Holes

[BadBwoy]

Why do the boys give stanley a hard time about being better than them?

[WaldoMcFroog]

Because there is a carefully maintained hierarchy. The boys at the top of the chain would want to make sure Stanley understood he wasn't top of the heap and use humilliation and violence to put him in his place. As Stanley demonstrates he is on their side and carries out act that are deemed worthy by the group, so he rises in their esteem, shown by being allowed to be further up in the water queue.