VHSL Football Region Standings: October 21

Wins, losses, strength of schedule, strength of remaining schedule, everything is in play in the Virginia High School League Region playoff races with now three Friday nights remaining in the regular season. Here are the latest region standings, along with our exclusive breakdown of what everything means, what lies ahead, and what's happening in other regions.

A reminder that, on State Semifinal Saturday December 7th, Region A and Region B champions meet, as do Region C and Region D winners.

*****

REGION 6A:

1) Oscar Smith (6-1): 30.0
2) Ocean Lakes (5-3): 28.625
3) Landstown (6-2): 27.5
4) Franklin County (4-3): 27.143
5) Thomas Dale (4-3): 26.286
6) Cosby (5-2): 26.0
7) Grassfield (3-4): 23.714
8) Tallwood (3-4): 23.286
---
9) Western Branch (2-5): 22.571
10) Floyd Kellam (2-5): 21.714
11) James River (1-6): 20.0

ANALYSIS: The region is now Oscar Smith's to lose. They have one team left (Deep Creek this Friday) with a record above .500. Ocean Lakes plays two sub .500 teams to finish their regular season. Landstown has Princess Anne (5-2) and Green Run (4-3) left plus a bye this Friday. Franklin County has unbeaten Lord Botetourt out of Class 3 this week, then two sub .500 teams to finish their schedule. Thomas Dale now needs a win at Matoaca Friday, then a victory over a 2-5 Granby, and a successful trip to Dinwiddie November 8th for a legitimate shot at a #3 or #4 seed. Cosby is in the same boat, and must contend with Clover Hill (5-2), Monacan (6-1) and Manchester (6-1). If the Titans go 2-1 down the stretch, they might contend for a top four seed. The top four teams host the #5--#8 seeds in the first round of region playoffs November 15th. Is James River mathematically eliminated? No. But they need to sweep Midlothian, Powhatan and L.C. Bird, and likely have some teams like Tallwood, Western Branch and Floyd Kellam take some unexpected losses.

OTHER CLASS 6 REGIONS:

Region 6B: 1) Freedom-PW, 2) Massaponax, 3) Colonial Forge
Region 6C: 1) South County, 2) Mount Vernon, 3) Lake Braddock
Region 6D: 1) Westfield, 2) James Madison, 3) Yorktown

*******
REGION 5B:

1) Highland Springs (7-0*): 32.0
2) Deep Run (7-0): 30.857
3) Manchester (6-1): 30.0
4) Varina (7-1): 29.0
5) Prince George (5-2): 26.429
6) Clover Hill (5-2): 25.571
7) Douglas Freeman (5-2): 25.429
8) Matoaca (5-2): 24.857
--
9) Henrico (4-4): 23.875
10) L.C. Bird (4-3): 23.714
11) Glen Allen (4-3): 22.857
12) Hermitage (2-5): 21.857
      Atlee (3-4): 21.857
14) Mills Godwin (3-5): 20.5
15) Midlothian (1-6): 19.286
16) J.R. Tucker (1-6): 17.714
17) Meadowbrook (0-7): 16.571

ANALYSIS: First, our weekly reminder that we will be dividing Highland Springs' total points by nine, not ten, on November 8th, as they opened their season playing a private school team. The Springers have the inside track on the #1 seed, and get it if they finish unbeaten. They have Atlee (3-4) Friday, then go to Colonial Forge (6-1) and finish, of course, with Varina (7-1). No one near them has a remaining strength of schedule like them. Deep Run gets 1-6 J.R. Tucker Friday, finishing with 4-3 Glen Allen and 6-1 Thomas Jefferson, while Manchester has Powhatan, L.C. Bird and Cosby, who have a combined 12-9 record. Varina enjoys their bye this week, then will face Atlee and Highland Springs. Even with their historic win over Thomas Dale, Prince George still finds themselves two and a half points behind Varina, but squarely in fifth. However, their hold on fifth place isn't as strong as they'd like, as Huguenot let them down with Clover Hill's huge late comeback victory over the Falcons Friday to move the Cavaliers from 8th to 6th, leaping idle Douglas Freeman, who slips to 7th, and Matoaca, who beat a one-win Colonial Heights team, and slipped to eighth. Henrico is a point behind, and go to 1-6 Hanover Friday. In the battle of the Warriors, a Henrico win would give them 26 points, while Matoaca, who hosts Thomas Dale, would earn 34 points with a win, but only 19 with a loss, opening the door for Henrico as well as L.C. Bird. The Skyhawks are at 6-1 Monacan, and would earn 36 points with a road victory. Glen Allen gets 4-3 John Marshall this week, and with a win, 32 points. Don't forget, other residual points come into play based on the performance of past opponents, and whether you defeated them or not. With six losses or more,  Midlothian, J.R. Tucker and Meadowbrook look to next year, while Atlee, Hermitage, and Mills Godwin's hopes hang by a thread.

