RVA SPORTS NETWORK SUPER 12 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL POLL: WEEK 8

1) MATOACA (6-0, was #1, vs. Hopewell): In a defensive slugfest, the Warriors stayed unbeaten with a huge road win over Thomas Dale. Don't look ahead if you're Matoaca, as the Blue Devils will come in Friday fighting for playoff position in Class 3, Region A after a first half of the season that has not been to the usual Hopewell standard.

2) HUGUENOT (6-0, was #2, at #6 L.C. Bird): On "X" (Twitter), our weekly poll this weekend had Huguenot playing the best football right now out of four undefeated teams. After easily handling Manchester on Friday, they get set to ride to Chester to take on Their former starting quarterback, Jason Wright, and the rested Skyhawks, coming off a bye week, and for Wright, coming off a school-record 355 yards of passing in their last game. While unbeaten, the Falcons find themselves just in fourth place in Class 4, Region B at the time of this writing. That's due to strength of schedule when compared to Dinwiddie, Varina, and a team Huguenot defeated in Eastern View.

3) VARINA (4-1, was #4, at Hanover Thursday): Easily the best performance of the season so far by the Route 5 crew handing Glen Allen their first loss and holding the Jaguars to just three points. Hanover is a pesky bunch, however, and will look to win time of possession to grind this game out. The Hawks have to hold Varina under 21 points. A shootout favors the Blue Devils. Varina is second in Region 4B, .8 behind Dinwiddie.

4) HIGHLAND SPRINGS (4-2, was #5, at Potomac (MD): The Springers got the job done in shutout fashion at Henrico last Thursday, and now prep for one more trip out of town in the regular season, crossing the border into Maryland to face the Wolverines, who will enter the game at 2-4. 

5) DINWIDDIE (5-1, was #6, at Petersburg): The Generals will be favored big in their next three contests, beginning with the Crimson Wave Friday. We don't expect a Billy Mills-coached team to overlook anyone, as the Generals want to hold on to the top spot in Region 4B as the showdown with Matoaca looms November 8th on "Playoff Projection Friday". The Generals may need Varina to fall at least once should Dinwiddie run the table, since strength of schedule remaining looks to favor the Blue Devils.

6) L.C. BIRD (5-1, was #7, vs. #2 Huguenot): Don't look now, but the playoff race in Class 5, Region C is getting extremely interesting. Off their bye, the Skyhawks now face the unbeaten Falcons, and, with a win, could make noise near the top of the region standings. Unbeatens Matoaca and William Fleming are battling at the top, surprising Midlothian in third at the time of this writing, and Hermitage will take flight, too, after their comeback win over Douglas Freeman. Jason Wright should seek success, not revenge.

7) GLEN ALLEN (5-1, was #3, at Hermitage): It doesn't get any easier for the Jaguars. Coming off the trip to Varina, now they make their shortest road trip of the season at 3.1 miles to Chester Fritz Stadium to face the Panthers, who, just like L.C. Bird, can use a win this week to really solidify not only playoff position in Region 5C, but a spot in the top four to ensure they are home November 15th. Glen Allen will lose their share of the top spot in Region 6A, but a road win Friday could keep them chasing Oscar Smith.

8) THOMAS JEFFERSON (6-0, was #8, at Deep Run): The Wildcats are improved, and played TJ tough at home two years ago (14-9) before falling big a year ago (53-15), and Deep Run is in the playoff race in 6A. Their defense will be sorely tested by Rashaud Cherry and company, and their offense will have their hands full with a Vikings defense who have already pitched four shutouts.

9) ARMSTRONG (6-0, was #10, vs. Atlee): A game flying under the radar this week is the Wildcats' home date with the Raiders in Capital District play. Atlee is in a dogfight for fifth place in Region 4B, knowing Courtland will be heavily favored against James Monroe and hoping a win here would separate them more from their archrival Hanover, whom they defeated two weeks ago. Armstrong is third in Region 3B behind Thomas Jefferson and Kettle Run, so a win here could help close the gap. Atlee also wants revenge for a 30-26 home loss to Armstrong last year which severely hurt their playoff hopes.

10) BENEDICTINE (5-2, was #11, vs. Life Christian Saturday): The Cadets rolled over Collegiate, look to take care of their opponents from across the river, then it's a trip to Woodberry Forest, who shut out St. Christopher's last week, before the showdown November 2nd with Trinity Episcopal. 

11) LOUISA (4-2, was #12, vs. Charlottesville): The Lions may be the most talented 4-2 team in the Commonwealth. They put up 52 points at rival Orange, handing them their second loss of the season. The bad news is they gave up 32 points. For the Lions to solidify a playoff berth, then seek to make a run with Hiter, Seaberry, Carter and company, they need to get more defensive stops. The Jungle will be rocking this Friday night.

