Gridley senior quarterback Eli Punzo (5) rushes with junior tight end Jace Griggs (88) looking downfield for a block on Nov. 14. Photo by Chris Pedigo

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, CA (YSBC) - The Gridley Bulldogs and Biggs Wolverines football teams both picked up wins on Nov. 14 in the first round of the CIF Northern Section playoffs and earned spots in their respective division semifinals tonight with kickoff at 7 p.m.

Gridley 20, University Prep 10 - Gridley was able to move the ball across the slick and muddy grass in the “Boneyard” and knocked the University Prep Panthers out of the NS Division III playoffs.

The Bulldogs had a 7-3 lead at the half and head coach Daniel Zumwalt expressed to Yuba Sutter Butte Colusa Sports that they had made some mistakes throughout the night, but consistently fought for the win.

Zumwalt added that University Prep made plenty of adjustments from the first time they met back in August.

Gridley senior quarterback Eli Punzo led the rush attack on the ground for the Bulldogs as he rushed the ball 16 times for 98 yards in the win.

Gridley senior quarterback Eli Punzo (5) runs the ball on Nov. 14 in the Bulldogs’ 20-10 win against University Prep. Photo by Chris Pedigo

Gridley ran the ball for 289 yards on the ground in the win and juniors Benny Dewsnup and Jace Griggs both rushed for more than 80 yards in the game.

Zumwalt said the defense was locked in and played great in the win and held a great Panthers offense to minimal scoring drives.

The Bulldogs host the Pierce Bears for the opportunity to play in the D-III Section title game. Kickoff is scheduled at 7 p.m. tonight.

Gridley and Pierce have multiple common opponents throughout the season and the only difference is the Bears loss to Winters on Nov. 7.

If the Bulldogs are victorious, they will host the Division III Section final.

Gridley junior lineman Bernie Rodarte (78) goes for a tackle on Nov. 14 in the Bulldogs’ 20-10 victory against University Prep. Photo by Chris Pedigo

Biggs 33, Portola 6 - The Biggs Wolverines paid an old debt to the Portola Tigers as ended their season with a dominant 33-6 win last week in the NS Division V opening round.

Biggs head coach Brian Harrison told YSBC that the Wolverines came out of the game all healthy and it’s a blessing to be this late in the season with a lot of health.

Harrison added that Biggs had a great-game plan for the Tigers and were ready to go.

Wolverines senior quarterback Skyler Long had a balanced game as he threw for 67 yards in the air and rushed for 66 on the ground.

Defensively, Biggs had two interceptions returned for a touchdown and controlled the Portola offense in the win.

Biggs senior quarterback Skyler Long (16) breaks a tackle in the Wolverines’ 28-21 victory on Oct. 24 against Los Molinos. Photo by Chris Pedigo

Wolverines junior running back Cashten Acosta found big holes in the Tigers defense as he rushed for 144 yards.

Biggs travels to Maxwell tonight for the chance to get into the D-V final. The Panthers beat the Wolverines in a 49-36 shootout on Sept. 29 and Harrison said he feels good going into the game.

Harrison added they were without some key components in the first matchup and is ready to battle it out for a championship opportunity.

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