OTHER CLASS 5 REGIONS:

Region 5A: 1) Salem-Va Beach, 2) Maury, 3) Woodside
Region 5C: 1) Stone Bridge, 2) Briar Woods
Region 5D: 1) Mountain View, 2) North Stafford, 3) PH-Roanoke

*******
REGION 4B:

1) Louisa (7-0): 27.429
2) Eastern View (8-0): 26.0
3) Monacan (6-1): 24.857
4) Patrick Henry (5-3): 24.25
5) Dinwiddie (3-4): 23.571
6) Spotsylvania (5-2): 23.143
7) Chancellor (5-3): 22.625
8) Huguenot (3-4): 22.286
---
9) King George (3-4): 21.714
10) Powhatan (3-4): 21.429
11) Orange (3-5): 18.625
12) Lee-Davis (2-5): 18.571
13) Courtland (1-7): 16.875
14) Caroline (1-6): 16.571
15) Hanover (1-6): 16.286
16) George Wythe (0-7): 15.0

ANALYSIS: Eastern View gets their bye Friday, then two region rivals in the playoff race in Spotsylvania and Chancellor, while Louisa gets three teams outside the region (Fluvanna, Western Albemarle, Albemarle) with a combined record of 10-11. If the Lions and Cyclones win out, it will be close for the top spot. With three potential playoff teams left on their schedule, there's time for Monacan to jump into the top two should one of them slip. Patrick Henry only has 1-7 Armstrong and 2-5 Lee-Davis left, so not much opportunity to improve their position without some upsets. Patriot fans should be rooting for teams playing Monacan, Dinwiddie and Spotsylvania down the stretch. Speaking of Dinwiddie, they are "Exhibit A" when it comes to strength of schedule. Despite a 3-4 record, they are ahead of a 5-2 Spotsylvania and a 5-3 Chancellor thanks to playing, so far, six of seven teams on their schedule who are above .500. Their momentum will slow down the next two weeks with Colonial Heights and Meadowbrook on the schedule, and who knows where Thomas Dale will be in their race in Region 6A come November 8th. Huguenot's hold on the 8th and final bid is precarious, with 0-7 George Wythe and 1-6 Midlothian coming up. Wins are necessary, though they won't provide many bonus points. The Huguenot/Powhatan showdown on November 8th may be a play-in game for the #8 seed, unless King George can prevent that with three wins down the stretch (Courtland, Caroline, Spotsylvania). We're down to 12 teams, as Courtland, Caroline, Hanover, and George Wythe will all finish below .500, all five or more points out of eighth place.

OTHER CLASS 4 REGIONS:

Region 4A: 1) Warhill, 2) Lake Taylor, 3) Churchland
Region 4C: 1) Broad Run, 2) Tuscarora, 3) Liberty-Bealton
Region 4D: 1) Salem, 2) E.C. Glass, 3) Pulaski County

*******
REGION 3A:

1) Hopewell (7-0): 28.286
2) York (7-0): 28.0
3) Phoebus (6-1): 27.429
4) Lafayette (6-1): 24.143
5) I.C. Norcom (5-2): 23.286
6) Tabb (3-4): 19.857
7) Booker T. Washington (3-4): 19.714
8) Petersburg (3-4): 18.714
---
9) Southampton (3-4): 17.714
    New Kent (3-4): 17.714
11) Park View-South Hill (3-4): 17.571
12) Lakeland (0-7): 15.143
13) Colonial Heights (1-7): 15.0

ANALYSIS: Hopewell's comeback win over Dinwiddie keeps them ahead in the region, but they simply cannot shake off either York or Phoebus. Not only would a 10-0 season be memorable and historic, it may be necessary for the Blue Devils to earn (really earn) the number one seed. The Blue Devils have Meadowbrook Friday while York plays 2-5 Smithfield. Don't be surprised if, with a win, York takes the #1 seed next Monday. But while York finishes with undefeated Warhill and winless Bruton, Hopewell gets two Central District rivals currently in the Region 5B playoff race in Prince George and Matoaca. Both will need wins to secure their postseason ticket. This will be a very interesting final three weeks for Hopewell. Phoebus, by the way, has 8-0 Woodside this Thursday, then finish with Heritage (1-7) and Menchville (3-4). If the Phantoms win out, we'll be triple checking our numbers and division come November 8th. It looks like a two-team race for the #4 seed between Lafayette and I.C. Norcom, and, it's beginning to look like they may face each other in the region quarterfinals. Petersburg gets a much needed win to return to 8th place, but need to go at least 2-1 in their final three games to extend their season. New Kent's path gets better with a win Friday over Tabb, and much more difficult should they lose.

