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Redding high school football power rankings! Who sits atop the throne in Week 0?

Ethan Hanson, Redding Record Searchlight
·10 min read

After nine long months of weight training, strength and conditioning, and preparation — the wait for high school football is finally over.

Friday Night Lights in the North State is back, and with it, week-by-week rankings of the top football programs in the area.

This year's power rankings will be divided into subsections rankings Divisions II-III and IV-V separately. Programs from 17 different schools in Shasta, Lassen, Tehama, Trinity, Siskiyou and Glenn counties will be included week to week.

Foothill's Chris Hall tries to break away from Edison defense players in the first quarter of the game on Friday night, Aug. 26, 2022 in Palo Cedro, California.
Foothill's Chris Hall tries to break away from Edison defense players in the first quarter of the game on Friday night, Aug. 26, 2022 in Palo Cedro, California.

Shasta, Enterprise, Foothill, Red Bluff, West Valley, U-Prep, Anderson, Central Valley, Orland, Lassen, Corning and Yreka are in the Division II-III category.

Fall River, Redding Christian, Los Molinos, Trinity, Etna, Weed and Mount Shasta will be ranked in Division IV-V.

Without delay, it's time to rank the top high school football teams in the North State heading into Week 0.

Division II and III schools

Foothill's Alonzo Borchert, right, carries the ball against Enterprise on Friday, Oct. 28, 2022.
Foothill's Alonzo Borchert, right, carries the ball against Enterprise on Friday, Oct. 28, 2022.

1. Foothill

2022 record: 10-2 (5-0 EAL)

  • Beat Edison of Stockton, a CIF Sac Joaquin Division I playoff qualifier and SJAA League Champion 21-17 in Week 0.

  • Beat Shasta 21-10 in Week 5.

  • Beat Chico 47-7 in Week 8.

  • Beat Enterprise 41-6 in Week 9.

  • Beat Pleasant Valley 35-7 in Week 10.

  • Beat Chico 43-6 in the CIF Northern Section Division II semifinals.

  • Lost to Pleasant Valley 10-7 in the CIF Northern Section Division II title game.

Summary: Foothill has plenty of talent left over from its program and reached its second straight CIF Northern Section title game in 2022. Senior Chris Hall led the program in the receptions and receiving yards while senior ATH Alonzo Borchert can break off huge gains as a slot receiver or running back. Foothill's biggest challenge will be finding replacements for graduated defensive lineman Dylan LaBarbera (Butte College) who led the program in tackles and sacks and 3-year starting quarterback Davis Smith (Shasta College). Replacing Smith is senior Hunter Marcione who has above-average arm strength. Marcione's improved poise and leadership should help the Cougars contend for another section title in 2022

Enterprise quarterback Jaylen Johnson (7) runs into the end zone to score a touchdown in the second quarter of the River Bowl against Shasta on Friday, Oct. 14, 2022 in Thompson Field. The Hornets defeated the Wolves 41-14 in River Bowl XXX, a tradition of the rivalry between the two Redding schools.
Enterprise quarterback Jaylen Johnson (7) runs into the end zone to score a touchdown in the second quarter of the River Bowl against Shasta on Friday, Oct. 14, 2022 in Thompson Field. The Hornets defeated the Wolves 41-14 in River Bowl XXX, a tradition of the rivalry between the two Redding schools.

2. Enterprise

2022 record: 8-3 (3-2 EAL)

  • Beat CIF Northern Section Division II champion Pleasant Valley 31-0 in Week 5.

  • Beat Shasta in River Bowl XXX 41-14.

  • Lost to CIF Northern Section Division II runner-up Foothill 41-6

  • Lost to Chico 46-7.

  • Lost rematch to Pleasant Valley in the CIF Northern Section Division II semifinals 38-20.

Summary: Enterprise returns key offensive weapons including nationally-ranked quarterback Jaylen Johnson. Johnson had a strong first half to 2022 and finished the year with 1,606 passing yards, 22 passing touchdowns on six interceptions along with 527 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground. The Hornets have plenty of support around Johnson after graduating leading wide receiver Holden Matthews, ATH Elijah Goss who led the program in touchdowns scored and sacks, as well as starting center Brayden Thomas (Bridgewater State). Junior defensive end Justus Williams is a constant danger to offenses, junior wide receiver Dominick Hernandez is expected to have a breakout 2023, and senior Connor Duggan returns to lead the offensive line after a knee injury ruined his 2022 season.

Orland offensive and defensive lineman A.J. Fonseca will look to control the line of scrimmage in 2023.
Orland offensive and defensive lineman A.J. Fonseca will look to control the line of scrimmage in 2023.

3. Orland

2022 record: 15-0 (5-0 Butte View League)

  • Beat West Valley 16-13 in Week 1.

  • Beat Shasta 29-13 in Week 2.

  • Won the CIF Northern Section Division III title over U-Prep 33-19.

  • Won the CIF Division 5-A state title over Shafter 20-7.

