Gridley 2026 quarterback/safety Eli Punzo tosses a pass on July 28. Photo by Chris Pedigo

Gridley Bulldogs 2025

2024 record: 8-4, lost to Lassen in NSCIF D-III semifinals 

Coach: Daniel Zumwalt 

League: Butte Valley

GRIDLEY, CA (YSBC) – The Gridley Bulldogs come into the 2025 season with a lot of motivation that was built within the last month of last year's season.

Despite drawing the No. 5 seed in the 2024 CIF Northern Section D-III postseason, they avenged a week one loss to University Prep (Redding) and took eventual champion (Lassen) to the final minutes in inclement weather.

As Gridley head coach Daniel Zumwalt enters his second season in charge of the Bulldogs, new leadership for the team won't be an issue. Zumwalt expressed the class of 2025 had brilliant leadership by Gus Stogsdill and Cesar Ortiz, but the leaders of the Bulldogs showed significant signs last season that Zumwalt is excited to see this season.

"I love the confidence they have and bring into practice day in and out," Zumwalt said. "You saw their abilities to naturally slide into leadership roles."

Gridley 2026 defensive end Jason Davis (right) runs through a drill on July 28. Photo by Chris Pedigo

Offense

2026 Quarterback, Eli Punzo – Punzo will be the first new set of hands that have received the ball since 2025 quarterback Gus Stogsdill handled the ball for the past three seasons. Pinzo has a great throwing motion and a strong ability to hold onto the ball. 

Punzo displays speed and if he catches a corner, defenders will read the number on the back of his jersey multiple times throughout the year.

Punzo told Yuba Sutter Butte Colusa Sports that he wants to be a role model to every player in the program and make sure everyone on the roster stays united. Zumwalt expressed that Punzo has a work ethic that is hard to top and Punzo expressed to YSBC that whatever type of work you put in off of the field, will show up during competition.

Punzo will also be playing safety for the Bulldogs, where he hauled in three interceptions last year.

2027 Running Backs Marcus Duncan and Manny Sandoval

Zumwalt told YSBC that he is excited to see what Duncan and Sandoval are able to produce at the varsity level, as Duncan was the primary ball handler at quarterback in the junior varsity level.  Zumwalt added that Duncan and Sandoval both have phenomenal-upfield vision to where they have quick reaction times to make people miss.

Gridley 2026 running back/cornerback Noe Moran catches a pass on July 28. Photo by Chris Pedigo

Defense

2026 Defensive End, Jason Davis – The Gridley defense will be anchored by one of the biggest problems in the Northern Section last season. Davis man-handled opposing offenses and haunted the dreams of quarterbacks. Davis led the Bulldogs with 72 tackles last season, including 16.0 for a loss.

Davis told YSBC he doesn't waste a day as there is always something to improve and get better at daily. "There is nothing to stop you from putting in the extra work, especially when your opponents are working too," Davis said.

Davis expressed this year is about making memories on the field with his friends that will last for a lifetime.

2026 Cornerback, Noe Moran – Moran expressed to YSBC that his offseason work stemmed from the heartbreak loss against Lassen last year. "We need to put in the work and go above and beyond all of our competition," Moran said. "You have to do the hard work when everyone else is off.

Moran added that holding one another accountable throughout the season will be a big component throughout the entire program.

Gridley head coach Daniel Zumwalt rolls a piece of equipment during practice on July 28. Photo by Chris Pedigo

Schedule

8/29 vs. University Prep (Redding), 7:30 p.m.

9/12 at Winters, 7:30 p.m.

9/19 at Colusa, 7:30 p.m.

9/26 vs. Paradise, 7:30 p.m.

10/3 vs. Willows, 7:30 p.m.

10/10 vs. Orland * 7:30 p.m.

10/17 at Oroville * 7:30 p.m.

10/24 vs. Live Oak * 7:30 p.m.

10/31 at Las Plumas (Oroville) * 7:30 p.m.

11/7 vs. Corning * 7:30 p.m.

* Butte View League game

The opening matchup of the season against University Prep is a great start for the Bulldogs as they avenged last year's opening loss in the postseason. 

Gridley's preseason will set them up for another opportunity to make a play at the BVL title as they were in contention with Orland last year.

The Bulldogs will host the "Harvest Bowl" against Live Oak on October 24 in the quest for their 12th consecutive victory in the series.

All of the captains of the Gridley squad expressed they wanted to win, but the memories they plan to make this season will last and always be in their thoughts moving forward from the program.