Gridley Titans 8U players take the field through orange and blue smoke before their season opener against the West Valley Jr. Eagles on Aug. 15 in Gridley. Photo courtesy of Gridley Titans Coach Jesse Vasquez.

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - The Gridley Titans Youth Football program returned to the field Aug. 15, opening the 2026 season with four games against the West Valley Jr. Eagles of Cottonwood.

The opening-day schedule brought all four Titans teams to the Boneyard at 300 E. Spruce St., beginning with the 8U game at 10 a.m. and concluding with the 14U matchup at 4 p.m.

Gridley finished the day with victories at the 14U and 10U levels, while West Valley picked up wins against the 12U and 8U teams.

The 14U Titans closed the day with a 19-6 victory after controlling possession for much of the game and limiting West Valley's offense.

“The Titans defense was lights out, hardly giving the Eagles any room to breathe with constant pressure,” coach Aaron Lumsden said. “The Titans offense controlled the ball for the majority of the game.”

Gridley produced three touchdowns. Caleb Oakley scored on a 9-yard run, while Anthony Flores-Hernandez reached the end zone on a 20-yard run.

The Titans scored through the air when quarterback Cal Lumsden connected with Levi Bowling for a 20-yard touchdown pass.

Gridley Titans 12U game captains Madden Jackson, Casen Gruber, Jesse Delgado and Ashton Hospers walk to midfield before the Titans' season opener against the West Valley Jr. Eagles on Aug. 15 in Gridley. Photo courtesy of  Gridley Titans Coach Jason Davis.

The 10U Titans started the season with a victory, defeating West Valley 19-7.

Morgan Ruggirello, Emmitt Burns and Adrian Thao each scored touchdowns for Gridley. Hendrix Daehn added the Titans' lone extra point.

Branston Crislip led the Titans with 85 receiving yards.

“It was a great day for the 10U Titans,” coach Randal Huff said. “They look to continue their good play this next weekend when they welcome the Willows Jr. Honkers to the Boneyard.”

The 12U Titans and West Valley remained scoreless through nearly the entire first half. The Eagles broke the tie on the final play before halftime to take a 6-0 lead.

Gridley responded by recovering an onside kick to begin the second half, but the ensuing drive stalled. West Valley later added another touchdown to secure a 12-0 victory.

“The Titans had five turnovers in the game and were unable to overcome them,” coach Jason Davis said.

The 8U Titans opened Saturday's schedule and faced an early deficit as West Valley built a 21-0 advantage.

Gridley made defensive adjustments after falling behind and kept West Valley from adding to its lead for the remainder of the contest, according to coach Jesse Vasquez. Turnovers also caused problems for the Titans' offense. A final score was not provided.

“The season is young and the Titans will bounce back from the opening weekend,” Vasquez said.

With the opening weekend complete, Gridley turns its attention to the Willows Jr. Honkers.

The Titans' 14U and 8U teams are scheduled to play at home Saturday, Aug. 22. The 10U and 12U teams will follow with home games against Willows on Sunday, Aug. 23.