The Modesto Bee’s preseason All-District football rankings

Large Schools

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

1. Central Catholic (16-0): The four-time defending CIF state champion returns a wealth of talent – Montell Bland and Jared Rice, to name two stars – that should offset huge graduation losses.

2. Turlock (7-3): With two of the most dynamic players in the Stanislaus District – Danny Velasquez and Mustafa Noel-Johnson – the Bulldogs are heavy favorites to unseat Merced in the CCC.

3. Oakdale (12-2): The Mustangs were rocked by graduation, but few fill holes and develop talent better than coach Trent Merzon, who seeks his 11th Valley Oak League title in 16 years.

4. Downey (8-3): The four-time defending conference champion believes it has the defense to finally match an offense that ranked among the Sac-Joaquin Section’s best last fall.

5. Manteca (9-3): The Buffaloes say they’ll pass more with quarterback Gino Campiotti, but the traditional power-running team has two capable backs in returner Cameron Beamon and Mike Frisby.

6. Patterson (11-1): The Tigers break in five offensive linemen but remain as deep and explosive at the skill positions as any team in the southern half of the section.

7. Merced (8-4): As talented as Turlock is, the CCC runs through Merced, where the three-time defending champion returns one of the top quarterback-running back combos in Jake Foss and Ulonzo Gilliam Jr.

8. Pacheco (5-5): Running back TK Teneng rushed for nearly 1,000 yards last fall; imagine how many he’ll rack up on the Panthers’ new slick, artificial surface at Veterans Stadium.

9. Pitman (6-5): The Pride suffered huge graduation losses but will build around all-CCC first-team lineman Chris Martinez and second-team defensive back Devan Bass.

10. Modesto (7-4): With their versatility and explosiveness, Markus Brady and Norvale Howard should keep the Panthers in the thick of the MMC title race.

Others: Golden Valley (4-6), Beyer (6-5).

Small Schools

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

1. Sonora (12-2): The Wildcats hope the return of middle linebacker/fullback Bradley Canepa (lacerated kidney) and the sting of a blowout loss to Hanford in a CIF regional bowl game will propel them even further this fall.

2. Calaveras (8-4): With running backs Noah Preuss and Anthony Giangregorio, Calaveras possesses one of the best 1-2 punches in the district. Will it be enough to knock out Sonora in the MLL?

3. Hilmar (9-4): The Yellowjackets reached their second section final in three seasons with a junior-laden program and should find themselves leading the chase in the TVL and Division VI once again.

4. Escalon (5-5): The Cougars aren’t very dynamic at the skill positions, but with the Capps twins anchoring the offensive line and coach Mark Loureiro pulling the strings, Escalon should contend in the TVL.

5. Delhi (5-5): With a bounty of returning players, the Hawks have set lofty goals, including a historic 10-0 season. You have to love that confidence from a program that has one postseason appearance in nine years.

6. Orestimba (11-1): The Warriors no longer can call on the heroics of quarterback Joe Sheldon and running back Austin Martins, but coach Aaron Souza has enough talent and know-how to keep his team in the hunt in the SL.

7. Gustine (10-2): Gustine lost its coach, a 2,000-yard running back and its mascot (Redskins), but the program retains its tradition with new coach and alumnus Mike Mendonca and its explosiveness with new quarterback Trevor Flores.

8. Modesto Christian (3-7): With another small roster, the Crusaders once again will battle injuries and fatigue as they slug it out in the TVL, but pound for pound, there might not be a more talented roster in the district.

9. Ripon (6-5): The Indians begin a new chapter under first-year coach Chris Musseman but return playmaking talents on both sides of the ball – wide receiver Aaron Paschini and linebacker Bryce Kinsey.

10. Stone Ridge Christian (13-2): The reigning CCAA and Division VII champion returns two of its top three rushers, but can the Knights adjust to a new coaching staff?

Others: Ripon Christian (9-3), Mariposa (5-5).

This story was originally published August 25, 2016 at 3:40 PM with the headline "The Modesto Bee’s preseason All-District football rankings."