The effort, if not victories, was there. How The Bee's top three teams respond could shape the rest of the season.

In order and within hours Saturday night, Pleasant Grove lost to always-strong Lincoln of Stockton 50-49 in double overtime, Grant fell to state power Long Beach Poly 24-23, and Del Oro absorbed a 30-27 overtime loss to Southern Section powerhouse Westlake.

Pleasant Grove suffered more than its first setback. Leg injuries sidelined two key starters in fullback Shedric Allen and all-purpose man Josh Adams.

All-America lineman candidate Arik Armstead also missed some series with a shoulder injury.

"One of the great things about high school sports is it teaches kids how to deal with adversity," Pleasant Grove coach Joe Cattolico said Saturday. "The opportunity for us to learn, while we'd like to avoid (losses), is certainly not as bad as other things we'll have to deal with."

Later in Del Paso Heights, Long Beach Poly squeezed past Grant because it was inspired, talented, healthier and better on special teams.

Still, the young Pacers went toe-to-toe against the nationally renowned program.

Poly blocked a field goal and an extra point that would have tied the score with just over four minutes left.

Grant is breaking in three new offensive linemen because of season-ending knee injuries the week before and trying to get the most from star back Shaq Thompson, who was limited offensively with a deep bone bruise.

Finally, in Loomis, Del Oro appeared to have scored the potential deciding score in overtime against Westlake when quarterback Bobby Heatherington dived in on fourth down from the one-inch line. He clearly appeared to be in, but a referee said no, and Westlake then ended the game with a field goal.

"I think it's great that coaches are saying, 'Screw the playoffs and (wins you need to get in), and let's schedule great teams and find out how good we are,' " Grant coach Mike Alberghini said. "That's what we should all do."

Rankings shuffle? – So what to do with the rankings? For now, Grant and Pleasant Grove flip-flop at No. 1 and 2. Poly is the state's highest-ranked team among all area weekend opponents over the weekend. And this: Grant plays at Lincoln in Week 3, so results will settle this matter soon enough.

Iron man – Granite Bay quarterback Brendan Keeney, who didn't practice last week because of a sore non-throwing shoulder, victimized St. Mary's of Stockton for five total touchdowns in a 35-28 victory.

Keeney joked he will suggest more light practice weeks to maintain karma.

Miner magic – No. 5 Nevada Union beat Ponderosa 47-0 as Connor Keith rushed for three scores, Kyle Cota passed for two, and Tanner Vallejo had 14 tackles. A highlight was Gabe Humphers racing 72 yards for a touchdown. He is the son of coach Dave Humphers.

Woodcreek wow factor – Woodcreek debuts in the Top 20 at No. 16 after belting Casa Roble 70-54. Stephen Nogasek spelled starting senior quarterback Shaun Mize (cramps) and accounted for three touchdowns.

Timberwolves coach John Hildebrand said Nogasek would be the best quarterback in school history if not for Mize. Nogasek is a junior.

Victory at last – Something had to give as Davis beat Armijo 27-3 to halt a nine-game losing streak. Blue Devils sophomore Winfred Roberson rushed for 256 yards and three touchdowns. Armijo's losing streak grew to 17.

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