Teams streaking into the playoffs with record winning or losing streaks
Teams are streaking their way into the high school football playoffs, or doing anything and everything possible to garner a much-needed victory.
There are two more weeks of the regular season before the fun really starts in the Sac-Joaquin Section postseason, which spans seven divisions.
Top-ranked Folsom has not lost a league contest since 2011, to Pleasant Grove and coach Joe Cattolico in Delta League action.
Folsom’s league winning streak stands at 45, including the last 38 within the Sierra Foothill League. Folsom’s overall league winning streak is a regional record, though Del Oro’s SFL streak of 44 remains the longest in SFL history, set between 1990 and 97.
Folsom ends the regular season against Grant and Del Oro before setting aim on the program’s eighth consecutive section championship.
No. 2 Inderkum is riding a 36-game regular-season winning streak under 228-game winning coach Terry Stark. His Tigers seek their 12th league championship in 13 seasons and 40th consecutive league victory.
Inderkum last lost in league play to Yuba City in 2012. Those programs face off Friday in Capital Valley Conference play.
Inderkum has won a remarkable 69 of its last 70 league games, spanning different conferences.
The section record for consecutive regular-season victories is 48 by Folsom (2011-2016), followed by Modesto Christian’s 44 (2001-05), Hilmar’s 38 from 1986-90 and Inderkum’s 36.
The section’s longest league winning streaks, all time, is held by St. Mary’s of Stockton at 63, from 2016 to now, according to Cal-Hi Sports.
Nevada Union just halted its 38-game league losing streak and is inching closer its first playoff appearance since 2011.
Bella Vista, meanwhile, is in the midst of a Northern California 42-game losing streak with games against Roseville and Del Campo remaining.
And within the Metropolitan League, Burbank and McClatchy meet Friday in a battle of 0-8 teams at Hughes Stadium. Something’s got to give.
JoeD PICKS THE PREPS
I went a robust 4-1 in picks last week, so when’s the parade?
Correct guesses were cast on Del Oro topping Grant, Rio Linda beating Lincoln, Oak Ridge outlasting Whitney and Vista del Lago edging Christian Brothers.
The miss was Jesuit beating Davis, but then again, I didn’t suit up, stretch or hydrate accordingly, nor did I play. We just speculated.
No. 3 Rocklin (6-2) at No. 10 Del Oro (5-3)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Storyline: This isn’t just a rumble for regional pride within Placer County, it’s a battle for Sierra Foothill League positioning and quality-win style points as the playoffs. Both are led by impressive young QBs, Rocklin with Richie Watts and Del Oro with Ryan Lewis. How Del Oro’s stout senior offensive line handles Rocklin’s physical defense that includes the relentless Bobby Piland is paramount.
We think we know: Rocklin 21-20
No. 13 Cosumnes Oaks (6-2) at No. 7 Elk Grove (6-2)
When: Friday, 7:15 p.m.
Storyline: In a Delta League game dripping of championship implications, Elk Grove’s fierce “Hammerhead” offensive line and triple-option QB leader Carter Harris will take on CO’s fast and physical defense. How Elk Grove defends the Wolf Pack’s Anthony Grigsby Jr. is also telling. Elk Grove lost by three to Jesuit, which lost by a touchdown to Cosumnes Oaks, which means nothing here, of course.
We think we know: Elk Grove 35-28
Colfax (6-2) at Bear River (6-2)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Storyline: In Pioneer Valley League action, two storied small-school powers meet again – and for the 35th time since 1986 – after squaring off in the last two section Division V championship games, a split. The programs are led by 200-game coaching winners, Tony Martello at Colfax and Terry Logue (with co-coach Scott Savoie) at Bear River, which is without star QB Tre Maronic due to injury.
We think we know: Colfax 24-23
Rosemont (7-1) at Liberty Ranch (5-4)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Storyline: The Sierra Valley Conference race includes Bradshaw Christian, unbeaten in league play, followed by 2-1 Liberty Ranch and 2-1 Rosemont. Kyle Masterson has had a strong QB career for Rosemont while Zion Gedeon – best name in town? – has rushed for 1,073 yards this season. Isiah Ricci of Liberty Ranch is coming off a 154-yard rushing effort to beat Union Mine.
We think we know: Rosemont 38-31
Burbank (0-8) vs. McClatchy (0-8)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m. at Hughes Stadium
Storyline: Someone will celebrate victory at last here, and someone batten down the goal posts. Kudos to the coaches, Eddie Elder of Burbank and Malcolm Floyd of McClatchy, who are both alums of their school and once played in the NFL, for fighting the good fight amid low roster numbers and program esteem.
We think we know: Burbank 35-30