Gridley 2026 defensive back Eli Punzo snags an interception during the 7v7 game held on Friday, July 26.

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - The final month of summer vacation began, and that means that Friday Night Lights will consume the area for the 2024 prep football season.

The Gridley Bulldogs hosted a four-team 7v7 matchup with Pierce, Oroville and Biggs on Friday, July 26.

The purpose of 7v7 is for skills-based positions to develop better passing, catching and defensive work.

Gridley head coach Daniel Zumwalt expressed to the Herald that it was a great way to build team chemistry. 

“It gives the players an opportunity to compete at a higher level than they would at a normal practice,” Zumwalt said.

 Gridley 2025 quarterback Gus Stogsdill passes during the 7v7 match on Friday, July 26.

Both Gridley and Biggs had great stints throughout the one-hour; 30-minute session, where you saw deep-ball touchdowns tossed and plenty of great defensive plays, including climbing the ladder and snagging highlight-caliber interceptions.

Zumwalt told the Herald that he and his coaching staff were going to break down the film from the matches for basic fundamentals and route running prior to the beginning of the season.

He added that it also gives the staff the opportunity to evaluate individual players prior to moving on with practices.

 Biggs 2025 receiver Solomon Melendez catches a ball during the 7v7 circuit on Friday, July 26, at Gridley.

Biggs head coach Brian Harrison expressed to the Herald that there is a lot of work to get done still, and they will start with the basic fundamentals, but he is excited to get the new season going.

Gridley is scheduled to hit the road for their first game of the season on Friday, August 30, against University Prep of Redding, while Biggs is scheduled to travel to Palo Cedro to play their season opener on Friday, September 6, at Redding Christian.

 Biggs 2026 quarterback Skyler Long throws a pass on Friday, July 26, at the 7v7 match at Gridley.