12) HERMITAGE (5-2, NEW, vs. #7 Glen Allen): There are two games between ranked teams this week, and it's the Battle of Staples Mill Road between a Panther squad coming off an emotional comeback win over Douglas Freeman and the Jaguars, smarting after their 38-3 loss at Varina. In their four-game winning streak, Hermitage has averaged just over 44 points per game on offense.

DROPPING OUT: Thomas Dale (3-3)


OTHER GAMES TO WATCH THIS WEEK:

Powhatan at Midlothian, Friday, 7pm
Thomas Dale at Meadowbrook, Friday, 7pm
King George at Caroline, Friday, 7pm
Northside at William Fleming, Friday, 7pm
St. Christopher's at Trinity Episcopal, Saturday, 1pm

THE WEEK 7 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCOREBOARD

WEEK SEVEN:

THURSDAY OCTOBER 10:

Benedictine 42, Collegiate 0

Armstrong 41, Greensville 0

Highland Springs 35, Henrico 0

Deep Run 33, J.R. Tucker 0

Hopewell 28, Petersburg 14

Buckingham 48, Nottoway 0
Southampton 38, Brunswick 6
Brentsville District 28, Warren County 7

FRIDAY OCTOBER 11:

Hanover 41, Mechanicsville 14
Atlee 29, Patrick Henry 28

Varina 38, Glen Allen 3

Hermitage 35, Douglas Freeman 31

Thomas Jefferson 30, Mills Godwin 0

John Marshall 42, Charles City 0
Monacan 35, Clover Hill 16
Huguenot 32, Manchester 7

Midlothian 59, Richmond School For The Arts 0

Powhatan 42, Cosby 13
Matoaca 13, Thomas Dale 0

Dinwiddie 61, Colonial Heights 0

Prince George 40, Meadowbrook 20

Albemarle 27, Goochland 0

Louisa 52, Orange 32
Caroline 56, Chancellor 28
New Kent 14, Jamestown 7
King William 35, Rocktown 12
Eastern View 48, James Monroe 19

King George 58, Culpeper 14

Courtland 14, Spotsylvania 0
Amelia 29, Prince Edward 7
Central-Lunenburg 41, Randolph-Henry 18
King & Queen Central 37, Mathews 0
Rappahannock 13, Essex 8

Northumberland 38, Lancaster 18
Surry 30, Franklin 14

Sussex Central 30, Windsor 12
Oscar Smith 22, Indian River 6

William Fleming 28, William Byrd 14
Northside 35, Franklin County 7
Poquoson 33, York 7

Bruton 14, Tabb 10

Western Branch 16, Deep Creek 12

King's Fork 38, Grassfield 14

I.C. Norcom 36, Churchland 20
Kettle Run 47, Meridian 7

SATURDAY OCTOBER 12:

Woodberry Forest 10, St. Christopher's 0

RVA SPORTS NETWORK SUPER 12 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL POLL: WEEK 7

1) MATOACA (5-0, was #1, at #9 Thomas Dale): The Warriors earn a forfeit win, not exactly a gift being that you want to keep playing, keep getting better. Now, after an unexpected bye, a trip to Chester to battle a Knights team coming off a tough loss to Dinwiddie.

2) HUGUENOT (5-0, was #2, vs. Manchester): The Falcons keep on rolling, but will get a test from a Manchester team getting back on track after a 33-16 win over Monacan last week. Can the Lancers do what Powhatan did for a half? Slow down the Huguenot offense via time of possession? Can they force a couple of turnovers?

3) GLEN ALLEN (5-0, was #3, at #4 Varina): No doubt that the biggest game on the Week 7 calendar sees these Jaguars hitting 295 to go to Route 5, where it's Homecoming Week. The Blue Devils know there's a matchup with Highland Springs on the horizon November 2nd, so a win here, should they run the table, puts them at 8-1 and in great playoff position in Region 4B. Meanwhile, Glen Allen knows they must rack up quality wins, having already defeated Thomas Dale and Douglas Freeman. A win over Varina would be huge in their race in Region 6A for playoff position.

4) VARINA (3-1, was #4, vs. #3 Glen Allen): See above!

5) HIGHLAND SPRINGS (3-2, was #5, at Henrico Thursday): We're still looking for a complete performance from the Springers like the one they dished out opening night at Manchester. A Henrico team that lost a last-minute heartbreaker to Armstrong Friday night could come in hungry, or deflated.

6) DINWIDDIE (4-1, was #6, at Colonial Heights): After surviving Thomas Dale, the Generals will be favored in every game going forward until their huge November 8th regular season showdown with #1 Matoaca.

