BREAKING: The Gridley High School football team has suffered a devastating defeat, ending its remarkable undefeated season with a 28-20 loss to Lincoln in the CIF Division 6-AA regional final on November 25, 2023. This heartbreaking outcome not only halts Gridley’s impressive 13-game winning streak but also means they will not advance to the state championship.
Gridley, boasting a stellar regular season record of 10-0 and a championship title in the Northern Section Division III, began the game strong. They took an early lead, but Lincoln responded fiercely, ultimately flipping the script in the final moments.
The Bulldogs initially scored, but Lincoln quickly surged ahead with two touchdowns, leading 14-7 at the end of the first quarter. However, Gridley fought back in the second quarter, with standout player Jace Griggs scoring two rushing touchdowns, giving them a narrow 20-14 lead at halftime.
As the game progressed, tension mounted. Late in the third quarter, Gridley was poised to extend its lead when they reached the Lincoln 6-yard line. In a critical moment, the Bulldogs missed a field goal, leaving the score unchanged at 20-14.
In a dramatic turn, with just six minutes remaining, Lincoln’s Ryan Bernwanger intercepted a pass, setting the stage for a game-changing play. Just two minutes later, quarterback Luca Papoulias connected with Michael Whitelaw for a stunning 65-yard touchdown pass, propelling Lincoln into the lead at 21-20.
The situation worsened for Gridley when they fumbled the ball just one minute later, allowing Lincoln to capitalize from the Bulldogs’ 17-yard line. Kyan Phillips sealed Gridley’s fate with a 16-yard touchdown run, extending Lincoln’s advantage to 28-20.
With this loss, Gridley finishes its season at 13-1, showcasing a roster filled with talent, including 11 seniors. Meanwhile, Lincoln (now 11-3) advances to the CIF Division 6-AA championship game to face Valley Center.
This dramatic conclusion to Gridley’s season resonates deeply, highlighting the emotional stakes of high school sports. Fans and players alike are left grappling with the what-ifs that can haunt a team when a championship is within reach.
Stay tuned for updates on Lincoln’s upcoming championship game and further reactions from the Gridley community as they process this unexpected end to a stellar season.
