High School Football Rankings: Stanislaus District’s Preseason Top 10
For many people, nothing beats football in the fall.
The start of a season means every team is in the same position, 0-0. All of the off-season chatter of who beats whom or what happens if one team plays another will all be settled over the course of the two-and-a-half-month regular season.
Each team plays 10 games with one bye. Teams schedule anywhere from four to six nonleague games, depending on how many schools are in a league, then the real fun starts: Teams battle for league championships and playoff berths. Those that advance to the postseason reset and compete for a section title and trip to CIF State Bowl Games.
Each season, the Stanislaus District produces some of the best teams in the section, and this year is expected to be no different. The Bee’s ranked teams often find themselves in the hunt for section and state championships, playing through the fall, practicing on Thanksgiving and into December.
Here is The Bee’s preseason Top 10, with teams ranked based on program pedigree, last season’s results and key returners. Each team’s 2022 record is in parentheses.
1. Central Catholic (8-5)
League: Valley Oak League
Key Games: 8/25 at St. Mary’s, 9/8 vs Serra, 10/13 at Oakdale, 10/20 vs Manteca
A VOL champion and Division I section playoff semifinal finisher last season, the Raiders’ numbers are up and they have returners everywhere. TP Wentworth is back at quarterback, Roman Foumai is on the line and Trace Hernandez and Brooklyn Cheek are on the outside. The Raiders benefited from off-season transfers. Some will be eligible right away, while others will have to sit out the first five weeks.
2. Turlock (8-5)
League: Central California Athletic League
Key Games: 8/18 at Rocklin, 9/8 vs Folsom, 9/15 vs Clayton Valley Charter, 10/13 at Downey
In reaching the Division I semifinals last season, the Bulldogs produced the best postseason run in more than 20 years, but two main contributors from that team graduated. Quarterback Vincent Gonzalez takes over for Cole Gilbert and it will be running back by committee in replace of last season’s leading rusher, JT Foreman II.
3. Escalon (13-3)
League: Trans-Valley League
Key Games: 8/25 at Buchanan, 9/15 at Oakdale, 9/29 at Hughson, 10/13 vs Hilmar
A three-peat as section champions means the Cougars are regulars in The Bee’s Top 10. In 2022, they capped a roller coaster season with section and state titles. A bulked-up offensive line joins three-year varsity players Donovan Rozevink and Jamin Miller as Escalon suits up for another season.
4. Patterson (10-2)
League: Central California Conference
Key Games: 8/19 vs Hilmar, 9/9 at Menlo-Atherton, 9/29 vs Merced
The reigning back-to-back CCC champion Tigers enter their final season in the league eyeing a three-peat. They bring back last season’s quarterback Max Medina, interceptions leader Noah Cozart and an experienced line. Patterson is looking for its first section title appearance since 2007.
5. Downey (10-1)
League: Central California Athletic League
Key Games: 8/18 vs Lincoln, 9/1 vs Merced, 10/13 vs Turlock
Downey is coming off a perfect 10-0 regular season that included road wins at Lincoln and Turlock. This season, the Knights enter their league title defense with a new signal caller in junior Carson Lamb but have returners stepping up as leaders. The defensive line is the team’s most improved position group.
6. Hughson (13-2)
League: Trans-Valley League
Key Games: 9/8 vs Downey, 9/29 vs Escalon, 10/20 at Hilmar
The Huskies are in the top 10 after a 2022 season that also ended in section and state championships. They bring back starting quarterback Robert McDaniel and key starters David Burns, David Delgado, Larkin Meyer and Navi Arretche. It will be crowded atop the TVL and Hughson will be a key player.
7. Hilmar (7-4)
League: Trans-Valley League
Key Games: 8/18 at Patterson, 9/1 vs Sonora, 10/13 at Escalon, 10/20 vs Hughson
The 2022 TVL champion Yellowjackets will run it back with quarterback Caden Bailey, who is evolving as a passer. The junior was promoted from JV to varsity last year after the starter was injured, and he led the team to a perfect league record and a first-round bye in the Division V playoffs. After missing his entire junior season with an injury, linebacker Devin Colston could have a breakout senior campaign.
8. Oakdale (6-5)
League: Valley Oak League
Key Games: 9/8 vs Sheldon, 10/13 vs Central Catholic, 10/27 vs Manteca
The Mustangs are under new leadership, but the goal of making the playoffs remains the same. Garrett Martin, a 2010 Oakdale High graduate, replaces legend Trent Merzon as head coach and looks to maintain the program’s reputation as one of the best in Division III. Matchups against Central Catholic and Manteca late in the season historically have been keys in painting the postseason picture, and this year will be no different.
9. Ripon Christian (11-3)
League: Southern Athletic League
Key Games: 8/18 at Central Valley Christian-Visalia, 9/22 vs Orestimba
After numerous tries in previous years, Ripon Christian finally won its first football section title in 2022. Then quarterback Trey Fasani and the Knights’ two leading receivers graduated. Though new starter Mason Tameling is just a sophomore, he has some experienced weapons around him. Tight end Jace Beidleman, 2022 leading rusher Grant Sonke and Brady Grondz are just a few returners who expect big seasons.
10. Orestimba (10-2)
League: Southern Athletic League
Key Games: 9/1 vs Los Banos, 9/22 at Ripon Christian
Last season’s SL champions enter a new year with an experienced quarterback. Alex Milan is back for his senior year after passing for 2,004 yards and throwing 33 touchdowns with just three interceptions. Orestimba is coming off a perfect 7-0 league record and a 10-win season for the first time since 2017. The Warriors won three straight league titles from 2015-2017, going a perfect 21-0 against SL opponents.
