Before I get started wrapping up Week 5, I want to point out that this weekend's running thread was a great one for several reasons, all courtesy of you guys, the readers. First off, any time we can get 10 people to comment on a football blog and join in an intelligent discussion about football, asking questions and making comments, that's a great thing for me. I don't care if you want to criticize me or the paper; I might argue, but I'm never going to stop someone from constructive criticism.

The other thing is that someone clicking on the blog this weekend was our 100,000th visitor since I started School House Zach about 22 months ago. Thank you to everyone who has contributed even one of those. I never expected this kind of response in that time, and I'm incredibly thankful for the community that has developed here. Keep showing up, and I'll continue to provide as much high school content as I can muster. And I'll try to keep it entertaining, too.

To that end, let's look back at Week 5.

— Yes, Cody Kessler hurt his ankle early in the game, but take nothing away from Bakersfield, which gave up the lead shortly after the injury but fought through some more adversity and coming up with a 22-7 victory. This stops the Drillers' bleeding and allows them to go into a tough game at Garces next week with some momentum. Win at Sam Tobias Field, and BHS should be — and yes, Golden Valley fans, we know what happened last year — but BHS should be 8-2 going into the playoffs. As for the Golden Hawks, Kessler's health obviously is the most important thing right now. Centennial has very winnable games from now until Week 10 when Frontier visits. But that could change if Kessler can't return. Check the blog tomorrow; I'll try to have an update on Cody's status by then.

— As each week passes, Frontier forces its way more and more into the championship picture both in the SWYL and in Division II. The Titans dismantled West 42-7, and though they did have several little things go right in the game, they were clearly the better team. Behind a big offensive and defensive lines, a smart offense and brilliant special teams, it will be tough to beat Frontier for any team — whether it be Stockdale or Centennial, Fresno-Edison or Tulare Union. I'm not saying we have an undefeated season going here, but it's apparent that it'll take a great effort.

— As for Stockdale, the Mustangs had no problem with undefeated South, winning a road game 63-20 behind 137 rushing yards from Nic Shannon (on six carries with two TDs) and 105 from Malik Henderson (also on six carries with two TDs). This is another well-rounded team and all of a sudden, the two biggest games left on the regular-season schedule in Kern County both involve Stockdale — next week at Liberty, a 31-7 victor at Foothill this week, and Nov. 6 at home against Frontier.

— There were points scored in copious amounts in more places than just South. In addition to Stockdale's 63 and Frontier's 42, Garces put up a bunch in a 62-21 win at home against Highland, East beat Golden Valley 40-30 and Clovis North got 63 on Independence. Even the 8-man game was more explosive than usual: Clovis Christian knocked off Lighthouse Christian 55-28, and — get this — Immanuel Christian beat Baker 80-56. Where is the D?

— A further note on the East Blades: That's two wins in a row and a sure sign of progress for Jerald Pierucci and crew. There are tougher games ahead, starting next week at Foothill and the week after at home against Garces, but even if it loses the last five, East can call this season a success.

— The SSL had a light week leading up to the start of league play next week, especially after Wasco had its so-called forfeit against Fresno-McLane. Tehachapi got a win against Rosamond, and Taft a solid resumé win at home against Porterville. Things get serious next week.

— Down to two unbeatens in the county: Frontier and Delano, which won again with a 33-12 victory at home against Porterville-Monache. The Tigers have a great home-field advantage, and now at 5-0, they've got only a couple of more obstacles, starting next week at Porterville, before a Week 8 showdown with Tulare Union. Frazier Mountain and Kern Valley, the two unbeaten Southern Section teams in Kern, both lost their first game this weekend.

Five to watch in Week 6:
Stockdale at Liberty: "Best team in Bako" could be on the line; so could the No. 4 seed, and a home quarterfinal, for the playoffs
Bakersfield at Garces: Just how well is Garces playing? We'll find out
Ridgeview at Frontier: Don't overlook the 5-1 Wolf Pack in this SWYL race
Wasco at Bakersfield Christian: The big game in the first SSL week gives us a litmus test for Wasco
Delano at Porterville: First opponent with a winning record for the Tigers