss, the Bulldogs’ season was highlighted by their strong performances and determination, culminating in a Northern Section Division III championship.
Lincoln, now with an 11-3 record, will advance to the CIF Division 6-AA championship game where they will face Valley Center. The Bulldogs will look to build on this season’s successes as they prepare for future challenges.