We've already hit the "midway" week of the 2021 regular season, a season unlike any other, with tons of postponements and cancellations, big game surprises, and few unbeaten teams. Let's take a look at the latest RVA Sports Network "Super 12" High School Football Poll, taking into account games played through September 25th, presented by Massey, Wood, and West, fueling Virginia since 1923. CLICK HERE for information on ordering heating oil for the upcoming winter or for HVAC installation or repairs!
NOTE: All games listed below for this week are Friday, 7pm unless otherwise noted.
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1) HIGHLAND SPRINGS (2-2, was #1, at Henrico postponed, vs. Colonial Forge): The Springers see their game with rival Henrico moved up to Thursday, then postponed at the eleventh hour, rescheduled currently for October 12th. Another big out of town opponent comes to the new Kreiter Stadium Friday in the form of perennial Class 6 power Colonial Forge, who arrive with an uncharacteristic 2-2 start.
2) MANCHESTER (3-1, was #2, d. James River, at Clover Hill): The Lancers are rolling, easily defeating their in-county, Class 6, Region A rival last Friday, traveling this week to a Cavalier team who has underperformed so far this year, but who also scored 48 points in a shootout win over Huguenot.
3) VARINA (3-0, was #3, d. Mechanicsville, vs. Hanover): The Blue Devils' win at Hermitage the previous week has seemed to become a springboard for Marcus Lewis' second team at the helm. They aren't afraid to take big chances in all three phases of the game, recovering two onside kicks, scoring 39 first half points, and returning two interceptions for touchdowns in a 52-13 win at Mechanicsville on High School Football Friday Night last week. If they can slow down Cole Elrod, it could be another big night this week when the Blue Devils host the Hawks.
4) DINWIDDIE (2-0, was #5, d. Colonial Heights, at #5 Matoaca): Will an expected win for the Generals in their return to play at Colonial Heights be enough to prepare them for a battle with already-battle tested Matoaca on the road this week? The Warriors proved they are for real by handing Thomas Dale their first defeat last Friday, holding off a late Knights comeback attempt. This game will go a long way to playoff positioning in Class 4, Region B, which includes defending region champion King George and Varina, who both enter the week 3-0.
5) MATOACA (4-0, was #8, d. #6 Thomas Dale, vs. #4 Dinwiddie): Matoaca no longer has to prove they belong in the upper echelon of Region 4B. Now, they must conquer a long-time Central District foe who now is also a region rival. We may look back to this game come November 5th as pivotal to everything from who holds the number one seed in the region, or, who begins the playoffs at home or on the road. In one of the toughest regions in the Commonwealth, winning at home head-to-head is imperative.
6) THOMAS DALE (2-1, was #4, l. to #5 Matoaca, at Prince George): It was so much to ask the Knights, who have spent an emotional September dealing with issues related to COVID-19, issues that are much bigger than football games. While they fell short at home to Matoaca, they now must prepare for a Prince George team who saw their Homecoming game last week against Meadowbrook postponed due to no fault of their own and, at 0-3, in big-time need of a victory in Class 5, Region B.
7) HOPEWELL (2-0, was #6, at Petersburg postponed, vs. Colonial Heights, Saturday 1pm): The Blue Devils know they won't play a full ten-game schedule, as their game with Varina, which should have started the season in late August, postponed twice, is now canceled. They hope to return to action Saturday at Merner Field, before two huge road trips October 8th to Dinwiddie, and October 15th to Thomas Dale.
8) ST. CHRISTOPHER'S (4-0, was #11, d. Norfolk Academy, at Benedictine, Friday 4pm): The Saints have been handling their business without much trouble in recent weeks, but, as we learned from Mills Godwin/Douglas Freeman last Friday, when it's a rivalry game, anything can happen. Benedictine lost early to Trinity Episcopal, and needs this victory in the race for the VISAA playoffs. This is a tough road trip for the Saints, but, if they come away with a win, they become serious championship contenders.
9) PATRICK HENRY (3-1, was #10, d. Atlee, at Henrico): The Patriots had a surprisingly easy time of it at rival Atlee, pushing their in-county rivals below them in the standings in Region 4B when simply taking win-loss records into consideration. The first official region rankings, based on the Virginia High School League (VHSL) point system, will be released in two weeks. The Patriots hope that their trip to Henrico happens, as the Warriors continue to deal with coronavirus issues, and have only played twice this season.
10) MIDLOTHIAN (2-0, was #12, at Monacan postponed, vs. Cosby): The Trojans have seen their last two games postponed due to COVID, first with L.C. Bird at the last minute, then this past week's scheduled trip to Monacan, now set for a week from Monday. They haven't played since defeating Clover Hill September 10th and are one of only two undefeated teams (J.R. Tucker) left in Class 5, Region B.
11) HERMITAGE (1-2, was #9, l. at Glen Allen, vs. J.R. Tucker): When was the last time that the J.R. Tucker Tigers came into the "Cat Bowl" against rival Hermitage with the better record? Tucker's win over Deep Run Friday gave them their first 3-0 start since 1992, when they began the year at 4-0. Suddenly, the Panthers find themselves under .500 after the surprising overtime loss at Glen Allen, who also move to 1-2 in a wide open Region 5B playoff race. If the Tigers win at Chester Fritz, they may tear down their new school building in celebration (since there isn't a completed football field yet, so you can't tear down the goalposts....)
12) DOUGLAS FREEMAN (4-1, was #7, l. at Mills Godwin, vs John Marshall): For our money, the biggest shocker of a crazy Week 5 was the Mavericks' 21-7 loss to previously winless Mills Godwin on Friday. But, of course, we tell you constantly, when it's Rivalry Night, anything can happen. Thankfully for the Mavericks, they will be prohibitively favored against winless John Marshall, who doesn't have the offensive weapons that the Eagles have, then they host currently winless Deep Run before an October 15th showdown with Hermitage.
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