7) L.C. BIRD (5-1, was #9, BYE): After a record setting performance in their win over Powhatan Friday, quarterback Jason Wright and the Skyhawks get two full weeks to get ready for the showdown with Huguenot October 18th. Quietly, the Skyhawks are positioning themselves to be a very tough out in the Region 5C playoffs, especially sporting something you rarely see from L.C. Bird: a huge passing attack.

8) THOMAS JEFFERSON (5-0, was #10, at Mills Godwin): The Vikings rolled up 77 points last Friday, and now have allowed just eighteen points defensively in their first five games. Their last regular season loss? November 4, 2022 at Mills Godwin. The Vikings did win on Pump Road 24-14 last season, and the Eagles are struggling. But the bottom line is you get extra VHSL points for defeating a Class 5 team as a Class 3, and that's the assignment for each of the next three weeks (Godwin, Deep Run, J.R. Tucker).

9) THOMAS DALE (3-2, was #8, vs. #1 Matoaca): It's hard to fault the Knights, who gave it all but fell just short to Harry Dalton and the Dinwiddie Generals. Now, they get a chance to make a season-changing statement with the top-ranked and unbeaten Warriors coming in. 

10) ARMSTRONG (5-0, was #11, at Greensville County Thursday): They did it! The Wildcats vanquish the hold Henrico had on them, scoring the winning touchdown in the final minute of their 14-8 victory over the Warriors. This week's trip south, on Thursday, should be a case of keeping improving your performance, don't have any injuries, and return north at 6-0, with eight days to prepare for an Atlee team who will be in the midst of a dogfight in the Region 4B playoff race.

11) BENEDICTINE (4-2, was #7, vs. Collegiate Thursday, 4pm): Rivalry Week returns to the Cadets schedule after a 23-16 loss to Gonzaga last week. The Cougars need a big win to solidify VISAA Division I playoff hopes, but the margin for error for Benedictine isn't much bigger. A very important game, for both teams, so the Cadets are happy to be home.

12) LOUISA (3-2, NEW, at Orange): Don't look now, Region 5C, but here comes a transformed Lions team. Their future looked so bright late in 2022 watching freshman sensations Savion Hiter and Dyzier Carter power Louisa to the postseason. Then, both left for Woodberry Forest, where they played in 2023 and looked to spend their junior seasons there. But within the first two weeks of regular season play, first Carter (a verbal commit to Rutgers), then Hiter (who is collecting Power 4 Conference offers), decided to return to the Lions. After an 0-2 start, Louisa has rolled off three straight wins. Now Jayden Seaberry has help offensively, and a lot of it, but will be tested when they head to Orange (4-1) Friday in what still may be called "The Tastee-Freez Bowl", even though the restaurant that stood in Gordonsville near the Louisa/Orange County border, closed five years ago. For those of us who love a Big Tee burger, we are still in mourning.

DROPPING OUT: Powhatan (was #12)

OTHER GAMES TO WATCH THIS WEEK:

Petersburg at Hopewell, Thursday, 7pm

Atlee at Patrick Henry, Friday, 7pm

Douglas Freeman at Hermitage, Friday, 7pm
Cosby at Powhatan, Friday, 7pm

St. Christopher's at Woodberry Forest, Saturday, 2pm

THE WEEK 6 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCOREBOARD

WEEK SIX:

Start the week with the latest in high school football Thursday at 5pm when Rob Witham joins Bob Black and Sean Robertson on The Sports Huddle LIVE only on 106.1 FM ESPN Richmond!

THURSDAY OCTOBER 3:

Hermitage 75, Deep Run 0

Huguenot 61, James River 20
Lafayette 58, Grafton 20

FRIDAY OCTOBER 4:

St. Christopher's 44, Fork Union 8
Gonzaga 23, Benedictine 16
Hanover 31, Patrick Henry 6

Armstrong 14, Henrico 8
Thomas Jefferson 77, John Marshall 6
Glen Allen 34, Douglas Freeman 13
Mills Godwin 42, J.R. Tucker 9
Dinwiddie 21, Thomas Dale 14

L.C. Bird 41, Powhatan 20

Manchester 33, Monacan 16

Midlothian 45, Clover Hill 0

Cosby 32, Richmond School For The Arts 6
Matoaca d. Meadowbrook via forfeit

Hopewell 49, Colonial Heights 13
Prince George 21, Petersburg 14
Goochland 41, Charlottesville 18

Louisa 45, Monticello 6
Caroline 26, Culpeper 21

King George 41, Courtland 20

Chancellor 21, James Monroe 12

North Stafford 38, Eastern View 21
Amelia 25, Nandua 14
New Kent 29, Tabb 21
Central-Woodstock 19, King William 10

Brunswick Academy 55, Blessed Sacrament-Huguenot 14
Essex 70, Charles City 0
Poquoson 31, Jamestown 0
Smithfield 20, York 0
West Point 21, Colonial Beach 0
Northampton 42, Middlesex 18
Buckingham 52, Randolph-Henry 6

