Fall football is back in Jefferson County, and the Culver Bulldogs wasted no time making a statement.

Head coach B. Silbernagel's squad opened the 2026 season with a road win at Weston-McEwen/Griswold on Friday, September 4 — a solid start for a program that represents the small community of Culver on the shores of Lake Billy Chinook.

The Bulldogs now return home to host Grant Union this Friday, September 11, with kickoff set for 7:00 p.m. It will be Culver's first home game of the season and a chance to build early momentum in the schedule.

A Community Rallying Around Its Team

In Culver, high school football is more than a game — it's a Friday-night tradition that pulls the whole town together. The Culver Booster Club has been active this fall, recently hosting a Back-to-School Cornhole Tournament that raised funds for student athletics across the district. That kind of grassroots support underscores what local sports mean to these tight-knit communities.

Grant Union, based in John Day in Grant County, travels a long distance for Friday's contest — a testament to the scheduling realities of small-school Oregon football, where teams often log significant miles to fill out their slates.

Jefferson County Football on the Rise

Culver isn't the only school with Friday night action this week. Across Jefferson County, fall sports are in full swing as the school year gets underway. Cross country, volleyball, and soccer teams are also competing, giving student-athletes and their families plenty of reasons to fill bleachers and sidelines throughout the county this September.

The Madras White Buffalos are also gearing up for their schedule after finishing last season 4-5 overall with a strong 4-1 league record. Madras fans should watch for home game dates as the season progresses.

Come Out Friday Night

If you're looking for something to do this Friday evening, head out to Culver High School for the home opener against Grant Union. Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. Admission proceeds support the athletic programs that keep Jefferson County kids active and engaged throughout the school year.

  • Game: Culver Bulldogs vs. Grant Union
  • Date: Friday, September 11, 2026
  • Time: 7:00 p.m.
  • Location: Culver High School, Culver, OR