High school football rankings: Week 8 league matchups shake up rankings
Weeks 8 and 9 might be the best of the Stainslaus District high school football season.
Last week, Sonora and Escalon played in an instant classic with sole possession of the Trans-Valley League’s top spot on the line. The Huskies came through with a game-clinching two-point conversion stop to claim a 52-51 win. Also in Week 8, Oakdale and Sonora put up 96 points in a Valley Oak League showdown. The Mustangs took home a 56-40 win. Both of those wins shook up the middle of The Bee’s rankings.
Oakdale, last week’s No. 6 team, beat the Tigers, which were ranked No. 4. This means that Patterson can’t be ranked above the Mustangs. Sonora beat Oakdale 31-21 in the season opener, so Hughson’s win over the Wildcats moves it above Oakdale, pushing it from No. 5 to No. 4. Patterson drops from No. 4 to No. 6, despite having a couple of opportunities to take down the Mustangs Friday night. Hughson stays unbeaten at 7-0 and Oakdale picked up its sixth straight win. In its first VOL season, Patterson is 4-2 overall and 2-2 in league play.
Week 9 is highlighted by the likely CCAL championship between the area’s top two teams, Downey and Turlock. The winner takes the Stanislaus District’s top spot. Both teams will be motivated. Downey is looking for it’s third victory over Turlock in four seasons. The Bulldogs are looking for its second straight win.
Oakdale plays its second straight big game suiting up against longtime rival Central Catholic on the road. Both are coming off league wins in a game that always draws a big crowd. Central Catholic has won the last three matchups and this year plays the game at home, which could be key.
1. Downey (7-0)
Last Week: 41-7 win at Modesto
This Week: 10/18 at No. 2 Turlock
2. Turlock (4-3)
Last Week: 66-6 win at Pitman
This Week: 10/18 vs No. 1 Downey
3. Central Catholic (3-3)
Last Week: 49-14 win vs East Union
This Week: 10/18 vs No. 4 Oakdale
4. Hughson (7-0)
Last Week: 52-51 win vs Sonora
This Week: 10/18 at No. 9 Orestimba
5. Oakdale (6-1)
Last Week: 56-40 win vs No. 4 Patterson
This Week: 10/18 at No. 3 Central Catholic
6. Patterson (4-4)
Last Week: 56-40 loss at No. 6 Oakdale
This Week: 10/18 at Sierra
7. Escalon (2-5)
Last Week: 28-0 loss vs Woodland Christian
This Week: 10/18 vs No. 10 Ripon Christian
8. Hilmar (4-3)
Last Week: 21-13 win vs No. 9 Orestimba
This Week: 10/18 at Summerville
9. Orestimba (5-2)
Last Week: 21-13 loss at No. 8 Hilmar
This Week: 10/18 vs No. 4 Hughson
10. Ripon Christian (4-3)
Last Week: 30-6 win vs Ripon
This Week: 10/18 at No. 7 Escalon
Bubble Teams: Big Valley Christian (5-2), Ceres (4-3), Davis (4-3), Johansen (3-4), Waterford (4-3)
