BREAKING: The Gridley High School football team’s dream of a state championship came to a heartbreaking end today, losing 28-20 to Lincoln in the CIF Division 6-AA regional final. This defeat snaps Gridley’s remarkable streak of 13 consecutive victories, concluding their season with a record of 13-1.
The game, held on November 25, 2023, saw Gridley take an early lead, but costly mistakes in the fourth quarter proved detrimental. An interception and a fumble allowed Lincoln to capitalize with two quick touchdowns, sealing the Bulldogs’ fate.
Gridley started strong, scoring first and holding a lead of 20-14 at halftime. Star running back Jace Griggs made a significant impact with two rushing touchdowns. However, momentum shifted late in the third quarter when Gridley missed a pivotal field goal attempt after advancing to Lincoln’s 6-yard line.
With just under six minutes left in the game, Lincoln’s Ryan Bernwanger intercepted a pass, setting up a dramatic 65-yard touchdown completion from quarterback Luca Papoulias to Michael Whitelaw, giving the Lions a 21-20 lead. Less than a minute later, Lincoln recovered a fumble at Gridley’s 17-yard line, and Kyan Phillips capped off the drive with a 16-yard touchdown run to extend the lead to 28-20.
Gridley, bolstered by a roster featuring 11 seniors, now faces an emotional offseason after such a strong performance throughout the year. The Bulldogs’ season included a perfect regular season record of 10-0 and a championship victory in the Northern Section Division III.
As Lincoln advances to the championship game against Valley Center, Gridley’s players and fans are left reflecting on a season filled with promise and achievement.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops, and share your feelings about Gridley’s incredible journey and the challenges they faced today.
