Prep Football: Five games in Modesto area to watch

Here are our picks for the five most compelling high school football games in the Stanislaus District this week. Kickoffs at 7:30 p.m., unless noted:

• SIERRA at OAKDALE: They had a classic in 2009, with Sierra earning the upset at The Corral. The 'Wolves (1-2) look to RB Anthony Cota, averaging 165 yards and 24 carries, to win the Valley Oak League opener. Oakdale (4-0), No. 2 in The Bee's large-school poll, topped 50 points the last two weeks and has a 1-2 punch in fullback Marcus Hernandez (400 yards, 9 TDs) and QB Spencer Thomas (26 of 42, 455 yards, 2 TDs).

• ENOCHS at JOHANSEN: The Eagles (1-3) were struggling until junior Trey Cooper started last week — a 41-40 loss to Bishop O'Dowd. Cooper added a running threat that forces the defense to respect a bootleg and option keeper. Johansen (2-2) is chewing up dirt, running over teams the last two weeks behind Codie Corbin (384 yards, 4 TDs) and Johnny Uperesa (369-5).

• CENTRAL CATHOLIC at LOS BANOS: The Western Athletic Conference opens with two top teams meeting — and it could be a fast game with both living on the ground. Central has a power back in Craig Jones (412 yards, 7 TDs) and he's ideal for a power run game that relies heavily on traps. The No. 2 small-school Raiders (3-1) will contend with a stable of LB (3-1) backs, led by James Sams. If Central creeps to the line, Keith Turner and Daeton West (23 catches, 455 yards, 5 TDs combined) are deep threats.

• RIPON at HILMAR: Ripon has its strongest team in years, and the No. 5 small-school Indians (4-0) boast strong skill players — led by QB Kyle Wengel (563 yards passing, 9 TDs). Hilmar (3-1) has an aggressive LB in Zack Giuliano, an all-district pick last year, and it can spread the field or use a fullhouse backfield.

• CENTRAL VALLEY at LIVINGSTON: CV (2-2) has the district's top rusher in Ja'Quan Gardner (639 yards, 5 TDs), but will three-year QB Abraham Navarro (knee) play in the WAC opener against the Wolves (3-1)?

— Richard T. Estrada