Seniors Gus Stogsdill (3) and Nathan Zumwalt (25) leading the Bulldogs onto the field before a game against the Oroville Tigers on Friday, Oct. 18. Photo by Libby Tolman

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - The Gridley Bulldogs smashed the Las Plumas Thunderbirds in what could’ve been the last home game of the season for the Bulldogs, on Friday, Nov. 1. The final score was 40-6.

Rain or shine, the Bulldogs will put on a show no matter the weather. In the pouring rain, the Bulldogs pounded the dirt with the run game, and dominating defense and that was the story of the game. The Thunderbirds could not get much going on either side of the ball as they also tried to run the ball but were stopped for short yardage on almost every attempt, and their defense was unable to stop the Bulldog ground game.

The Bulldogs had more than 400 yards of total offense led by senior quarterback, #3 Gus Stogsdill who had four total touchdowns. The Bulldog offense has been dominant pretty much all season long scoring 20 or more points in five of their eight games this season (not including the Willows forfeit). The Bulldog defense has also been impressive all season long and has allowed over 20 points only three times this season (twice in non-league games, once in league games). It’s safe to say that this Bulldog team is getting hot right at the perfect time.

The same cannot be said for the Thunderbirds as they have been struggling all season long. Their first three wins came in the first three games of the season, but they haven’t tasted victory since then. They have allowed 20 or more points in five of their last six games and have scored 10 or more points in only two of their last six since that last win.

The Las Plumas Thunderbirds have an opportunity to end the regular season with a win at home against the Oroville Tigers while the Gridley Bulldogs have a big game coming up on the road against the Corning Cardinals. Both games are scheduled to be played on Friday, Nov. 8, after press time. If the Bulldogs play well enough to win that game, it could warrant a first-round home playoff game.