Gridley senior quarterback Eli Punzo (5) rushes towards the end zone on Friday, Sept. 19 for a touchdown in the Bulldogs' 27-7 win over Colusa. Photo by Max Tolman

COLUSA, CA (YSBC) – The Gridley Bulldogs stayed perfect on the 2025 season as they went on the road and beat the Colusa RedHawks 27-7 on Friday, Sept. 19. 

This was Gridley's first 3-0 start since the 2006 season and head coach Daniel Zumwalt said he was happy to get the win. 

The Bulldogs put points on the scoreboard late in the second quarter when senior running back Isaac Punzo scored on a 12-yard rushing touchdown for a 6-0 lead. Punzo rushed the ball eight times for 94 yards in the win.

Gridley senior quarterback Eli Punzo added to the Bulldogs as she rushed the ball in the end zone for the first of two touchdowns of the night for a 13-point advantage.

Colusa answered back before the end of the first half as sophomore running back rushed in the only touchdown of the night for the RedHawks.

Colusa head coach Mason Niccum told Yuba Sutter Butte Colusa Sports that there were opportunities to make plays and the RedHawks didn't execute enough.

Niccum added that the result isn't what they wanted, but the effort is clearly there and is looking forward to a good week of practice.

The Gridley defense has given up single-digits twice in their three games this year. Photo by Max Tolman

The Bulldogs opened with the ball in the second half and extended their lead back to 13 after Eli ran the ball for a nine-yard rushing touchdown.

Eli ran the ball for nearly half of the 455 rushing yards that Gridley rushed for as a squad. Eli ran the ball 23 times for 211 total yards.

Gridley head coach Daniel Zumwalt expressed to YSBC that the Bulldogs made a lot of penalties that he wasn't happy with and wants to clean up before their next game.

Gridley junior running back Marcus Duncan added 83 yards on the ground as he had eight rush attempts in the victory. 

Senior running back Saulo Ramirez added the final score of the game later in the third for his first touchdown of the season.

The Bulldogs are scheduled to host Paradise on Friday, Sept. 26 with kickoff at 7:30 p.m.

Colusa is scheduled to enter league play this upcoming Friday as they open Sacramento Valley League play against Pierce. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., but Niccum added that he is excited for another week and having a chance at a win.

Niccum expressed to YSBC that this is the second of three parts of the gauntlet of home games and the goal is to still get a victory for the faithful.

Niccum said the RedHawks have to play a clean game and execute. Pierce is coming into the game without key pieces, but for both sides affected by injury, it will be a battle.

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