SUPER 12 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL RANKINGS: Week Six

This season has been such a rollercoaster! Surprising starts, big upsets, injury woes, and they all feel more so than usual. How did our poll change after a wild week five? Here we go:

1) VARINA (4-0-1, was #1, vs. Grimsley (NC) Friday, 7pm): The third and final defending state champion on the Blue Devil schedule, this is a rematch of a 21-14 thriller won by the Whirlies in Greensboro. Will Kaleb Wyche be ready to return at quarterback, or, if he's not at one hundred percent, why risk a long-term injury when there's still, they hope, ten games to go?

2) THOMAS DALE (4-0, was #3, vs. Meadowbrook Friday, 7pm): These two teams played a classic in 2025, won by the Knights in the final minute. With Oscar Smith struggling this season (1-2-1), Thomas Dale, and another team just below them in this poll, have an opening to the top seed in Class 6, Region A. However, the Central District this season has no nights off. But the Knights' defense is playing out of their minds right now.

3) HIGHLAND SPRINGS (4-1, was #4, vs. Phoebus Friday, 7pm): The Springers learned their lessons from the Huguenot defeat and have dispatched both South County and L.C. Bird easily these past two weeks. The Phantoms also have one defeat this season after seeing their 51-game winning streak end during 2025. One more good test before the impromptu Tuesday (10/13) matchup at Petersburg.

4) MANCHESTER (5-0, was #5, at #6 Midlothian Friday, 7pm): The Lancer defense is nothing to sneeze at either, and they'll likely relish not getting all the splashy headlines when compared to the Midlothian defense after their work at Huguenot last Friday. Manchester only tallied 18 points in a win over Cosby, but the Titans' defense is pretty good, too.

5) TRINITY EPISCOPAL (3-1, was #6, at Blue Ridge Saturday, 2pm): The Titans hit the road to face a Blue Ridge squad who have won three in a row since their shutout loss to Benedictine in their 2026 opener. Trinity has everything in front of them and have only been getting better as the season has progressed.

6) MIDLOTHIAN (4-1, was #10, vs. #4 Manchester Friday, 7pm): It will definitely be a playoff atmosphere in Poates Stadium as the Trojans face yet another big Dominion District test, this time with the undefeated Lancers. What does Midlothian dial up defensively this week, and how can Manchester find ways to avoid the traps that sealed Huguenot's doom last week?

7) PETERSBURG (4-0, was #7, vs. Matoaca Thursday, 7pm): The Warriors will come in sky high after their first win at home against Dinwiddie in twenty years, but the Wave showed no rust in their 40-0 road pasting of a good Colonial Heights team. The Colonials' rushing attack last week? 42 carries for 32 yards. Jerome Mathis has Petersburg playing great defense, too.

8) ARMSTRONG (4-0, was #8, at Henrico Friday, 7pm): This is a week where the Wildcats need to be dialed in more than usual. The Warriors are desperate for a win, and it's their Homecoming game. Armstrong cannot get caught looking ahead to playing the second half of their game with Thomas Jefferson next Monday evening, October 5th. Lean on the youngsters up front, and run the rock.

9) HUGUENOT (3-1, was #2, at L.C. Bird Friday, 7pm): Both teams are coming off very disappointing losses. After the Falcons' opening night loss to St. Christopher's last year, they ripped off eleven straight wins en route to the Class 4, Region B championship game. They'll look to start a similar route at Dutchman Field.

10) HERMITAGE (3-2, was #9, at Mills Godwin Friday, 7pm): The Panthers dispatched Deep Run last Friday 35-6, and their one position drop this week says nothing about Hermitage. It's all about what Midlothian did, and the Panthers are watching them very closely, as, of course, both are members of Class 5, Region C and played each other in the postseason just a year ago.

11) DOUGLAS FREEMAN (3-1, was #11, vs. J.R. Tucker Friday, 7pm): Off a bye week and seemingly healthy, the Mavericks, too, have paid close attention to the results by Midlothian, Hermitage, and Highland Springs in the Region 5C race. They host winless J.R. Tucker Friday, then go to Virginia Union to face Thomas Jefferson on October 9th.

12) HANOVER (3-1, was #12, vs. Patrick Henry Friday, 7pm): The Kayden Hughes injury will certainly be felt by the Hawks on both sides of the field, but Joel Nicholson has other weapons, too, and they'll need to step up to face a Patrick Henry team rested from the bye, high off their Tomato Bowl win the week before, and seeing that fourth to eighth place in the Class 4, Region B playoff race is currently wide open. This game is bigger for the Hawks' postseason hopes than most people realize, as four of their last four games are against above .500 teams, including Varina, unbeaten Armstrong, and Highland Springs.

