The Las Plumas Thunderbirds spoiled Gridley High School’s homecoming celebration Friday night, rallying for a thrilling 39–35 victory in their Westside League opener. The win was especially sweet for Las Plumas, marking the first time the Thunderbirds have defeated Gridley in 10 years.

It was a wild night of football that saw Las Plumas overcome a difficult start, explosive scoring runs from both teams, and a tense finish to secure the historic victory.

Gridley struck almost immediately, intercepting a Las Plumas pass and returning it for a touchdown just 17 seconds into the game. The Bulldogs added to their early lead with a safety after a snap sailed over the quarterback’s head, taking a 15–0 advantage into the second quarter.

Las Plumas responded in the second quarter with a touchdown to cut into the deficit. late in the in quarter LP marched the ball down the field and threatening to score, only to have the drive end in heartbreak when Gridley intercepted a pass in the end zone. Despite coming away without points, the Thunderbirds continued to battle and set the stage for an explosive second half.

The third quarter turned into a scoring frenzy, with both teams putting up 20 points. The Thunderbirds found their rhythm offensively, led by an outstanding performance from Kaden Parris, who scored three touchdowns, including an electrifying kickoff return. Parris made his presence felt throughout the night with several impressive catches and long runs that kept the Las Plumas offense moving.

Lawrence Paton also came up with a big play, turning a catch into a touchdown with an impressive run after the reception.

Quarterback Brandon Robinson showed tremendous grit and determination in leading the Thunderbirds. Under constant pressure from the Gridley defense, Robinson was hurried and sacked several times, but he refused to back down. He stayed strong, continued to battle through the pressure, and kept leading the Las Plumas offense when the team needed him most. His toughness and perseverance were a key part of the Thunderbirds’ effort to overcome adversity and earn a memorable road victory.

With the game hanging in the balance in the fourth quarter, the Thunderbirds’ defense stepped up when it mattered most. Las Plumas stopped three Gridley drives in the final period, keeping the Bulldogs off the scoreboard while the Thunderbirds continued to battle for the lead.

Las Plumas delivered the decisive blow with a touchdown with just 1:56 remaining, taking a 39–35 lead and putting the pressure squarely on Gridley.

The Bulldogs mounted one final drive and had a chance to reclaim the lead, but the Thunderbirds came through in the clutch. Facing fourth-and-10, Gridley came up just inches short of the first down, turning the ball over to Las Plumas and allowing the Thunderbirds to seal the hard-fought victory.

After overcoming an early 15-point deficit and surviving a dramatic finish, Las Plumas left Gridley with a memorable league-opening win and a little homecoming heartbreak for the Bulldogs. The victory was a testament to the Thunderbirds’ resilience, big-play ability, and determination to finish strong.

The Thunderbirds will look to carry that momentum into next week’s matchup as they celebrate Senior Night at Harrison Stadium. Las Plumas will host the Live Oak Lions on Friday at 7:30 p.m.