REGION 3B:

1) Goochland (6-1): 23.714
2) James Monroe (4-3): 22.714
3) Brentsville District (4-3): 21.429
4) George Mason (4-3): 19.714
5) William Monroe (3-4): 17.857
6) Skyline (3-4): 17.571
7) Warren County (2-6): 17.143
8) Central-Woodstock (3-4): 17.0
---
9) Manassas Park (4-3): 16.857
10) Independence (0-8): 14.0
11) Armstrong (1-7): 13.625

ANALYSIS: The Bulldogs remain on top, but James Monroe impresses with a win over then 5-1 Spotsylvania last Friday to stay close. This week, Goochland plays a private school team which won't count in these standings. James Monroe's best chance to contend for the top seed is to win this Friday over 5-3 Chancellor, as their two remaining opponents each only have one win. If James Monroe loses Friday and Goochland can win November 1st against Central-Lunenburg, the #1 seed is theirs to lose.

OTHER CLASS 3 REGIONS:

REGION 3C: 1) Spotswood, 2) Heritage/Lynchburg, 3) Liberty Christian Academy
REGION 3D: 1) Lord Botetourt, 2T) Northside, 2T) Hidden Valley

*******
REGION 2A:

1) Thomas Jefferson (6-1): 23.429
2) Poquoson (4-3): 21.0
3) King William (5-2): 20.0
4) Greensville (5-2): 19.857
    Nottoway (5-2): 19.857
6) Amelia (4-3): 18.571
7) John Marshall (4-3): 18.429
8) Arcadia (4-2): 17.167
---
9) Nandua (4-4): 16.375
10) Brunswick (3-4): 15.857
11) Bluestone (2-5): 12.858
12) Windsor (2-5): 12.714

ANALYSIS: The Vikings get a stiff test this Friday when they travel two and a half hours (one way) to face 5-2 Gretna, currently third in Region 2C. A victory would significantly widen their lead over top contenders Poquoson and King William. Poquoson faces winless Bruton Friday, while King William's game against Benedictine, a private school, will not count in the standings. Nottoway really needs a win Friday over Central-Lunenburg to be a contender for a first round home game unless some teams above them currently experience upsets, while Greensville needs to win out, which includes a date with 6-1 Sussex Central next Friday. Is there time for John Marshall to contend for, say, the #4 seed and a home date in the first round? Yes. But, the Justices need to win at least two of their last three games, all against Class 5 opponents from the Colonial District: Glen Allen, Douglas Freeman, and Mills Godwin. Don't forget about King William, however. Their final two games are big ones: 5-3 West Point, then their traditional game with King & Queen Central, who happen to be undefeated, atop Region 1A.

OTHER CLASS 2 REGIONS:

REGION 2B: 1) Stuarts Draft, 2T) Strasburg, 2T) Luray
REGION 2C: 1) Radford, 2) Appomattox, 3) Gretna
REGION 2D: 1) Ridgeview, 2) Union, 3) Richlands

*******
REGION 1A:

1) King & Queen Central (7-0): 21.429
2) Washington & Lee (5-2): 20.571
3) Essex (6-1): 20.429
4) Rappahannock (5-2): 18.286
5) West Point (5-3): 16.125
6) Colonial Beach (3-4): 14.857
7) Northumberland (4-3): 14.714
8) Middlesex (5-2): 14.571
---
9) Mathews (1-6): 10.286
10) Charles City (1-4): 10.0

ANALYSIS: The top eight seeds in this region seem set, barring a wild collapse by one team. The final weeks will shake out the order of the eight. As of now, King & Queen Central has the inside track on the top seed and home field through the end of November. Wins over Middlesex and King William should take care of it, but a slip, and Washington & Lee will be waiting. A sweep of Rappahannock, Essex, and Colonial Beach put them in position to move up. For the Trojans, they face winless Lancaster Friday, then can stake their claim for a top seed with wins over Washington & Lee and Rapphannock. It's a roundrobin between the #2, #3 and #4 seeds over the next two weeks, all hoping for the top seed to lose at some point.

OTHER CLASS 1 REGIONS:

REGION 1B: 1) Riverheads, 2) Sussex Central, 3) William Campbell
REGION 1C: 1) Galax, 2) Narrows, 3) George Wythe-W
REGION 1D: 1) Patrick Henry-Glade Spring, 2) Thomas Walker, 3) Chilhowie

Week 8 Scoreboard

#2 Hopewell 35, Dinwiddie 20
#3 Manchester 35, Midlothian 8
#4 Varina 35, Henrico 7
#5 Louisa 45, Kettle Run 0
#6 Deep Run 56, Mills Godwin 7
#7 Monacan 55, Powhatan 28
Prince George 23, #8 Thomas Dale 20
#11 Thomas Jefferson 21, Caroline 0
L.C. Bird 7, #12 Cosby 2
Atlee 35, Lee-Davis 0
Patrick Henry 42, Hanover 0
Glen Allen 56, J.R. Tucker 0
James River 34, George Wythe 26
Clover Hill 37, Huguenot 31 (OT)
Fork Union 55, Collegiate 52 (3 OT)
Matoaca 41, Colonial Heights 0
Goochland 35, Nottoway 6
King William 80, Mathews 6
New Kent 17, Grafton 0
John Marshall 24, Tunstall 13
Essex 32, Colonial Beach 12

WEEK 8 FOOTBALL COVERAGE

3PM: "On The Sidelines Pregame Presented By Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance": NBC12 Sports Director Marc Davis and Rob Witham preview all the big Week 8 action!