DROPPING OUT: None

CHASING THE DOZEN: Collegiate, Hopewell, Thomas Jefferson, Meadowbrook, St. Christopher's

WEEK SIX HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL:

WEEK SIX:

THURSDAY OCTOBER 1:

Matoaca at Petersburg, 7pm

Dinwiddie at Hopewell, 7pm

Heritage (Lynchburg) at Thomas Jefferson, 7pm, Hovey Field, VUU

New Kent at York, 7pm

West Point at Westmoreland, 7pm

Bethel at Heritage-NN, 7pm

FRIDAY OCTOBER 2:

Episcopal at St. Christopher's, 6:30pm

Armstrong at Henrico, 7pm (Homecoming)

Phoebus at Highland Springs, 7pm

Huguenot at L.C. Bird, 7pm

Grimsley (NC) at Varina, 7pm

Patrick Henry at Hanover, 7pm

Glen Allen at Deep Run, 7pm

J.R. Tucker at Douglas Freeman, 7pm

Hermitage at Mills Godwin, 7pm

Manchester at Midlothian, 7pm

Powhatan at James River, 7pm

Clover Hill at Cosby, 7pm

RHSA at Monacan, 7pm

Meadowbrook at Thomas Dale, 7pm

Colonial Heights at Prince George, 7pm

John Marshall at Woodbridge, 7pm

Caroline at James Monroe, 7pm

Goochland at Albemarle, 7pm

Charlottesville at Louisa, 7:30pm

Prince Edward at Amelia, 7pm

Middlesex at Northampton, 7pm

Sussex Central at Southampton, 7pm

Windsor at Brunswick, 7pm

Greensville at Surry, 7pm

Monticello at Orange, 7pm

Fauquier at Culpeper, 7pm

William Fleming at GW-Danville, 7pm

Buckingham at Randolph-Henry, 7pm

Cumberland at Nottoway, 7pm

Central-Lunenburg at Clarke County, 7pm

Western Branch at Indian River, 7pm

Booker T. Washington at Maury, 7pm

Lake Taylor at I.C. Norcom, 7pm

Tabb at Smithfield, 7pm

Brentsville District at Manassas Park, 7pm

Central-Woodstock at Skyline, 7pm

Meridian at James Wood, 7pm

Warren County at Liberty-Bealeton, 7pm

William Monroe at Turner Ashby, 7pm

SATURDAY OCTOBER 3:

WEEK FIVE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCOREBOARD

GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL (Week Two):

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 21:

Highland Springs 40, Cristo Rey 0

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 22:

Thomas Jefferson 16, Armstrong 0

John Marshall 12, Richmond Community 0

RHSA 12, Franklin Military 0

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 24:

Petersburg 18, Henrico 13

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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL WEEK FIVE: 

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 24:

Thomas Dale 21, Prince George 0

Hopewell 40, Meadowbrook 32

Northampton at West Point, POSTPONED to October 16

York at Warhill, POSTPONED to Saturday, 11am

Bethel 62, Kecoughtan 0

Denbigh 43, Heritage-NN 20

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25:

