GRIDLEY, CA (YSBC) - The first Westside League games of the CIF Northern Section began on Jan. 13 and the Gridley Bulldogs boys soccer team shutout the Live Oak Lions in a 1-0 victory.

The rivalry between the two neighboring communities has had instant classics over the years and intensity between both squads is always present.

Gridley senior Nery Martinez expressed to Yuba Sutter Butte Colusa Sports that players from both teams grew up as teammates and opponents with one another.

“We are all a big family,” Martinez said. He added that they all love to compete against one another as it brings out the best completion for them playing on the field.

Live Oak’s Andres Ascencio (9) crosses a ball during the Lions’ 1-0 defeat to Gridley on Jan. 13. Photo by Steven Bryla

Martinez scored the lone goal of the match in the first minute of the game as the Bulldogs had the opening kick.

Martinez darted up the middle of the field as a kick was booted towards the Live Oak defensive line and Martinez put the ball into the back of the net.

Gridley head coach Jesse Barajas told YSBC that he and his coaching staff expressed prior to the game that if the Lions lined up in a certain formation, they’d place Martinez in a different spot than he usually would have been to attempt a different approach. 

Barajas was working the Bulldogs scoreboard and started the timer when the goal happened, he smirked and let off a big smile. 

Live Oak’s Anthony Garcia (11) dribbles downfield on Jan. 13 during the Lions’ 1-0 loss to Gridley. Photo by Steven Bryla

Barajas added that instead of there being a single standout player on the roster, as a collective group, it has been someone different each game that has propelled Gridley to victory.

The rest of the match was a battle and both teams had other opportunities to score but the great play of both goalkeepers Juan Ziranda (Live Oak) and Carlos Sanchez (Gridley), denied every other shot that came close.

Lions head coach Dirceo Ramirez said that he was proud of the way his team played and battled throughout the entire match as it was even after the goal by Martinez.

Ramirez and Barajas expressed they expect to square off at least two more times this year as the next match between these squads will be in Live Oak on Jan. 29.

Live Oak’s Juan Ziranda (1) kicks the ball upfield during the Lions’ 1-0 defeat to Gridley on Jan. 13. Photo by Steven Bryla

This rivalry has had multiple games where they square off in the postseason, which includes the semifinals of the NSCIF Division II in 2024, 2025 and the 2023 finals. 

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Gridley senior AB Lopez (20) boots a ball on Jan. 13 in the Bulldogs 1-0 win against Live Oak. Photo by Steven Bryla