3:30PM: VISAA Football: Collegiate (4-2) at Fork Union (3-3)

6:30PM: "On The Sidelines Pregame"

7PM: Game Of The Week: The Stew Bowl: Lee-Davis (2-4) at Atlee (2-4)


Listen to ALL events above via the following outlets:

RADIO: 102.9 The Mater (102.9 FM/1430 AM)

WEB: CLICK HERE to listen live!

MOBILE: @TuneIn Radio App on "Radiall"!

*****

CLICK HERE for our exclusive Week 8 previews and the lineup for tonight and Saturday!


GAME OF THE WEEK: Stay updated on scores from around the area on the Luck Chevrolet In-Game Scoreboard on 102.9 The Mater and across our Twitter network:

@TheRVASportsNet, @cfieldsports, @hanoversports @henricosports

AFTER THE ACTION:

9:20--9:45PM: "The RVA Sports Network Scoreboard Show": We'll review all the scores as they go final right after the "Game Of The Week", plus talk live with Marc Davis of NBC12 for a preview of "On The Sidelines" and with the winning head coach of The Stew Bowl!


11:13PM: "On The Sidelines": Exclusively on NBC12, Marc and his army of photographers capture all the big plays and victories of Week 8 in high school football, plus the scores!

11:35PM: "On The Sidelines Extra": Join the conversation! It's #TheFinalWord on Week 8 of high school football, and the only place where YOU, the fan, can be part of the conversation! Join Marc and Rob live from the NBC12 Studios on Facebook Live for the latest playoff news, a look ahead to next week and more!

LINK: CLICK HERE to find live video for "On The Sidelines Extra" tonight after 11:35pm!

WEEK 8 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

WEEK 8 GAME PREVIEWS:

(#1 Highland Springs, #10 Douglas Freeman, Hermitage, Charles City have byes)


Dinwiddie (3-3) at #2 Hopewell (6-0), 7pm: The Blue Devils are playing even better than they did in their playoff run that ended with a Class 3 State Championship back in 2017. Treveyon Henderson is the early front runner for top player honors in the area, with 24 touchdowns in six games, an insane average of four touchdowns per game. While Matoaca and Prince George are still ahead, we believe it is the Generals of Dinwiddie who may have the best shot at ruining Hopewell's perfect regular season. They've won two straight, evening their record, but, more importantly, leaping back into the top eight in Region 4B, in sixth place Patrick Henry, Monacan and even #3 Spotsylvania all within their sights. For once, Dinwiddie needs this to be a more defensive affair. If Henderson gets warmed up, watch out.

#3 Manchester (5-1) at Midlothian (1-5), 7pm: The Lancers get back to work after losing the 16-0 halftime lead last Friday against Highland Springs. For Manchester, it's look to win four straight to end the regular season 9-1 and earn as high a playoff berth in Region 5B as possible. For the Trojans, it's their last best chance to get an upset win and, with it, tons of bonus points in the VHSL point system, reviving their faint postseason hopes. A 4-6 team won't make the playoffs in Region 5B, so, for Midlothian, it's time to throw the kitchen sink into the game plan. The Lancers still have Powhatan, L.C. Bird and Cosby ahead.

Henrico (4-3) at #4 Varina (6-1), 7pm: Henrico wins last week, and still drops out of the top eight in Region 5B thanks to Clover Hill's win over L.C. Bird. This only reinforces how critical it is for teams in the 17-team gauntlet of a region to collect all the wins you can. By contrast, the top four seeds in 5B are separating themselves from the rest of the pack, as Varina, the #4 seed now, is currently 2.5 points ahead of #5 Prince George, three points up on #6 Douglas Freeman. As Varina head coach Stu Brown noted on the RVA Sports Network Scoreboard Show last Friday after the Blue Devils' 48-10 win at Patrick Henry, the Warriors have had their number lately, and this year, they need to do a better job of both game planning and in-game adjusting. A win for Henrico would vault them back into the top eight, as they could even catch idle Douglas Freeman. Matoaca, the #7 seed, has 1-5 Colonial Heights while Clover Hill has 3-3 Huguenot. Varina looks for a win to keep pace with the teams ahead of them.

#5 Louisa (6-0) at Kettle Run, 7pm: It should be, repeat, should be an easy night for the Lions, even on the road. They have the advantage in Region 4B over 7-0 Eastern View, who go to 3-3 King George. Thus, wins for both Louisa and the Cyclones would help Eastern View draw closer in the regional standings, but Louisa has a game in hand.