Summary: Orland set milestones after winning its first-ever state championship in 2022. The Trojans ran the ball over 90% of the time, using their shotgun double-wing offense to push and grind teams into submission. Now a new cast of skilled players takes the spotlight after graduating All Northern Section first-team selectee quarterback Grant Foster. Orland returns hard-running seniors Jamie Albarran, Lucas Landeros and Rico. Orland returns a strong portion of defending state champion offensive line in A.J. Fonseca, A.J. Schekerynec and tight end Khalil Coley.

Shasta junior Ryder May, center, runs past West Valley's Wade Reginato, right, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Thompson Field in Redding.
Shasta junior Ryder May, center, runs past West Valley's Wade Reginato, right, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Thompson Field in Redding.

4. Shasta

2022 record: 3-8 (1-4 EAL)

  • Lost to Lassen 21-20 in Week 0.

  • Beat West Valley 41-27 in Week 2.

  • Lost to Orland 29-13 in Week 3.

  • Lost to Foothill 21-10 in Week 5.

  • Lost River Bowl XXX to Enterprise in Week 6.

  • Lost to Pleasant Valley 25-0 in Week 7.

  • Lost to Chico 21-19 in Week 9.

  • Beat Red Bluff 60-22 in Week 10.

  • Lost to Chico 14-7 in the CIF Northern Section Division II first round.

Summary: Shasta struggled to win games in the early stretch due to several key injuries and an overall lack of depth on its offensive and defensive line. That should change in 2023. Senior linebacker and fullback Ryder May was a constant threat by disrupting the run game with his 6-foot-2 size. Working alongside May is senior veteran Kyle Wilkes who makes tackles and can play in coverage. The Wolves' offensive line will be boosted with the return of senior offensive lineman Grant Anderson. Junior running back Owen Boesiger is shifty and starting quarterback Justin Polley has been catching eyes with his touch and accuracy. With a larger roster and improved depth, this will be the year Shasta returns to being in the conversation as one of the elite programs in the CIF Northern Section.

U-Prep's Sawyer Hokanson (18) carries the ball against West Valley on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022.
U-Prep's Sawyer Hokanson (18) carries the ball against West Valley on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022.

5. U-Prep

2022 record: 11-2 (4-1 NAL)

  • Beat Red Bluff 14-0 in Week 2.

  • Lost to West Valley 17-0 in Week 8.

  • Beat Gridley 64-7 in the CIF Northern Section Division III first round.

  • Beat West Valley 33-16 in the CIF Northern Section Division III semifinals — the program's first win over the Eagles in school history.

  • Lost to eventual CIF State Division 5-A champion Orland 33-19 in the CIF Northern Section Division III title game.

Summary: Talk about working on the fly, U-Prep orchestrated one of the best improvisational jobs that Shasta County has seen in recent memory. Starting quarterback Sawyer Hokanson was dealt a season-ending collar bone injury while getting pummeled by West Valley in last year's Week 8 matchup that resulted in the Eagles winning the Northern Athletic League title. Coach Dustin Fortenberry and his staff adjusted his team's offensive tactics using an isolated halfback set to run the football while then sophomore Kaos Martin stepped in at quarterback — having zero varsity experience — and led the Panthers to victory in their rematch against West Valley in the section playoffs. Hokanson is back to full health, 6-foot-3 junior defensive and offensive lineman Devin Huegel is set for a breakout season and U-Prep — a school that once played against the likes of Mount Shasta, Etna, Williams, Los Molinos and Fall River — has cemented itself among the elite programs in the CIF Northern Section.

West Valley's Logan Rasmussen, left, makes a catch in front of Red Bluff's Lebron Thomas on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022, in Cottonwood. West Valley won 34-6.
West Valley's Logan Rasmussen, left, makes a catch in front of Red Bluff's Lebron Thomas on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022, in Cottonwood. West Valley won 34-6.

On the bubble

  • Lassen (6-6, 3-2 NAL in 2022) – Lassen returns an experienced offensive line in senior Shamus Guizar, junior Reegan Dunten. Senior Nash Moore takes the ball at quarterback while senior Deshon Moore provides the speed and elusiveness needed to allow the Grizzlies to push the tempo on offense.

  • West Valley (8-4, 5-0 NAL in 2022) – Don't sleep on the Eagles who have a stream of young talent ready to perform in 2023. West Valley returns just four seniors but junior wide receiver Logan Rasmussen at 6-foot-1 makes athletic plays. Junior defensive end Jesus Cervantes led the team in tackles, sacks and can slice through offensive lines with ease. The big question is how sophomore quarterback John Puffer steps up in his first year on varsity. If Puffer uses his eyes to peel defenses and stays mentally composed in the pocket, West Valley could stun the opposition.

  • Red Bluff (3-8, 0-5 EAL in 2022) – Will this be the Spartans' breakthrough season? Coach Jacob Daricek is looking for his first Eastern Athletic League victory after falling short in his first two seasons as head coach. Senior Jose "Chacho" Chavez is a talented option at wide receiver and running back and junior Kayden Leaf will start at quarterback. Generating buzz is 6-foot-1 and 275-pound freshman offensive and defensive lineman Adan Rodriguez.

