High school football picks

Flames host Warriors in Border Bowl

Going 7-6 in last week's prep football openers goes to show just how little preseason rankings matter. In all six of the games in which my predictions were wrong, every team ranked higher on paper was beaten by their lower-ranked counterparts.

Here are this week's picks:

Galt at Lodi
After last week's painful loss to McNair that gave the Eagles their first-ever victory in three years, the Warriors now face an angry Lodi team smarting from the loss of FB/LB Conner Peterson to injury.
Lodi, 35-7

Tokay at Manteca
Despite just four returning starters from last season, perennial section title contender Manteca should prevail over an improved Tokay squad and its passing combination of quarterback Luke McCurdy to wide receiver Kevin Shilue.
Manteca, 34-21

Elliot Christian vs. Turlock Christian
The Eagles will be minus their head coach, Dean Davis and running back/linebacker Russell Hausauer, out with an ankle injury.
Turlock Christian, 21-14

Tracy vs. Stagg
Tracy dropped 55 points on Los Banos last week but gave up 48. Stagg has the better defense and an explosive offense behind quarterback Donald Salter.
Stagg, 28-21

Bellarmine at St. Mary's
Bellarmine Prep, ranked No. 9 in the state by MaxPreps, comes to No. 31-ranked St. Mary's and its strong-armed quarterback, Lodi native Cody Vaz. Rams rise to the occasion.
St. Mary's, 38-28

Bear Creek vs. East Union
Another long year seems likely for third-year head coach Barbaro Perez and his Bruins.
East Union, 28-6

Oakdale at West
Oakdale is usually tough every year but opened last week with a loss. West has opened with two losses. Make it three.
Oakdale, 27-14

Terra Linda at Edison
Vikings laid an egg in the season opener on the road last week. This week, they should scramble Terra Linda in its home opener.
Edison, 31-7.

Franklin (Elk Grove) vs. Lincoln
Franklin head coach Mike Johnson returns to Alex G. Spanos Stadium, where he formerly coached the Trojans to the 2000 Div. I section title.
Lincoln, 35-20

McNair vs. Sierra
Flush off its first ever win, the high-flying Eagles will be brought back down to earth by a tough Timberwolves team.
Sierra, 28-24

Madera vs. Chavez
A win over Madera, which has been outscored in its two losses this season, 130-33, may be just what Titans need to regain confidence after last week's pounding by Elk Grove.
Chavez, 38-14