Mills Godwin (3-4) at #6 Deep Run (6-0), 7pm: The Wildcats will continue to take things one game at a time, and this week, it's an Eagle team still searching to put together their best performance. The pressure will be on Godwin's defense to slow down Bo Kite and the Wildcat offense. Mills Godwin has scored eighteen points or less in six of their seven games, so if Deep Run can find 21 points or more, history says they'll have the advantage. Deep Run also needs the win to keep pace with the other top teams in Region 5B, while they keep one eye over their shoulder for Varina. (TWITTER: @lifeguard_duty and @henricosports)

#7 Monacan (5-1) at Powhatan (3-3), 7:30pm: It's Homecoming for an Indian team that suddenly is in need of a victory. A last minute loss to Cosby last week sent Powhatan out of the top eight in Region 4B due to wins for Dinwiddie, Huguenot and Chancellor. Now they must contend with a Monacan team that escaped with a one-point win over Midlothian last week, and find themselves in fourth place in 4B, surrounded by four teams that are within one point or so both ahead of them and behind them, from Eastern View to Dinwiddie. Josiah Nelson comes off a good performance and will need another one Friday. A high scoring game likely favors the visitors.

Prince George (4-2) at Thomas Dale (4-2), 7pm: October 20, 2000. Bill Clinton was President, and America was about to learn the phrase "hanging chad". It's been almost nineteen years since Prince George last defeated Thomas Dale. Now, the Royals, in the thick of the postseason chase in Region 5B in fifth place, look to end their nearly two decades of frustration. To do so, however, they must stop a Knights team that slid to sixth place in Region 6A last week despite a win over Meadowbrook. Does the Royal defense have enough to slow down Thomas Dale? Can their young, talented offense penetrate the Dark Zone Defense? We'll know by 10pm Friday.

Woodberry Forest at #9 Benedictine (5-2), Saturday, 1pm: The Cadets picked up an important 27-13 win last week at home over Collegiate to solidify the top seed in VISAA Division I. But St. Christopher's is hot on their heels, so they need to close strong. Woodberry Forest took Collegiate to triple overtime two weeks ago, so nothing is a given in this one. The final two weeks send Benedictine to King William and St. John Paul the Great.

#11 Thomas Jefferson (5-1) at Caroline (1-5), 7pm: Caroline can put up points. Ask King William. But, of course, so can Shamar Graham and the Vikings. This week, it could be very tough to keep the top seed in Region 2A. Nottoway gets Goochland Friday and Poquoson gets unbeaten Warhill. So, even with a victory, Thomas Jefferson could see their lead in the region standings shrink, or possibly even disappear. For the Vikings, it's win Friday and don't worry about the rest. They have currently unbeaten Deep Run, a Class 5 school, in their season finale, so opportunity will be there to be at the top of the region when it counts: at the end of the regular season.

#12 Cosby (5-1) at L.C. Bird (3-3), 7pm: What a game this should be! Cosby enters with a five-game winning streak after a nail-biting win over Powhatan. They moved up to the #4 seed in Region 6A. However, the Titans have never defeated the Skyhawks, dating back to their first meeting in 2007. They'll face a Skyhawks team that is on the outside looking in when it comes to Region 5B, 2.5 points out of eighth place. The way to remedy that is to beat a 5-1 team in a higher classification than you. This should be a defensive battle, as Cosby has given up only 41 points in their winning streak, while L.C. Bird have scored 41 points in their last two wins. Having given these statistics, watch a track meet break out instead.

GAME OF THE WEEK: Lee-Davis (2-4) at Atlee (2-4), 6:30pm airtime on 102.9 The Mater (102.9 FM/1430 AM), CLICK HERE to listen online, mobile on @tunein app on "Radiall".

Two teams in desperate need of a victory, and two arch rivals. This could be the most intense game of Week 8. Tyler Warren had 480 yards of total offense, by himself, in last week's loss to Henrico. A fifth loss in Region 5B, with Varina and Highland Springs still to come, endangers the Raiders' playoff hopes. Meanwhile, after an 0-4 start, Lee-Davis picks up two victories to keep teams ahead of them within shouting distance in Region 4B. However, the Confederates likely need to win out (Atlee, Henrico, Patrick Henry) since their game with St. Christopher's next week won't count in the VHSL formula. Atlee broke a three-game losing skid to Lee-Davis last season.

Collegiate (4-2) at Fork Union (3-3), 3pm airtime on 102.9 The Mater (102.9 FM/1430 AM), CLICK HERE to listen online, mobile on @tunein app on "Radiall".

With Fork Union nipping at the heels of the top four in VISAA Division I, and next week's opponent for the Cougars, Norfolk Academy, in the same position, it's very simple for Nigel Williams and Collegiate. One game at a time, one win at a time. It would be great, for Cougar fans, to get wins this Friday and next Saturday. Then, the annual rivalry game with St. Christopher's could be for home field advantage. Will Williams return to the quarterback position this week? Tune in live to The Mater to find out.

Clover Hill (4-2) at Huguenot (3-3), 7pm: The Cavaliers are one of three surprise teams inside the top eight of Region 5B with four weeks to go, joining Prince George and Matoaca. In "The Jennings Bowl", the Clover Hill head coach takes on his old team, the Falcons, who returned to the top eight in Region 4B last week. Each team is essentially in the same position in their respective regions, on the right side of the standings for now, but with teams swirling around them, ready to pounce should they lose. This is one of the most important games, from a playoff standpoint, on this week's schedule.