Newly hired Anderson football coach John Stewart (right) talks to potential players at his school's weight room on Thursday, April 28, 2022.
Newly hired Anderson football coach John Stewart (right) talks to potential players at his school's weight room on Thursday, April 28, 2022.

4th and long

  • Anderson (3-8, 0-5 NAL) – Coach John Stewart did solid work in his first year guiding the Cubs to a playoff appearance. The good news? Anderson has solid turnout. The bad news? Most of his varsity players will be talented but unproven freshmen and sophomores. Stewart, who is also the school's athletic director, is slowly building Anderson's status as a strong sports program. Freshman Jagger Johnson is a stoic, team-oriented individual that will help the Cubs rise to the challenge.

  • Yreka (2-8, 1-4 NAL) – Credit Yreka for taking on a monster nonleague schedule that includes Enterprise and Colusa. Wide receiver and safety Ethan Crowley are players to watch.

  • Central Valley (1-9, 0-5 NAL) – Central Valley struggled to find rhythm last year which resulted in zero wins in regulation (one win by forfeit against Mount Shasta due to the Mill Fire) in 2022. The Falcons have lost 13 straight games with its last victory coming against Anderson on Oct. 15, 2022. Senior Diego Recio is talented but inconsistencies at the offensive and defensive line have plagued the Falcons. Let's see who steps up in 2023.

Division IV and V schools

Fall River quarterback Brandon Brown, left, receives protection from teammates Cannon Oiler (12) and Carter Kroschel in their game against Weed on Friday, Sept. 16, 2022, in Weed. Fall River won 39-0.
Fall River quarterback Brandon Brown, left, receives protection from teammates Cannon Oiler (12) and Carter Kroschel in their game against Weed on Friday, Sept. 16, 2022, in Weed. Fall River won 39-0.

1. Fall River

2022 record: 12-0 (8-0 Cascade League)

Summary: The small school of less than 125 students in the inner mountain regions of Shasta County continues to perform with excellence. The Bulldogs should be in for another outstanding year returning top 10 ranked offensive lineman Remington Blue and starting quarterback Brandon Brown.

2. Los Molinos

2022 record: 6-5 (4-3 Cascade Valley League)

Summary: Plenty of skilled players left for Los Molinos as it tries to overtake Fall River for the Cascade Valley League throne. Senior Luke Cantonwine is a fierce defensive end. Juniors Karson Fox and Harrison Hamre are two players to watch at receiver.

Trinity senior running back and linebacker Ty Moodie is the Wolves leading rusher and linebacker heading into 2023.
Trinity senior running back and linebacker Ty Moodie is the Wolves leading rusher and linebacker heading into 2023.

3. Trinity

2022 record: 6-4, (3-2 Mid Valley)

Summary: Trinity plays at a quick pace led by running back Ty Moodie. Trinity scored a lot but its defense also allowed 21 points per game in 2022. A greater emphasis on tackling will improve the Wolves in 2023.

Weed's D.J. Horton (2) runs with the ball against Fall River in their game Friday, Sept. 16, 2022. Fall River won 39-0.
Weed's D.J. Horton (2) runs with the ball against Fall River in their game Friday, Sept. 16, 2022. Fall River won 39-0.

4. Weed

2022 record: (4-5, 4-3 Cascade Valley)

Summary: Athletic, agile and dynamic — watch out for Weed — who has received a full spring and summer's worth of practice after the Mill Fire nearly wiped out the town in 2022. Senior D.J. Horton at 6-foot-2 is both exciting and productive as a ball carrier and receiver. An improved offensive line will put Weed in the hunt for a section title.

Redding Christian quarterback Max Beasley returns for his senior year with upgrades on the offensive line and has more experienced receivers to target in 2023.
Redding Christian quarterback Max Beasley returns for his senior year with upgrades on the offensive line and has more experienced receivers to target in 2023.

5. Redding Christian

2022 record: (3-6, 3-5 Cascade Valley League)

Summary: The Lions took some time to adjust in their first full year of 11-man football. Despite missing the playoffs, Redding Christian managed to win two of its final three games. Senior left-handed quarterback Max Beasley keeps plays alive and will have experienced options in receivers Noah Gulstrom and Micah Putnam. Ranked in the top 100 is offensive lineman Buck Kolb, a 5-foot-11 and 240-pound strong man, whose improved speed will allow the Lions to run the ball more consistently in 2023.

On the bubble:

  • Mount Shasta (2-8, 0-5 Cascade Valley League) – Mount Shasta was greatly affected by the Mill Fire and couldn't practice during the summer leading into 2022. Coach Chris Tuggle will have his players competing at a higher level in 2023.

  • Etna (3-7, 3-5 Cascade Valley League) – Inconsistency on offense hurt the Lions. Junior ATH Noah Hubbard is a player that will boost Etna on both sides of the ball in 2023.

This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Which are the top 5 Redding high school football teams in Week 0