Football: The Bee's Splendid Sevens

LARGE SCHOOLS

 1.  (5) Sierra (8-1): Timberwolves not only upset previous No. 1 Oakdale 44-42, they rallied in the fourth quarter while stud RB Jarrod Daniels was in the emergency room.

 2.  (1) Oakdale (8-1): Wins over Whitney, Novato and Manteca keep the Mustangs from falling too far. We could see a Sierra-Oakdale rematch in the playoffs.

 3.  (7) Los Banos (6-3): No one's hotter than Tigers, who have back-to-back shutouts and can win at least a piece of the CCC crown by beating Buhach Colony.

 4.  (3) Manteca (6-3): Lost to Oakdale a week ago, so Buffs stay a spot behind Mustangs; Manteca will be entering playoffs on a roll and could do some damage to someone's playoff hopes.

 5.  (4) Sonora (8-1): A piece of the VOL crown is the Wildcats' for the taking if they upset rival Oakdale on Friday. QB Ryan Emerald has given Sonora some diversity.

 6.  (6) Modesto (6-3): All the pieces are in place for Panthers to win a title, but don't be deceived by the 4-5 record Enochs is bringing into Friday night's finale.

 7.  (nr) Buhach Colony (6-3): Potent Thunder can clinch a playoff berth by beating Los Banos Friday.

SMALL SCHOOLS

 1.  (1) Central Catholic (8-1): Biggest challenge for Raiders is to stay focused for Friday's regular-season finale; playoffs are around the corner and CC could get No. 2 seed.

 2.  (3) Modesto Chr. (9-0): Defensive stand secured 21-16 win over Escalon, a promising development for a team that traditionally hoped to outscores its foes.

 3.  (2) Escalon (8-1): No shutout this time -- it has six of them -- but it was problems on offense that led to loss; Cougars visit No. 6 Ripon on Friday.

 4.  (4) Hilmar (8-1): 'Jackets lone loss is to Central Catholic, and a win Friday at Patterson might be the ticket to a top-four seed in the D4-B playoffs.

 5.  (5) Summerville (8-1): It's been a magical fall for the Bears, who have clinched their first Mother Lode League title in more than a decade; rival Linden visits Friday.

 6.  (6) Ripon (7-2): One of district's surprising teams, the Indians finale with Escalon this week has become a must-see game; winner is alone in second place in Trans-Valley League.

 7.  (nr) Calaveras (5-4): Redskins top Argonaut in a must-win game; Both are sitting on a playoff bubble this week.