Glen Allen (3-3) vs. J.R. Tucker (1-5), 7pm, Douglas Freeman HS: The Jaguars took awhile to get their engine going this season, but the last two weeks, they've looked like the team that stormed to the school's first winning season in its history a year ago. Devin Flowers is, well, Devin Flowers, and the Jags look to get over .500 and continue their climb towards the top eight in Region 5B. The disadvantage, however, is a win over a one-win rival won't be as strong in the VHSL formula that if, for example, Clover Hill beats a three-win Huguenot, or especially if L.C. Bird knocks off 5-1 Cosby. Jaguar fans need to be rooting for Huguenot and Cosby this week, too, if, while they're at it, Lee-Davis. If the Confederates beat Atlee, the Jags pick up two bonus points for having defeated Lee-Davis and it keeps Atlee behind Glen Allen, provided they beat their biggest rivals this decade.

Hanover (1-5) at Patrick Henry (4-3), 7pm: It's Senior Night for Patrick Henry, who finish the regular season with a trip to Armstrong, a bye, and Tomato Bowl 61 in Mechanicsville at Lee-Davis on November 8th. The Patriots, if they play to their standards this season, should be favored in each game. Having a weak strength of schedule down the stretch, however, doesn't help them in the jam-packed playoff race in Region 4B. They enter in fifth place, but seven teams surrounding them in the standings stand less than two points away from the Patriots, either ahead or behind. For the Hawks, they get that first win for David Butler, but now have to find a way to slow down Alex Sikkar, who has been putting together one of the best individual seasons in the Central Region outside of Treveyon Henderson of Hopewell.

OTHER GAMES:

Matoaca (4-2) at Colonial Heights (1-6), 7pm
Petersburg (2-4) at Meadowbrook (0-6), 7pm
John Marshall (3-3) at Tunstall, 7pm
Trinity Episcopal (5-3) at Potomac School (3-3), 2pm Saturday
St. Christopher's (6-1) at Loyola Blakefield (MD), 2pm Saturday
George Wythe (0-6) at James River (0-6), 7pm
Nottoway (5-1) at Goochland (5-1), 7pm
Manassas Park (3-3) at Armstrong (1-6), 7pm
Mathews (1-5) at King William (4-2), 7pm
Amelia (3-3) at Bluestone (2-4), 7pm
Grafton at New Kent (2-4), 7pm
Essex (5-1) at Colonial Beach (3-3), 7pm
West Point (5-2) at King & Queen Central (6-0), 7pm

NBC12/RVA Sports Network High School Football Big 12 Poll

Hopewell slips up one, Manchester down just one after the comeback win from #1 Highland Springs, and a team who has won five straight enters for the first time this season.


1) Highland Springs (7-0, was #1, BYE)
2) Hopewell (6-0, was #3, vs. Dinwiddie)
3) Manchester (5-1, was #2, at Midlothian)
4) Varina (6-1, was #4, vs. Henrico)
5) Louisa (6-0, was #5, at Kettle Run)
6) Deep Run (6-0, was #6, vs. Mills Godwin)
7) Monacan (5-1, was #7, at Powhatan)
8) Thomas Dale (4-2, was #8, vs. Prince George)
9) Benedictine (5-2, was #10, vs. Woodberry Forest Saturday)
10) Douglas Freeman (5-2, was #9, BYE)
11) Thomas Jefferson (5-1, was #12, at Caroline)
12) Cosby (5-1, NEW, at L.C. Bird)

Dropping Out: Henrico (4-3, was #10)

VHSL Football Region Standings: October 14

Here are the latest regional standings from the Virginia High School League with just four weeks left in the regular season with our exclusive analysis on the current state of the playoff race!


REGION 6A:

1) Ocean Lakes (5-2): 28.571
2) Oscar Smith (5-1): 28.333
3) Franklin County (4-2): 27.667
4) Cosby (5-1): 27.0
5) Landstown (5-2): 26.714
6) Thomas Dale (4-2): 26.667
7) Western Branch (2-4): 23.0
8) Tallwood (2-4): 22.167
---
9) Grassfield (2-4) 22.0
10) Floyd Kellam (2-4): 21.667
11) James River (0-6): 18.5

ANALYSIS: This week's movement is all brought to you by strength of schedule. Thomas Dale defeats a winless Meadowbrook, and drops in the standings, while Cosby moves up to fourth with a victory over a three-win Powhatan team. A reminder that, for all regions, at this point, where you are now is essentially meaningless if you lose two of your last three or three of your last four games. On the flip side, should a team ahead of you or slightly behind (see Landstown and Thomas Dale) falters, back up you go with victories. Ocean Lakes could really help their case for the top seed by handing Salem of Virginia Beach, a Region 5A school, their first loss this week. Oscar Smith, with a game in hand, and a pretty strong schedule down the stretch, takes the top spot as early as next week with an Ocean Lakes defeat. Cosby can better separate themselves from Landstown (the #4 seed hosts the #5 seed in the first round November 15th) with a win over L.C. Bird Friday, but a reminder that the Titans have never defeated the Skyhawks, going back to their first meeting in 2007.


