Football: The Bee's Splendid Sevens

LARGE SCHOOLS

 1.  (1) Oakdale (6-0): The Mustangs hit 55 points for the third time this season, as Devin Brooks opened the game by returning the kickoff for a touchdown.

 2.  (2) Sierra (6-0): RB Jarrod Daniels goes for for 280 yards, 5 TDs, but T-wolves had to battle Central Valley for a half; Tough one this Friday up in Sonora.

 3.  (4) Pitman (4-2): Three consecutive wins, by a combined 152-47, have the Pride atop the CCC; Beating Turlock gives it 5-1 edge in Harvest Bowl.

 4.  (5) Manteca (4-2): Hello Marquis Miller! That's what Buff fans are saying after the tailback had his best effort of the fall in upset of then-No. 3 Sonora.

 5.  (3) Sonora (5-1): Lack of a passing game spoiled Sonora's ability to come back vs. Manteca; Wildcats must win this week to keep alive VOL title hopes.

 6.  (6) Davis (4-2): Spartans back on track after their two-week slip; Withstood Downey's passing, but this week they have to contend with Modesto's balance.

 7.  (nr) Modesto (3-3): Losses to Stagg and Sonora, both, 5-1, and Jesuit, so Panthers play quality foes.

SMALL SCHOOLS

 1.  (1) Central Catholic (5-1): A rare breather as the Raiders beat Gustine 40-0, as Dylan Swartz tosses four TDs; Showdown with No. 4 Hilmar on Friday.

 2.  (2) Escalon (6-0): Cougars allowed only 7 points per game, and already have four shutouts; Difficult not to look ahead to Week 8 showdown vs. MC.

 3.  (3) Modesto Chr. (6-0): No one has managed to hold MC under 40 points, but Ripon is up this week and the Indians have been on a roll this last month.

 4.  (4) Hilmar (6-0): Beat then No. 7 Livingston in its WAC opener; Last time Hilmar met Central Catholic, it was for section championship -- and Hilmar won.

 5.  (5) Argonaut (4-2): Back-to-back losses had the Mustangs reeling, but 64-25 rout of Linden has them back on track; Hosting No. 7 Summerville Friday.

 6.  (6) Ripon (5-1): Nick Curtice ran roughshod over Hughson, and he'll need a similar performance this week if Indians hope to knock off No. 3 Crusaders.

 7.  (nr) Summerville (5-1): Week 2 loss to Ripon is the lone blemish on Bears' otherwise sharp season.