Gridley senior running back Marcus Duncan catches a pitch during the Bulldogs’ practice on Aug. 4. Photo by Steven Bryla

Gridley Bulldogs 2026

2025 Record: 13-1 (Lost in CIF 4-A state semifinals)

Coach: Daniel Zumwalt

League: Westside League

GRIDLEY, CA (YSBC) - The Gridley Bulldogs had their best season in 2025 as their lone loss came in the final minutes of the CIF-4A NorCal final against Lincoln (San Jose).

As 11 seniors departed that 2025 squad, the remaining 27 members of that team came into 2026 with a chip on their shoulder.

Gridley head coach Daniel Zumwalt expressed to Yuba Sutter Butte Colusa Sports that he is excited for the upcoming season.

Zumwalt said it’s going to be a challenging season as their non-league schedule consists of high-caliber teams that are great teams.

He added that the challenging schedule will help prepare the Bulldogs for a gritty Westside League slate as they are now the team hunting them at the top of the league.

Gridley senior quarterback Manny Sandoval (right) pitches the ball during the Bulldogs’ practice on Aug. 4. Photo by Steven Bryla

Offense

Gridley senior quarterback Manny Sandoval returns to the team after suffering an injury towards the end of the regular season. 

Sandoval told YSBC that his recovery and physical therapy went well to get back and he is excited to be back on the field with his teammates.

He rushed for 848 yards and four touchdowns last seasons

Bulldogs senior running back Marcus Duncan rushed for 967 yards on the ground for Gridley in 2025.

Duncan said the team has a sour taste in their mouth as the returners were just minutes away from an opportunity to play for a state title.

Gridley senior defensive tackle Bernardo Rodarte (right) goes through a drill on Aug. 4 during the Bulldogs practice. Photo by Steven Bryla

Defense

Gridley’s defense lost a lot of senior leadership, but they bring back a ton of experience.

Bulldogs senior defensive end Jace Griggs will be a hard charger off the d-line as he had 78 tackles sophomore linebacker Nolan Shirley had 74 tackles in 2025.

Opposing quarterbacks should be cautious in the air as senior defensive back Rafael Franco led Gridley with six interceptions.

Gridley head coach Daniel Zumwalt eyes practice on Aug. 4. Photo by Steven Bryla

Schedule

9/4 at Pierce (Arbuckle), 7 p.m.

9/11 at Red Bluff, 7:30 p.m.

9/18 vs Paradise, 7:30 p.m.

9/25 at Colfax, 7:30 p.m

10/2 vs. Lassen (Susanville), 7:30 p.m.

10/9 vs. Las Plumas (Oroville), 7:30 p.m. *

10/16 at Orland, 7:30 p.m. *

10/23 vs. Corning, 7:30 p.m. *

10/30 at Oroville, 7:30 p.m. (Harrison Stadium) *

11/6 vs.Live Oak, 7:30 p.m. (Harvest Bowl) *

*= Westside League contest