REGION 5B:

1) Highland Springs (7-0*): 31.333
2) Deep Run (6-0): 30.333
3) Manchester (5-1): 29.333
4) Varina (6-1): 27.571
5) Prince George (4-2): 25.0
6) Douglas Freeman (5-2): 24.571
7) Matoaca (4-2): 24.167
8) Clover Hill (4-2): 24.0
---
9) Henrico (4-3): 23.714
10) Glen Allen (3-3): 22.0
11) L.C. Bird (3-3): 21.5
12) Hermitage (2-5): 21.0
13) Atlee (2-4): 20.5
14) Mills Godwin (3-4): 20.286
15) Midlothian (1-5): 18.667
16) J.R. Tucker (1-5): 17.5
17) Meadowbrook (0-6): 16.5

ANALYSIS: So, the fallout from the battle between Highland Springs (*--only nine games count in VHSL formula, so in the league's eyes, they are 6-0 right now) and Manchester is the Springers taking the top spot, and, Manchester falling to third after Deep Run beat a five-win Douglas Freeman team. Strength of schedule between the Lancers and Wildcats, it's close. The current combined record of Deep Run's remaining opponents is 12-13, for Manchester, it's 12-12. But the Lancers get a Class 6 school in Cosby, while the Wildcats play three Region 5B teams and one from Region 2A in Thomas Jefferson. If they both win out, it will be close. Varina, however, wants a say in all this, and could really upset the apple cart by winning out and, by doing so, finally vanquishing their arch rivals in Highland Springs November 8th. We see now a definitive split between the top four and the next, say, seven teams. That doesn't mean Prince George, for example, couldn't catch Varina should they lose to, say both Henrico and the Springers. It will become more difficult should Varina beat Henrico Friday and Prince George falls to Thomas Dale. It gets really crazy from fifth to eleventh place. We don't include Hermitage because they've played seven games, and it's going to be difficult to earn a playoff bid here with a 5-5 record unless you have a very strong strength of schedule. Two of the Panthers' last three opponents are currently under .500. Atlee has to beat Lee-Davis and Hanover, plus either Varina or Highland Springs, to have a chance. No one makes the playoffs here at 4-6. L.C. Bird's road is very tough, too, with Cosby, Monacan, and Manchester all still to come. All of them are currently 5-1.


REGION 4B:

1) Louisa (6-0): 27.333
2) Eastern View (7-0): 24.857
3) Spotsylvania (5-1): 24.167
4) Monacan (5-1): 23.833
5) Patrick Henry (4-3): 23.429
6) Dinwiddie (3-3): 23.333
7) Huguenot (3-3): 22.167
8) Chancellor (4-3): 22.143
---
9) Powhatan (3-3): 21.667
10) King George (3-3): 20.833
11) Lee-Davis (2-4): 18.833
12) Orange (2-5): 17.286
13) Courtland (1-6): 16.286
14) Hanover (1-5): 16.0
      Caroline (1-5): 16.0
16) George Wythe (0-6): 14.667

ANALYSIS: Louisa continues to hold off Eastern View and they have a game in hand. However, three of Louisa's last four opponents are currently sub .500 teams, while the Cyclones still have 3-3 King George, 5-1 Spotsylvania, and 4-3 Chancellor. An upset loss by Louisa certainly opens the door for Eastern View. But what if the Knights knock off the Cyclones, and run the table at 9-1? They have two .500 teams left, the Cyclones, and 1-5 Caroline. Meanwhile, Monacan made its move up and still has four games left against teams .500 or better as of today. Patrick Henry, with three winnable games remaining, now sees Dinwiddie flying towards them in their rear view mirror. If the Generals can hand Hopewell their first loss Friday, Dinwiddie, once 1-3, would be 4-3 and knocking on the door of a top four seed depending on other results. Also up is Huguenot, while Powhatan has slipped out of the top eight, but not by much. But if they lose to Monacan Friday and Manchester next Friday, at 3-5, it could be tough to get back into the race in time. Lee-Davis needs to win out and get help, as their game next Friday against St. Christopher's doesn't count in the standings. With Orange already at five losses, we're essentially down to eleven teams for eight spots, and, more realistically, nine for six, as you can likely pencil Louisa and Eastern View in.

