High school football rankings: Teams end regular season with key games as postseason nears
As the high school football season reaches its end, each game becomes more important.
The CIF Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs begin Nov. 3, and with the final week of the regular season approaching Friday night, Week 11 games can have big playoff seeding implications.
Teams must win four regular season games to qualify for the postseason. League champions receive an automatic playoff bid, then the next 12 teams in each division are determined by a computerized ranking system.
This week, some Stanislaus District teams play for playoff seeding, most notably in the CCAL matchup between No. 7 Gregori and No. 5 Downey.
Here’s how the latest Top 10 teams stack up.
1. Central Catholic (7-2)
Last Week: 39-35 win vs Manteca
This Week: 10/27 at Sierra
The Raiders locked up yet another Valley Oak League title with a narrow win over Manteca. A defensive stand on fourth-and-six as the clock expired sealed the victory. The Raiders are hoping for a top 2 seed in the Division I playoffs. Since it has entered the VOL, Central Catholic never has lost to the Buffaloes.
2. Escalon (8-1)
Last Week: 40-7 win vs Ripon
This Week: 10/27 at Livingston
Escalon finally played a true home game and opened the new and improved Engel Field with a dominant Trans Valley League win. The Cougars are one league win from finishing perfect in TVL play for the second time in three seasons.
3. Patterson (8-1)
Last Week: 63-28 win vs Golden Valley
This Week: 10/27 at Buhach Colony
Max Medina and Jeremiah Lugo led Patterson to its third straight Central California Conference blowout in as many weeks. With a top 4 spot in the Division IV playoffs essentially locked up, the Tigers look to finish the season on a four-game winning streak.
4. Turlock (4-5)
Last Week: 49-6 win vs Modesto
This Week: 10/27 at Enochs
Though it took longer than many expected, Turlock punched its playoff ticket last week with its fourth win. The Bulldogs aim to beat an injury-riddled Enochs team on its senior night.
5. Downey (7-2)
Last Week: 48-0 win at Enochs
This Week: 10/27 vs No. 7 Gregori
Coach Jeremy Plaa believes the Knights played the best complete game of the season in Week 10. They will need a similar effort against Gregori as both teams enter the matchup playing for playoff seeding, Gregori in Division I and Downey in the ultra-competitive Division II.
6. Oakdale (7-2)
Last Week: 21-14 win at Kimball
This Week: 10/27 vs Manteca
Wes Burford surpassed the 1,400-yard rushing mark Friday in a narrow win over Kimball. The sophomore scored the game-winning touchdown in the third quarter. This week, the running back will go up against another dynamic rusher in Manteca’s Bryson Davis, who went for over 200 yards against Central Catholic.
7. Gregori (7-2)
Last Week: 28-7 win vs Pitman
This Week: 10/27 at No. 5 Downey
In a game that is key for seeding, Gregori hopes to take over the CCAL’s second spot. If they can do it, it will be the Jaguars’ second time finishing second in the league in three seasons. A win will also help their case in seeding in the Division I playoffs.
8. Hilmar (6-3)
Last Week: 24-23 win at No. 9 Hughson
This Week: 10/27 at Modesto Christian
The Yellowjackets picked up a huge TVL win over Hughson, stopping a two-point conversion. Caden Bailey once again showed his running prowess to lead Hilmar offensively. The win helped it take over the league’s No. 2 spot. Hilmar takes on a Modesto Christian team known for its strong first-half starts. The Crusaders get one of their top defensive linemen back this week after missing four games.
9. Hughson (6-3)
Last Week: 24-23 loss vs No. 8 Hilmar
This Week: 10/27 at Ripon
After scoring a touchdown late, Hughson went for the win against last season’s league champion but was stopped short. The Huskies will hope to end their season with a win over Ripon as they enter a loaded Division VI playoff race that includes Sonora and Sutter. The three will likely be three of the top four teams in the bracket.
10. Ripon Christian (8-1)
Last Week: 42-0 win at Gustine
This Week: 10/27 vs Delhi
With a Southern League title and one of the top seeds in Division VII locked up, Ripon Christian can put its stamp on a near flawless season with a win Friday night.
