GRIDLEY, Calif. -- The Bulldogs hit the practive field Monday afternoon in preperation for their season.

The team is coming off a 8-4 season in the Butte View League. The team says they are hoping for a deeper playoff run this year after losing to Sutter High in the second round last season. 

The Bulldogs say they are strong on both sides of the ball and really clicked defensively in their final six games, totaling 29 sacks in that span. 

Head Coach Matt Kemmis is coming into his third year as coach and says he wants even more. 

"Stats can be deceptive," said Kemmis. "I think for us it's more about stopping the run game than the sack numbers. I think sacks come from good pass coverage and beating blocks up, but if you can't stop the run game most teams will not attempt a pass very often. I think if you really want to take that next step like becoming a championship team, offense can win you games but defense wins championships." 

Gridley's first game will be on September 6 at Paradise High.