REGION 3A:

1) Hopewell (6-0): 27.333
2) York (6-0): 27.0
3) Phoebus (5-1): 26.167
4) Lafayette (5-1): 23.667
5) I.C. Norcom (4-2): 21.5
6) Booker T. Washington (2-4): 18.333
    Park View-South Hill (3-3): 18.333
8) Tabb (2-4): 18.167
---
9) Petersburg (2-4): 17.167
10) New Kent (2-4): 16.167
11) Southampton (2-4): 15.833
12) Lakeland (0-6): 14.667
13) Colonial Heights (1-6): 14.0

ANALYSIS: The Blue Devils cannot shake York, who survived New Kent 29-28 last week. Phoebus lurks, too. Hopewell's last four opponents currently have a combined 11-13 record, York's are 10-14, and one of them is a Class 2 school (Bruton). Phoebus still has unbeaten Woodside on their schedule. It's going to be a dogfight at the top here down the stretch. Petersburg is still in the thick of the race, a win over Meadowbrook Friday would right the ship and get them ready for Prince George, Matoaca and Colonial Heights down the stretch. New Kent gets Grafton, then a Tabb team that took York to the wire recently as well.


REGION 3B:

1) Goochland (5-1): 21.833
2) James Monroe (3-3): 20.667
3) Brentsville District (3-3): 20.167
4) Skyline (3-3): 18.5
5) George Mason (3-3): 18.0
6) Warren County (2-4): 17.667
7) Central-Woodstock (3-3): 17.5
8) Manassas Park (3-3): 15.833
---
9) William Monroe (2-4): 15.667
10) Independence (0-7): 13.857
11) Armstrong (1-6): 13.143

ANALYSIS: Goochland has, in the eyes of the VHSL, three games left, as their rescheduled game against Blue Ridge won't count. The Bulldogs' best chance to build a numerical case for the top seed comes Friday when they battle 5-1 Nottoway, coming off a bye week.


REGION 2A:

1) Thomas Jefferson (5-1): 22.167
2) Poquoson (4-2): 20.667
3) Nottoway (5-1): 20.167
4) King William (4-2): 19.333
5) Greensville (4-2): 19.0
6) John Marshall (3-3): 17.667
7) Amelia (3-3): 17.333
8) Nandua (4-3): 16.857
---
9) Arcadia (4-2): 16.833
10) Brunswick (2-4): 13.667
11) Bluestone (2-4): 12.833
12) Windsor (2-4): 12.5
13) Prince Edward (1-5): 11.667
14) Bruton (0-6): 10.5
15) Randolph-Henry (0-7): 9.857

ANALYSIS: The big winner here last week was Poquoson, jumping to second place over an idle Nottoway. King William's loss to unbeaten Warhill hurts them minimally. John Marshall lost some ground, Amelia lost quite a bit, and now the Raiders need to win at Bluestone Friday, then beat 5-1 Buckingham next week to feel good about the postseason.


REGION 1A:

1) King & Queen Central (6-0): 20.0
2) Essex (5-1): 19.667
3) Washington & Lee (4-2): 19.167
4) Rappahannock (4-2): 18.167
5) West Point (5-2): 16.571
6) Northumberland (4-2): 15.333
7) Colonial Beach (3-3): 15.0
8) Middlesex (5-2): 14.429
---
9) Mathews (1-5): 9.667
10) Charles City (1-4): 9.6
11) Northampton (0-7): 8.143
12) Chincoteague (0-6): 7.667
      Lancaster (0-6): 7.667

ANALYSIS: We gave love to King & Queen Central Friday night on "On The Sidelines Extra" on the NBC12 Facebook page, and for good reason. But here comes perennial power Essex, who goes to Colonial Beach Friday, while King & Queen will face West Point at home Saturday night. This is West Point's chance to make a leap in the standings, much to the delight of Essex should they win on Friday. The top eight for this region seem to be almost set, with almost five points separating the #8 and #9 seeds.

WEEK 7 FOOTBALL GAMEDAY COVERAGE

NOTE: All game coverage on 102.9 The Mater (102.9 FM and 1430 AM), CLICK HERE to listen online, use the @TuneIn radio app to listen on "Radiall"! 

**********

3PM: "On The Sidelines Pregame Presented By Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance"--Rob Witham and NBC12 Sports Director Marc Davis preview all the Week 7 action!

3:30PM: Collegiate (4-1) at #10 Benedictine (4-2)

6:30PM: "On The Sidelines Bridge Show" 

7PM: #4 Varina (5-1) at Patrick Henry (4-2)

9:20-9:45PM: "RVA Sports Network Scoreboard Show"--Rob talks live with the winning coach of our primetime Game of The Week, we get a live preview of "On The Sidelines" with Marc Davis of NBC12 and get you all the scores on the Luck Chevrolet Scoreboard!

*****
11PM: Watch NBC12 News at Eleven for breaking headlines, the weekend and seven-day forecast!

11:13PM: "On The Sidelines" only on NBC12 with Marc Davis! Extensive coverage of Highland Springs/Manchester, plus our two Game of The Week contests, and scores and highlights from across the RVA!

11:34PM: "On The Sidelines Extra"--Join the conversation! Marc and Rob join you LIVE from the NBC12 studios to talk high school football, from tonight's results and highlights, the latest on the playoff picture, a look ahead to Week 8 and much more!

CLICK HERE to find our LIVE video on the NBC12 Facebook page!