There is a definitive power divide between the top and bottom of the DI North. Week 5 told us that.
Of the five games between DI North teams last week, four of them were decided by 46 points or more. Galena bested McQueen 28-17 in the only back-and-forth game of the night. Spanish Springs dropped a heartbreaker in California.
However, everyone is still technically 0-0. That changes Friday as league play finally begins.
Two of the biggest regular-season games of the year will be played this week. The chase for league titles starts now.
To view how the Power Rankings have adjusted over the course of the season, click here.
1. Reed Raiders (5-0)
Last week went the way just about everyone anticipated as the Raiders cruised at winless Dougles, 67-20. Reed’s offense is simply on a different level. When the offense is putting points up the way it is, the pressure is taken off Reed’s defense and forces opposing offenses out of their comfort zone. The Raiders get a significantly more difficult test Friday night at home against Reno. The winner will very likely go on to win the High Desert League title.
Next game: Friday vs. No. 3 Reno
Last week: 1
2. Carson Senators (4-1)
There’s no reason to move Carson from the No. 2 spot after thwacking Hug 58-0 last week. Like Reed, Carson also plays arguably its most difficult league game Friday night. Also like Reed, Carson will be at home, as Damonte Ranch makes the trip to the state’s capitol. A loss all but eliminates either team from Sierra League title contention.
Next game: Friday vs. No. 4 Damonte Ranch
Last week: 2
3. Reno Huskies (4-1)
As anticipated, Reno put the hurt on Bishop Manogue last week, 59-7. The offensive outburst was refreshing to Husky fans who have seen their squad struggle much of the season, including scoring just 14 points in a one-point victory at Damonte Ranch two weeks ago. Reno has a big opportunity at Reed Friday night.
Next game: Friday at No. 1 Reed
Last week: 3
4. Damonte Ranch (2-3)
Like all of the top-4 teams last week, the Mustangs rolled last week, stomping North Valleys 52-6. While still mathematically possible, Damonte will be at long odds to win the Sierra League with a loss Friday night in Carson
Next game: Friday at No. 2 Carson
Last week: 4
5. Galena Grizzlies (3-2)
Galena moved into the top five for the first time last week and proceeded to validate the move immediately with a 28-17 home win over McQueen, which has spent the whole season bouncing in and out of the top five. The Grizzlies’ offense is for real.
Next game: idle
Last week: 5
Needs to get in the gym: Spanish Springs
DI North Standings
High Desert League
Reed 5-0, 0-0
Reno 4-1, 0-0
McQueen 2-2, 0-0
Spanish Springs 1-3, 0-0
North Valleys 1-3, 0-0
Hug 1-3, 0-0
Sierra League
Carson 4-1, 0-0
Galena 3-2, 0-0
Damonte Ranch 2-3, 0-0
Bishop Manogue 1-4, 0-0
Douglas 0-5, 0-0
Week 5 Scores
Galena 28, McQueen 17
West Valley (Calif.) 24, Spanish Springs 21
Reed 67, Douglas 20
Reno 59, Bishop Manogue 7
Damonte Ranch 52, North Valleys 6
Carson 58, Hug 0
Week 4 Scores
Reed 54, Oak Ridge (Calif.) 42
Reno 14, Damonte Ranch 13
Carson 28, Spanish Springs 6
Galena 53, North Valleys 7
McQueen 30, Bishop Manogue 6
Hug 40, Douglas 35
Week 3 Scores
Reed 42, Galena 19
Placer (Calif.) 41, Damonte Ranch 26
Carson 45, North Valleys 7
Bishop Manogue 21, Hug 14
Reno 46, Douglas 7
Week 2 Scores
Reed 58, Damonte Ranch 39
Carson 59, McQueen 14
Reno 9, Galena 0
North Valleys 35, Douglas 27
Spanish Springs 20, Bishop Manogue 0
Week 1 Scores
Reed 44, Carson 27
Damonte Ranch 42, Spanish Springs 7
Bishop Kelley (Idaho) 28, Bishop Manogue 0
Galena 14, Lassen (Calif.) 2
Elk Grove (Calif.) 38, Reno 7
Fernley 34, Hug 12
McQueen 33, Douglas 18
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