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Gridley Herald

Defense Dominates in Playoff Win Over Panthers

Nov 21, 2024 11:54AM ● By Dillon Longmire
Touchdown Bulldogs! Photo by Libby Tolman [4 Images] Click Any Image To Expand

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - The Gridley Bulldogs traveled to Redding and took care of business against the University Prep Panthers in their first-round playoff game on Friday, Nov. 15. Final score was 26-10

The Bulldogs started off the game receiving the ball but were derailed on their first drive by a holding call on a play that would have been a huge gain through the air. The Bulldogs were forced to punt the ball at the conclusion of their first drive. The Panthers subsequently marched down the field with a balanced offensive attack before putting the ball in the end zone with junior running back, Tyson Wurzer making the score 7-0 with 4:21 left in the first quarter.

The Bulldogs would then respond with a huge run from senior running back, Luis Murillo on their third play of the drive to make the score 7-7 with 2:36 left in the first. The Bulldog defense would then hold the Panthers to a three and out, but the ball was given back to them on the Bulldogs’ next series, after an interception thrown by senior quarterback, Gus Stogsdill. The Panthers would capitalize on the interception on their ensuing drive, by moving down the field and adding a field goal making the score 10-7 with 3:47 left in the second quarter.

The Bulldogs would then flex their passing game with two big throws to senior wide receiver Kaleb Sherwood and ultimately score a touchdown on the drive. The PAT attempt was blocked by the Panthers; however, the Bulldogs had taken their first lead 13-10 with 2:44 left in the first half.

The Bulldog defense would once again force a punt after only three offensive plays by the Panthers giving the ball back to the Bulldogs offense with 1:31 to go in the half. The Bulldogs would move down the field using the legs of Gus Stogsdill, but the drive would be halted after Stogsdill threw another interception as tried to force the ball downfield. The defense would hold the Panther offense, and the game would go into halftime.

The Panthers were set to receive the ball to start the second half, but the Bulldogs kicked an unexpected onside kick and recovered the ball, putting the Gridley offense on the field to start the second half. Their excitement would end quickly after a fumble on a designed quarterback run on their first play of the drive. The Bulldog defense would make up for the fumble and force one of their own giving the ball right back to the offense. After a couple of big runs, the Bulldogs would score a touchdown using the legs of Gus Stogsdill but miss the PAT kick making the score 19-10 with 5:37 left to go in the third quarter. 

On the next Panther drive, the Bulldog defense would hold the Panthers to another apparent three and out. The Panthers attempted a fake punt-pass that went incomplete giving the Bulldog offense the ball on a short field. The Bulldogs would then move the ball down the field and get multiple first downs before trying a double-pass trick play that ended up in an interception from senior running back, Luis Murillo.

The defense would take the field once again and continue their strong showing on back-to-back possessions by catching interceptions. One from junior cornerback, Eli Punzo, and another from Gus Stogsdill, who was in at safety.

The Bulldogs would end the game with a designed quarterback run for a touchdown making the score 26-10 and giving the Panthers no chance to comeback with only 32 seconds remaining on the game clock. The Bulldog defense flexed their defensive muscle and continued to show just how elite they are. The offense, while scoring 26 points, had the defense to thank for their win after a five total turnover game (three interceptions, two fumbles). The Bulldogs overcoming a long bus ride, turnovers, and penalties shows just how strong this team is, and gives them momentum going into their second playoff game.

The University Prep Panthers will have an unfamiliar week, as their season has come to an end with a final record of 7-4. The Gridley Bulldogs have a huge game ahead as they will face the 8-3 Lassen Grizzlies in Susanville. That game is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 22, after press time.