High school football rankings: Turlock, Escalon impress in league openers against ranked opponents
We’re seven weeks into the season, which means every team, including those in The Bee’s Top 10, have played at least one league game.
One big opener in the Central California Athletic League shook up the rankings: Turlock at Gregori. The Bulldogs earned their first win Thursday night in Modesto. They jumped ahead 35-3 in the first half and led 35-10 at halftime. The Jaguars made it interesting, but Turlock shut the door late. The Bulldogs come in at No. 7 but can continue to climb should they keep winning league games. Gregori dropped to No. 8 after the loss.
Central Catholic remains the area’s top team. The Raiders opened Valley Oak League play with a dominant win over East Union. As the reigning league champions, the 2023 Raiders are still title favorites with games against Kimball, Oakdale and Manteca ahead. Escalon remains the No. 2 team after escaping Hughson with a win. The Cougars went ahead by 14 late in the game, but a Huskies scoring drive made it a 21-14 game. Neither team moves in this week’s rankings after a hard-fought matchup.
Here’s a look at the rest of the Top 10.
1. Central Catholic (4-2)
Last Week: 47-7 win at East Union
This Week: 10/6 vs Kimball
The Raiders’ VOL title defense started with a commanding win thanks to big performances from TP Wentworth, Brooklyn Cheek, Trace Hernandez and the offensive line led by Troy Leota.
2. Escalon (5-1)
Last Week: 21-14 win at No. 5 Hughson
This Week: 10/6 vs Modesto Christian (at Modesto Christian)
“365 days.” That’s how long Escalon was waiting for their chance at beating Hughson after last season’s loss. They did that thanks in large part to a drive of eight-plus minutes in the second half. Sam Jimenez vs. Jeremiah Bernard will be a good matchup when Escalon plays MC in Week 8 Friday night.
3. Downey (5-1)
Last Week: 35-7 win at Pitman
This Week: 10/6 vs Modesto
Despite extra attention on top receiver Joseph Ramirez, Downey’s offense found its footing in the second half Friday night. In his return from injury, Carson Lamb threw for 408 yards. Receiver Ethan Woodmansee had 221 yards and a pair of touchdown catches. A big league matchup looms 10/13 against Turlock.
4. Patterson (5-1)
Last Week: 44-17 loss vs Merced
This Week: 10/6 vs Atwater
The Tigers’ quest for a third straight CCC title just got tougher after Friday’s loss to Merced. The Bears are peaking at the right time. Patterson looks to bounce back against Atwater which is 2-1 in league play.
5. Hughson (4-2)
Last Week: 21-14 loss vs No. 2 Escalon
This Week: 10/6 at Livingston
Hughson gave Escalon all it could handle Friday night in a clean game that did not have a turnover. The Huskies play three of their last four TVL games on the road.
6. Oakdale (5-1)
Last Week: 42-35 win at Sierra
This Week: 10/6 vs East Union
Oakdale rebounded from their final nonleague loss to Escalon by squeaking out a game against Sierra. Now things get tough as they play Central Catholic, Kimball and Manteca in three of their final four VOL contests.
7. Turlock (1-5)
Last Week: 51-24 win at No. 8 Gregori
This Week: 10/6 vs Pitman
Turlock’s ascension through the Top 10 could be underway after a win over Gregori on Thursday night. The Bulldogs imposed their will physically, forcing five turnovers. Jr. Silva and Hunter Kincaid had pick-sixes. They play Pitman in another edition of the Harvest Bowl.
8. Gregori (4-2)
Last Week: 51-24 loss vs No. 7 Turlock
This Week: 10/6 vs Enochs
The Jaguars got into a first-half hole that they could not climb out of. With the chance to cut it to a seven-point game in the fourth quarter, a fumble on the 1-yard line helped Turlock regain momentum. They hope to bounce back with a win over Enochs. Gregori beat the Eagles in overtime last year.
9. Hilmar (4-2)
Last Week: 42-3 win vs Livingston
This Week: 10/6 at Ripon
The reigning TVL champions have benefited from a position change. After starting the season at quarterback, Caden Bailey is now a running back. The Yellowjackets beat Livingston and search for their fourth straight win Friday.
10. Ripon Christian (5-1)
Last Week: 54-0 win vs Waterford
This Week: 10/6 at Le Grand
The Knights shut out their fourth opponent in five games Friday night in their win over Waterford. The only team’s 3-0 in Southern League play are the Knights and Gustine. Ripon Christian takes on Le Grand in a game that could help determine who comes out SL Champs Friday night.
