The latest Northern Section football rankings reveal a competitive landscape as the Eastern Athletic League (EAL) continues to dominate the top four positions. Pleasant Valley remains in the No. 1 spot following a victory against Chico, while Foothill has surged to No. 2 after a thrilling overtime win over Red Bluff. The upcoming match between Pleasant Valley and Foothill promises to be pivotal in determining the rankings moving forward.
Pleasant Valley, with a record of 4-3, secured its leading position by defeating Chico 16-7 in the Almond Bowl last week. The Vikings have faced challenges with injuries throughout the season, but running back Titus Andrus delivered a standout performance, rushing for 252 yards and scoring two touchdowns. As the team prepares for a tough matchup against Foothill on Friday at 19:00, the outcome could shift the rankings once again.
Foothill, now boasting a 4-3 record, capitalized on their momentum from last week’s overtime victory against Red Bluff, winning 21-19. This weekend, they will be tested against the top-ranked Pleasant Valley team. The Cougars are in the midst of a challenging three-game stretch, which includes upcoming matches against Chico and Enterprise. Their performance in these games will be crucial for playoff seeding.
Chico, currently positioned at No. 3 with a record of 6-1, faced a setback against Pleasant Valley. Despite their strong offensive showing earlier in the season, the Panthers struggled to find their rhythm in the Almond Bowl. They will seek to bounce back against Shasta this week before closing out their regular season with critical games against Foothill and Red Bluff.
Red Bluff, holding steady at No. 4 with a 5-2 record, suffered a narrow loss to Foothill and is now preparing for a match against Enterprise. The Spartans have shown promise throughout the season, and their next games could significantly impact their playoff prospects. The possibility of facing Foothill again in the NSCIF playoffs looms, adding to the excitement of the upcoming weeks.
At No. 5, Lassen has a record of 5-2 after decisively defeating University Prep 35-6. The Grizzlies are entering a challenging phase as they prepare to face strong contenders West Valley and Yreka. Their track record indicates a solid performance throughout the season, having outscored opponents 249-124 in regular games.
In addition to the established teams, four undefeated squads remain in the Northern Section: Gridley, Pierce, Hamilton, and Redding Christian. Each of these teams has proven their capability with strong performances, yet they currently rank lower due to their classification in lower divisions. As the playoffs approach, their strength of schedule could play a decisive role in their success.
With the Northern Section playoffs on the horizon, the rankings are bound to shift weekly based on team performances and match outcomes. The excitement surrounding the EAL teams sets the stage for a thrilling playoff season as each team aims to secure their place in history.
