High school football rankings: Downey vs. Turlock, Central Catholic vs. Oakdale key Top 10 matchups

Week 9 might be the most exciting week of high school football this season.

This Friday, the area will be treated to key league matchups that can shake up not only our Top 10 but playoff seeding.

In the CCAL, Downey and Turlock face off in a highly anticipated matchup. Last season, the game was decided by a field goal at Turlock High. This year, the 6-1 Knights and 2-5 Bulldogs square off at Downey. The Knights are 4-0 at home this season, and though Turlock has won just one road game, as we’ve said all season, their nonleague record is deceiving.

In the VOL, Central Catholic and Oakdale meet once again. Both teams are 2-0 heading into Friday night’s showdown at the Corral. Both have had no problem putting up points so far in league play. The Raiders, in wins over East Union and Kimball, averaged 43.5 points a game. The Mustangs scored an average of 52 points in wins over Sierra and East Union. Of course, on Friday night, fans may not be near the offensive outburst from either team, but it will still be a great game nonetheless.

In the TVL, Hilmar and Escalon take over Modesto Junior College for the latest edition of a longstanding rivalry. This year’s matchup will be different than any other because now, the game has a name: the “Vaca Bowl.” For the first time ever, the two schools will play for a trophy as well in “The battle for the milk can.” Last season, Hilmar beat Escalon en route to an unbeaten TVL title but Escalon got a win when it mattered most, knocking the Yellowjackets out of the playoffs.

Here’s a look at the week’s Top 10 and their matchups.

1. Central Catholic (5-2)

Last Week: 40-12 win vs Kimball

This Week: 9/13 at No. 7 Oakdale

Central Catholic bested Kimball last Friday thanks to a breakout rushing performance from sophomore Carter Meeks (14 carries, 122 yards, two touchdowns). After rolling in their first two Valley Oak League games, the Raiders gear up to face one of their league rivals in Oakdale on Friday night. Central Catholic is 3-2 in their last five meetings.

2. Escalon (6-1)

Last Week: 55-14 win vs Modesto Christian

This Week: 10/13 vs No. 9 Hilmar

Defense led the way for the Cougars in their Trans Valley League win over Modesto Christian. Escalon came away with three interceptions, recovered a pair of fumbles and sacked the opposing quarterback seven times. Escalon looks to take down the reigning Trans Valley League champions this week.

3. Downey (6-1)

Last Week: 59-0 win vs Modesto

This Week: 9/13 vs No. 6 Turlock

Ethan Woodmansee has yet another big receiving game in a blowout win over Modesto. This week will likely decide the CCAL title as Downey hosts No. 6 Turlock High. Last season, the Knights won on a field goal. Both teams enter the matchup 2-0 in league play.

4. Patterson (6-1)

Last Week: 49-15 win vs Atwater

This Week: 10/12 at Central Valley

Patterson bounced back from its loss to Merced with a dominant showing against Atwater. Though the quest for an outright CCC title is over, the Tigers can claim a share of the league crown should Merced drop a game.

5. Hughson (5-2)

Last Week: 41-0 win at Livingston

This Week: 9/13 vs Modesto Christian

Robert McDaniel threw for three touchdown passes and Alexander Villarreal and Ryan Borrelli rushed for one score offensively for Hughson. The defense recovered three fumbles and special teams blocked a punt in a dominant showing against Livingston. Hughson will face a Modesto Christian squad looking for its first TVL win.

6. Turlock (2-5)

Last Week: 58-0 win vs Pitman

This Week: 9/13 at No. 3 Downey

After taking down Gregori and Pitman, Turlock moved from 10th to sixth in our rankings. They were the more physical team in their two early CCAL games and benefited from great quarterback play from senior Vincent Gonzalez. This week they take on the reigning league champion in what will likely determine the 2023 league champion.

7. Oakdale (6-1)

Last Week: 62-26 win vs East Union

This Week: 9/13 vs No. 1 Central Catholic

The Mustangs just keep on winning under first-year coach Garrett Martin. With last week’s big win over East Union, Oakdale matched its 2022 win total. Once again, Wes Burford was huge for the Mustangs, getting the scoring started with three first quarter rushing touchdowns. Oakdale and reigning VOL champion and league rival Central Catholic enter the game 2-0 in VOL play.

8. Gregori (5-2)

Last Week: 38-24 win vs Enochs

This Week: 9/13 at Modesto

Michael Marsden rushed for four touchdowns in the Jaguars’ first league win last week. He exploded for three scores on the ground in the second half to help Gregori pull away from Enochs in the win. Gregori looks for its second CCAL win this week against Modesto High.

9. Hilmar (5-2)

Last Week: 35-0 win at Ripon

This Week: 9/13 at No. 2 Escalon

Caden Bailey keeps running through defenses. The junior finished last week’s game against Ripon with 185 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just 13 carries. He will need a similar effort to help the defending TVL champions take on Escalon. Hilmar brings a four-game win streak into Friday’s matchup.

10. Ripon Christian (6-1)

Last Week: 56-14 win at Le Grand

This Week: 9/13 vs Mariposa County

Ripon Christian extended its Southern League win streak to nine games last week. Brady Grondz scored three rushing touchdowns and had three tackles while Amos Cady recorded an interception for the second straight week. This season, the Knights have not scored less than 40 points and have not allowed more than 14 against a league opponent. They face winless Mariposa County this week.