Football Recap: Gridley's Punishing Run Game Keeps Rolling + How To Watch

With a playoff win on the line, Gridley rose to the challenge on Friday. They were the clear victors by a 22-0 margin over the Pierce Bears. The result was nothing new for the Bulldogs, who have now won five games by 20 points or more so far this season.

Eli Punzo

Rushing Yards

11/21/25 vs Pierce	151
11/14/25 vs University Prep	98
11/07/25 vs Corning	112
10/31/25 @ Las Plumas	63
10/24/25 vs Live Oak	201
+ 7 more games

Eli Punzo continued his habit of posting crazy stat lines, rushing for 151 yards and three TDs on only 13 carries. With that strong performance, he is now averaging an impressive 100.6 rushing yards per game. Marcus Duncan was another key player, rushing for 129 yards on only 12 carries.

They were just one part of a punishing run game: Gridley was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 385 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 178 rushing yards in 18 consecutive contests dating back to last season.

Gridley didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Michael Sandoval and Rafael Franco.

Gridley's record now sits at 12-0. As for Pierce, their loss dropped their record down to 10-2.

Coming up, Gridley will challenge Orland at 7:00 p.m. on the 29th. The Bulldogs' defense better be ready for this one: the Trojans have averaged an impressive 36.7 points per game this season. Pierce does not have any more games scheduled as of now.