GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Former Gridley head football coach Matt Kemmis is no longer the “Top Dog” in Gridley as he resigned from the position as classes resumed back in session following the winter break in January, according to Bulldogs Athletic Director Nathan Link.

Kemmis posted five consecutive winning seasons before he had his lone sub .500 winning percentage this past season with a 4-7 record.

In his six-year tenure at the helm of the Gridley program, Kemmis had three playoff trips and went 2-3 along with a 31-25 overall record. He never lost a Harvest Bowl game as he went a perfect 5-0 over the cross-town rivals Live Oak Lions.

Kemmis expressed to the Herald there were many factors into the decision, but it mostly came down to what was best for him and his family.

Throughout many conversations with the Herald over the past football season, Kemmis was grateful for the support of the community that was behind him throughout his time as head coach.

Kemmis told the Herald that the hardest conversations he had about the resignations were with the players that planned on continuing in the program next season.

Kemmis loved the environment of “The BoneYard” and how the Bulldogs fans were loud and proud of the players on the field.

Kemmis told the Herald that the same day he turned in his resignation papers, he was named to be the head coach for the 46th Annual Lions All-Star Game in the Division II-III Southern team.

Kemmis confirmed that he will coach in the Lions game. The Lions All-Star game consists of senior football players primarily from the Northern Section, but also includes players from Marysville, Yuba City, Sutter, and Lindhurst as well.

Kemmis will coach the South team and includes Gridley seniors Andrew Englemann, Angel Castaneda and Jimmy Kelly. Live Oak senior running back Raul Romero and Biggs lineman Johnny Williams will play in the game as well.

The game will be played on June 17 at 7:30 p.m. at Pleasant Valley High School in Chico.

Kemmis confirmed with the Herald he is completing his teaching duties for the rest of the school year at Gridley.