The Gridley Bulldogs flag football team celebrates the program’s first section title and the only Sac-Joaquin Section title in school history after defeating Colfax 39-0 on Saturday, Nov. 7. Photo by Limitless Films, Edgar Orozco

SACRAMENTO, CA (YSBC) - The Gridley Bulldogs flag football team shut out the Colfax Falcons 39-0 on Saturday, Nov. 7 and brought back their first blue banner in program history.

In the program's second year of existence, Gridley achieved something that has never been done before.

The Bulldogs were the first Northern Section to assemble a girl’s flag football team in 2025, and they were placed in the Pioneer Valley League of the Sac-Joaquin Section to play their schedule.

The Gridley defense played lights out throughout the game, but the most impressive stop came on Colfax's opening drive of the game.

Gridley senior Nayeli Romos (3) makes a flag pull on Saturday, Nov. 7 in the Bulldogs’ 39-0 win over Colfax. Photo by Steven Bryla

The Falcons were driving the ball effectively on their first drive of the game, but a goal-line stand by the Bulldogs.

The first quarter was scoreless, and Gridley was the first team to put points on the board in the game as junior quarterback Delanie Cloyd hit senior Valeria Poynor for a six-yard touchdown pass.

Cloyd had two touchdown passes in the win.

On Colfax’s next drive, Bulldogs senior defensive back Nayeli Romo intercepted a Falcons pass attempt and gave the Bulldogs great field possession.

Romo’s interception was the first of three-straight interceptions on Colfax to end the first half.

Gridley senior Valeria Poynor hauls in the first touchdown on Saturday, Nov. 7 in the Bulldogs’ victory against Colfax. Photo by Steven Bryla

Cloyd said that the defense was locked in and they were confident in their ability to see things normal as this was the third meeting between the Gridley and Colfax.

She added that the Bulldogs had full belief in themselves because in the first matchup of the year, the Bulldogs weren’t confident when playing one of the most successful small programs in small-school flag football.

The Falcons postseason resume includes a season that hasn’t ended before the semifinals, including this year was their third-consecutive trip to a section final.

Gridley junior Delanie Cloyd (6) tosses a pass downfield during the Bulldogs’ 39-0 win on Saturday, Nov. 7 against Colfax. Photo by Steven Bryla

Gridley had four interceptions in the victory on Saturday and they were by four-different Bulldogs.

Gridley after seniors Kaydenze Pruitt and Ava Campos extended the Bulldogs lead after they each scored on a rushing touchdown and led 19-0 at the half.

Campos had three rushing touchdowns in the win and capped off her career with a 36-yard rushing touchdown in the final minute of the game.

Campos expressed to YSBC that it was an unbelievable feeling to accomplish a section title with this team in their second year.

She added that the amount of work Gridley has put in just contributed so much throughout the year and it couldn’t be a better feeling than ending it with a section title.

Gridley senior Natalie Mariscal (8) rushes the ball during the Bulldogs’ win against Colfax on Saturday, Nov. 7. Photo by Steven Bryla

Bulldogs head coach John Cooprider was ecstatic and couldn’t be prouder of his team for everything this season.

Cooprider said that the San Diego tournament was a big eye opener to everyone on the roster.

He said they played well against great competition and that built confidence within the team and helped them believe that they can accomplish a lot together.

Cooprider said this was a special group of athletes, and it’s been an exciting ride with this group and just happy they went out with what they have been the entire time, champions.

Since Gridley returned from San Diego in the beginning of September, the Bulldogs went 16-3.

The Gridley community showed out for the girls at Cosumnes River College on Saturday and the girls have felt the endless support over the past two seasons.

Gridley senior Kaydenze Pruitt (00) reaches for the end zone on Saturday, Nov. 7 in the Bulldogs’ win against Colfax. Photo by Steven Bryla

Bulldogs senior Natalie Mariscal, who had an interception and hauled in a 20-yd touchdown pass from Cloyd, said that her and her teammates couldn’t be any happier than bringing a championship back for the community.

Mariscal added that the endless support has been amazing over the past couple years.

Gridley’s accomplishment on Saturday should be celebrated to the maximum and it will remain historic as they won a section title as part of a different section.

When this banner gets put into a trophy case on the campus, it will be the only SJS affiliated pennant, but it may not be the last as Cooprider is looking forward to the future of the program.