Central-Lunenburg 57, Prince Edward 0

Fluvanna 15, Albemarle 7
Franklin 38, Arcadia 0
Brunswick 19, Windsor 6
Southampton 56, Sussex Central 8

Colonel Richardson (MD) 56, Westmoreland 0
Greensville 30, Surry 6
Maury 49, I.C. Norcom 13
Nansemond River 21, Western Branch 0
William Fleming 49, Halifax 0
Patrick Henry-Roanoke 24, Pulaski 7
Grassfield 29, Great Bridge 15
James Wood 22, Meridian 19
Sherando 51, Warren County 0

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RVA SPORTS NETWORK SUPER 12 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL POLL: WEEK SIX

1) Matoaca (4-0, was #1, at Meadowbrook)

2) Huguenot (4-0, was #2, vs. James River Thursday)

3) Glen Allen (4-0, was #3, at Douglas Freeman)

4) Varina (3-1, was #4, BYE)

5) Highland Springs (3-2, was #5, BYE)

6) Dinwiddie (3-1, was #6, at #8 Thomas Dale)

7) Benedictine (4-1, was #7, vs Gonzaga, 4pm Friday)

8) Thomas Dale (3-1, was #8, vs. #6 Dinwiddie)

9) L.C. Bird (4-1, was #9, vs. #12 Powhatan)

10) Thomas Jefferson (4-0, was #10, at John Marshall (game at VUU)

11) Armstrong (4-0, NEW, at Henrico)

12) Powhatan (2-2, was #12, at #9 L.C. Bird)

*****

DROPPING OUT: Hanover (was #11)

*****

PIVOTAL GAMES THIS WEEK:

Glen Allen at Douglas Freeman, 7pm

Dinwiddie at Thomas Dale, 7pm

Hopewell at Colonial Heights, 7pm

Patrick Henry at Hanover, 7pm

Powhatan at L.C. Bird, 7pm

Monacan at Manchester, 7pm

Armstrong at Henrico, 7pm

Monticello at Louisa, 7:30pm

King George at Courtland, 7pm

THE WEEK FIVE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCOREBOARD

WEEK FIVE:

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 26:

Thomas Dale 35, Prince George 6
Dinwiddie 22, Hopewell 7
Manchester 37, James River 13

Meadowbrook 14, Petersburg 7
L.C. Bird 57, Richmond School For The Arts 0
Monticello 34, Goochland 14

Louisa 40, Western Albemarle 0
Eastern View 42, Caroline 21
Strasburg 28, King William 17
Brunswick 35, Surry 20
Fluvanna 52, Charlottesville 13

Southampton 59, Lakeland 0
Franklin 18, Windsor 8
Salem 41, PH-Roanoke 24
Oscar Smith 49, Grassfield 0
Spotswood 46, William Monroe 0

Greensville 36, Sussex Central 28
Altavista 64, William Campbell 13

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 27:

TOMATO BOWL 66: Patrick Henry 33, Mechanicsville 16
Atlee 17, Hanover 7

Varina 40, Henrico 7

Highland Springs 28, Riverbend 7

Douglas Freeman 42, Deep Run 0
Hermitage 31, Mills Godwin 0
Cosby 32, Clover Hill 0

Essex d. King & Queen Central via forfeit
Spotsylvania 39, Chancellor 14
King George 50, James Monroe 0
Northampton at West Point, 7pm

Rappahannock 72, Middlesex 16
Bruton 35, Grafton 6
Lafayette 47, Smithfield 0

Warren Co. 14, Fauquier 7
Blessed Sacrament-Huguenot 18, Broadwater Academy 16

Brentsville District 28, Meridian 14

Bayside 21, Landstown 6

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 28:

Warhill 34, New Kent 24

Huguenot 36, Powhatan 17

Trinity Episcopal 22, Flint Hill 20
Matoaca 34, Colonial Heights 0
Benedictine 14, St. Christopher's 7
Paul VI 20, Collegiate 7
Arcadia at Lancaster 64, Arcadia 62 (F/4 OT)

Armstrong 90, Manassas Park 0
Courtland 34, Culpeper 0

Woodside 36, Heritage (Newport News) 7

Jamestown at York

Maury 62, Lake Taylor 0

Orange 43, Albemarle 20

Kettle Run 62, Skyline 0

Granby 77, Booker T. Washington 0

Poquoson 28, Tabb 21

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 30:

J.R. Tucker 45, John Marshall 30

Nottoway at Amelia, POSTPONED to Monday 10/14

Central-Lunenburg at Buckingham, POSTPONED to Tuesday 10/22

Prince Edward at Northumberland, POSTPONED

I.C. Norcom 47, Manor 0