The Tracy High Bulldogs put a stop to the Kimball Jaguars’ fourth-quarter comeback to win 28-26 in a nail-biter. A game that through three quarters looked to be another blowout for the Bulldogs, turned out to be one of their most entertaining finishes of the year.

The matchup started with a successful onside kick for the Jaguars, silencing spectators and the Tracy sideline. But despite the early miscue, the first three quarters were dominated by the Bulldogs. This hot start was led by Tracy’s running back David Grisham. He dominated the ground game with over 200 yards and two touchdowns rushing.

With this stellar performance, Grisham cemented his league lead in rushing, putting up over 1,000 yards in the regular season. During a night where running the ball looked easy for Grisham, he explained what goes through his head when he’s handed the rock.

“Every time I touch the ball, I just want to knock someone’s helmet loose and the yards… just build up,” said Grisham. “All off-season I was in the gym and on the field, so coming in… I knew I was due for a breakout season.”

After cruising for three quarters, the Bulldogs began to stumble.

Kimball capitalized with two more successful onside kicks and touchdown passes of 52, 41 and 60 yards to close within two points. The Jaguars then lined up for a two-point conversion to tie the game.

Tracy’s defense was able to shut down the attempt, and the game seemed to be all but over. Then on the following onside kick, Kimball came up with the ball yet again for their fourth successful onside of the game.

Then with two minutes left up by two, defensive back Jayden Ballard, who was the star of the game on the defensive side of the ball with two interceptions including a 97-yard pick six, needed to lead the struggling defense to a game-winning stop to keep their season alive.

“We knew we had to win this game not only to make playoffs but for our seniors. We knew what we had to do, and we went out there and executed,” Ballard stated proudly in reflection of the drive.

The Bulldogs’ defense finally came up with a stop with the game on the line, securing a win over their rivals and extending their season despite a horror-filled fourth quarter on Halloween night.

Looking Ahead to Playoffs

Now Tracy has two weeks to prepare for a daunting quarter-final matchup on Nov. 14 against the section’s division two leader, Manteca High.

Elijah Castanon, Tracy’s halfback, gives insight into what the Bulldogs’ mindset will be like in preparation for such a big game against a hot team in Manteca.

“We need to put our heads down and get to work,” said Castanon. “When the game comes, we’ve got to be ready. There’s no time for nervousness, just pure business.”