Stanislaus District high school football power rankings
Large Schools
Comprised of schools from the Modesto Metro Conference, Valley Oak League, Central California Conference and Western Athletic Conference.
1. (1) Central Catholic (9-0, 5-0 VOL): The Raiders survived a game of sentiment as quarterback Hunter Petlansky defeated his old Pop Warner teammate and good friend Jack Weaver of East Union 48-13. Next: vs. Oakdale.
2. (2) Oakdale (9-0, 5-0 VOL): Brad Aquino and Austin Burke each had more than 100 rushing yards for the Mustangs, who rested their starters in the second half against Manteca in preparation for this week’s VOL title game. Next: at Central Catholic.
3. (4) Patterson (9-0, 5-0 WAC): The Tigers have taken their offense to another level in the last few weeks, scoring 60 or more points in wins over Pacheco and Livingston. Next: at El Capitan.
4. (5) Merced (6-3, 4-0 CCC): The Bears won their third consecutive CCC championship thanks to Paul Scoggins, who rushed for 125 yards and deflected Turlock’s final pass. Next: vs. Golden Valley.
5. (3) Turlock (6-2, 3-1 CCC): Danny Velasquez filled in admirably for injured quarterback Peyton Dunseth, tossing two touchdown passes and leading a potential game-winning drive in a loss to Merced. Next: vs. Pitman.
6. (9) Downey (7-2, 4-1 MMC): The Knights held onto the Block D trophy for the sixth consecutive year after scoring a season-high 62 points in a win over Davis. Next: vs. Gregori.
7. (10) Pitman (6-3, 3-1 CCC): Titus Schammel scored two touchdowns to lead the Pride, which has won five of its last six games. Its only loss was a tight one, 28-21 to Merced. Next: at Turlock.
8. (6) Manteca (7-2, 4-2 VOL): Already without defensive stalwarts Darrion Kitson and James Thomas, Manteca put itself in a hole with four turnovers against Oakdale. Next: vs. East Union.
9. (nr) Central Valley (6-3, 4-1 WAC): The Hawks vault into the rankings on the performance of Moses Ghiorso (five touchdowns, 209 rushing yards), one of the most explosive athletes in the district. Next: at Ceres.
10. (7) Los Banos (6-3, 3-2 WAC): The Tigers have lost two of their last three games, surrendering their titles hopes, and must regroup emotionally for another big week. Next: at Pacheco.
Others to watch: Modesto (6-3, 4-1); Beyer (5-4, 4-1).
Small Schools
Comprised of schools from the Trans-Valley League, Mother Lode League, Southern League and Central California Athletic Alliance.
1. (1) Sonora (9-1, 6-0 MML): The Wildcats completed another perfect run through the Mother Lode League, winning without fullback/middle linebacker Bradley Canepa. Next: Bye.
2. (2) Ripon (6-3, 4-0 TVL): With their best receiver in street clothes on the sideline (Aaron Paschini), Nick Price turned to Jacob Duxbury for the game-winning throw to beat Escalon. Next: at Hughson.
3. (3) Hilmar (6-3, 3-1 TVL): The high-powered Yellowjackets wrapped up the TVL’s No. 2 playoff berth with another offensive assault; pinned 54 on defending champ Modesto Christian. Next: vs. Mountain House.
4. (4) Orestimba (9-0, 6-0 SL): The Warriors improved to 9-0 with a 76-7 victory over Waterford and now face their toughest challenge in years. Next: at Gustine.
5. (6) Hughson (7-2, 2-2 TVL): Cesar Cuevas rushed for four touchdowns as the Huskies feasted on Mountain House, snapping a two-game slide. Next: vs. Ripon.
6. (7) Gustine (9-0, 6-0 SL): Brandon Labry rushed for 217 yards and three touchdowns as the Redskins set up a showdown against ... Next: vs. Orestimba.
7. (5) Modesto Christian (3-6, 2-2 TVL): Despite a loss to Hilmar, the Crusaders still control their playoff destiny. With a win this week, MC would clinch the TVL’s third playoff berth. Next: at Escalon.
8. (9) Stone Ridge Christian (8-1, 4-0 CCAA): Another week, another shutout for Stone Ridge Christian, which hasn’t given up a point in seven games. Next: vs. Brookside Christian.
9. (10) Ripon Christian (7-2, 4-2 SL): The Knights put on a show in Mariposa County, eclipsing the 200-yard mark in both rushing and passing. Next: at Delhi.
10. (8) Escalon (4-5, 1-3 TVL): The Cougars need to beat Modesto Christian and then hope the Sac-Joaquin Section looks favorably on their 5-5 record. Next: vs. Modesto Christian.
James Burns
This story was originally published October 31, 2015 at 7:04 PM with the headline "Stanislaus District high school football power rankings."