Stanislaus District football rankings through Week 3

Comprised of schools in the Modesto Metro Conference, Central California Conference, Valley Oak League and Western Athletic Conference.

1. (1) Central Catholic (4-0): The Raiders’ Montell Bland filled in admirably for running back Justin Rice (ankle), who sat out Central’s 52-6 victory over Beyer. Next: vs. Weston Ranch.

2. (2) Oakdale (3-0): The Mustangs took the week off in preparation for their Valley Oak League opener against Sierra, a meeting of last year’s co-champions. Next: vs. Sierra.

3. (3) Manteca (3-0): The idle Buffaloes could be transitioning to a two-quarterback system with senior Dakarai Charles and sophomore Gino Campiotti; coach Eric Reis calls it a good problem to have. Next: vs. Kimball.

4. (5) Turlock (2-1): The Bulldogs and QB Peyton Dunseth pulled away from Modesto in their 117th meeting, punishing the Panthers with their ground game. Next: at Tracy.

5. (7) Patterson (4-0): Kevin Todd has had no issues getting settled in coach Rob Cozart’s “Spread ’em and shred ’em” triple-option offense; he had five touchdowns in a win over Atwater. Next: Bye.

6. (8) Merced (1-2): The banged-up Bears got a much-deserved bye after beating Edison of Fresno; their next opponent also has bragging rights over Edison. Next: vs. Clovis North (Buchanan).

7. (4) Downey (3-1): The Knights returned to Chuck Hughes Stadium after a two-game road swing, but their welcome-home party was crashed by Lincoln of Stockton. Next: vs. Beyer.

8. (6) Gregori (3-1): The Jaguars’ inconsistency finally caught up with them; East Union erased an eight-point deficit and won on a last-second field goal despite a 228-yard evening by Demetrius Vinson. Next: Bye.

9. (10) Los Banos (3-1): The Tigers throttled Dos Palos in their annual Westside War rivalry game; the offense has topped 40 points in back-to-back games. Next: vs. Ceres.

10. (9) Sierra (2-1): The idle Timberwolves ride a two-game winning streak into The Corral, where the host Mustangs are 66-6 since 2004. Next: at Oakdale.

Others to watch: East Union (3-0), Buhach Colony (2-1), Pitman (2-2).

Comprised of schools from the Trans-Valley League, Mother Lode League, Southern League and Central California Athletic Association.

1. Sonora (3-1): The Wildcats cemented their place atop the small-school rankings by sending No. 2 Ripon to its third consecutive loss. Next: at Argonaut.

2. (3) Escalon (3-1): Playing their second game in five days, the Cougars racked up 443 yards in a victory over Liberty Ranch, but will they have enough left in the tank for ... Next: vs. Bear River.

3. (6) Hughson (4-0): The Huskies scored 27 unanswered points to beat fast, experienced Summerville. Next: vs. Liberty Ranch.

4. (5) Orestimba (3-0): The idle Warriors hope the “Purple Zoo” student cheer section can turn up the volume for their Southern League opener. Next: vs. Ripon Christian.

5. (7) Hilmar (2-2): Daniel Texeira set the tone early with two touchdown passes as the Yellowjackets scored the first 33 points in a rout of Brookside Christian. Next: vs. Pacific Grove.

6. (2) Ripon (1-3): The Indians’ free-fall continues; Ripon has lost three in a row since its opening-week win at Sierra, and its path is lined with bullies, including ... Next: vs. Sutter.

7. (4) Modesto Christian (0-3): The Crusaders gave McNair of Stockton a fight but had nothing left in the tank in the fourth quarter; the Eagles outscored Modesto Christian 12-0 over the final 12 minutes. Next: at Vanden.

8. (8) Ripon Christian (3-0): The idle Knights open Southern League play at Orestimba. Ripon Christian won the last meeting 21-20. Next: at Orestimba.

9. (9) Gustine (3-0): Led by Sebastian Figueroa, the Redskins raced past King City in their final non-conference tuneup. Next: vs. Le Grand.

10. (10) Calaveras (2-2): The Redskins beat Union Mine 28-21 and have righted the ship following an 0-2 start and will take a two-game winning streak into Mother Lode League play. Next: vs. Bret Harte.

Others to watch: Stone Ridge Christian (3-1), Delhi (3-0), Summerville (2-2).

This story was originally published September 20, 2015 at 7:14 AM with the headline "Stanislaus District football rankings through Week 3."