BREAKING: The Gridley High School football team’s dream of a state championship came to a heartbreaking end on Saturday, December 2, 2023, as they fell to Lincoln High School 28-20 in the CIF Division 6-AA regional final. This loss snaps a remarkable streak of 13 consecutive victories, leaving the Bulldogs with a final season record of 13-1.
The game took a dramatic turn in the fourth quarter when an interception and a critical fumble by Gridley opened the door for Lincoln to seize control. The Bulldogs initially took the lead, scoring first in the match, but Lincoln quickly countered, ending the first quarter with a 14-7 advantage.
Gridley regained momentum in the second quarter thanks to standout performances from junior Jace Griggs, who rushed for two touchdowns, allowing them to head into halftime with a narrow 20-14 lead. However, the tide turned in the second half.
With just six minutes left in the game, Lincoln’s Ryan Bernwanger made a pivotal interception. This set the stage for a stunning 65-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Luca Papoulias to Michael Whitelaw, putting Lincoln ahead 21-20 with two minutes to go.
The final blow came less than a minute later when Lincoln recovered a fumble at Gridley’s 17-yard line. Running back Kyan Phillips scored on a 16-yard run, sealing the game at 28-20.
This defeat marks an emotional end to the Bulldogs’ season, which included a perfect 10-0 record in the regular season and a championship title in the Northern Section Division III. The team, comprised of 11 seniors, 16 juniors, 11 sophomores, and one freshman, showcased resilience and talent throughout the year.
As Lincoln advances to the CIF Division 6-AA championship game against Valley Center, the Gridley community is left to reflect on a season filled with pride and achievement.
Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to follow this developing story.