Gonzaga (DC) 21, Benedictine 14

St. Christopher's 24, Norfolk Academy 14

Highland Springs 38, L.C. Bird 0

Mechanicsville 48, RHSA 14

Armstrong 49, King William 14

Varina 49, Henrico 7

Hanover 21, Atlee 7

Glen Allen 48, Hampton 41

Mills Godwin 51, J.R. Tucker 6

Hermitage 35, Deep Run 6

Thomas Jefferson 25, Booker T. Washington 12

Atlantic Shores Christian 49, John Marshall 6

Manchester 18, Cosby 8

Monacan 28, Powhatan 20

James River 35, Clover Hill 10

Midlothian 17, Huguenot 7

Matoaca 20, Dinwiddie 16

Petersburg 40, Colonial Heights 0

Louisa 42, Fluvanna 35
Goochland 34, Orange 14

Chancellor 26, Caroline 19

Culpeper 28, Spotsylvania 13

New Kent 24, Smithfield 21

Cumberland d. Charles City via forfeit

Brunswick 31, Surry 12

Nottoway 33, Amelia 12

Rappahannock 56, Middlesex 12

Courtland 35, King George 0

Franklin 44, Windsor 0

Sussex Central 30, Greensville 6

Southampton 32, Lakeland 20
Eastern View 20, James Monroe 7

Norfolk Christian 47, Colonial Beach 6

Albemarle 31, Charlottesville 27

Central-Lunenburg 30, Randolph-Henry 13

Buckingham 42, Prince Edward 6

Brunswick Academy 48, Blessed Sacrament-Huguenot 40

Westmoreland at Arcadia, POSTPONED to Monday, 6:30pm

Kent County (MD) at Nandua, POSTPONED to Monday, 5pm

PH-Roanoke 56, Hidden Valley 0

E.C. Glass 35, Liberty 29

Poquoson at Lafayette, CANCELED

King's Fork 28, Oscar Smith 14

Phoebus 20, Warwick 15

Norview 32, Manor 8

Kellam 35, Ocean Lakes 21

Lake Taylor 48, Granby 0

Salem (VB) 39, Landstown 28

Tabb 42, Grafton 28

Sherando 42, Brentsville District 6

James Wood 56, Warren County 26

Spotswood 19, William Monroe 0

Meridian 41, Fauquier 6

Kettle Run 24, Millbrook 20

Bassett 28, Mecklenburg 14

South County 31, West Springfield 21

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 26:

Collegiate 59, Northumberland 6

Essex 10, Eastside 6

SUPER 12 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL RANKINGS: Week Five

1) VARINA (3-0-1, was #1, at Henrico Friday): The Blue Devils won't take their rivals lightly, even though they could be guilty of looking ahead to the rematch with Grimsley of North Carolina next week. After that, Varina will be grateful to have their bye week. Is that when Kaleb Wyche is ready to return from injury?

2) HUGUENOT (3-0, was #2, vs. #10 Midlothian Friday): Another win, another shutout. For all the talk, and deservedly so, surrounding Charles Scott, Jr and Iveon Lewis, a shoutout to the Falcons defense for being ultra-dominant thus far.

3) THOMAS DALE (3-0, was #3, at Prince George Thursday): The Knights, after a monster performance at a good Glen Allen team, now head to face the Royals on a short week. Prince George will throw haymakers, trying to avoid a 1-3 start after a disappointing showing in their loss at Douglas Freeman.

4) HIGHLAND SPRINGS (3-1, was #4, vs. L.C. Bird Friday): As head coach Loren Johnson told the Richmonder after their South County victory, this is essentially game four of a regular season schedule specifically designed to prepare the Springers for the postseason gauntlet. The Skyhawks can give them a good test, and need this to be a low-scoring game, allowing their defense to dictate tempo.

5) MANCHESTER (4-0, was #5, vs. Cosby Friday): The Titans have struggled offensively, the Lancers have not. Manchester was outscored their first four opponents 133-13.

6) TRINITY EPISCOPAL (3-1, was #6, bye week): A break can be a good thing and frustrating at the same time. The Titans have looked like VISAA state championship material in consecutive wins over Benedictine, Hermitage, and previously unbeaten Woodberry Forest, so you hate to have a pause from a momentum point of view. But bruises and aches have time to heal before returning to play October 3rd at Blue Ridge.

7) PETERSBURG (2-0, was #8, at Colonial Heights Friday): Avoid rust. The Crimson Wave had a bye week, then had their game against John Marshall canceled last Friday. They've added a home affair with Highland Springs for Tuesday October 13th, but first, they have to be careful going to a 3-1 Colonial Heights team that is playing very well.

8) ARMSTRONG (3-0, was #10, vs. King William Friday): Four teams remain perfect in Class 2, Region A, and one of them is not four-time defending regional champion Poquoson. This battle between the Wildcats and the Cavaliers is one of two contests this week involving the unbeatens, as Central-Lunenburg and Randolph-Henry hold their annual showdown Friday as well. Can Armstrong slow down K'Sean Hill of King William? Or, if they can't, can they match him point for point?

9) HERMITAGE (2-2, was #7, at Deep Run Friday): The Panthers couldn't keep up with top-ranked Varina, and now look to right the ship and start stacking wins in their annual trek through the West End, starting with a struggling Wildcat squad.

10) MIDLOTHIAN (3-1, returning, at #2 Huguenot Friday): The Gibson Gross led offense has been on fire of late, scoring 124 points in their last two games. But they haven't seen anything like the Huguenot defense.

11) DOUGLAS FREEMAN (3-1, NEW, bye week): The Mavericks really impressed in their 49-14 win over Prince George, and now get some time to rest and heal heading into October, first against winless J.R. Tucker, then a trip to Hovey Field at Virginia Union to battle Thomas Jefferson. The Mavericks are in good shape in not only earning a playoff bid in Class 5, Region C, but also in the quest to at least host one playoff game.

12) HANOVER (2-1, NEW, vs. Atlee Friday): The only thing that's sure about the rivalry between the Hawks and the Raiders is nothing's for sure. These two have played some wild ones over a history that dates back to 2003, and the Raiders could take a huge step back into the Class 4, Region B playoff race, which is suddenly wide open, with a win here. Remember, Hanover's opponent lost their three games by a combined five points. But Atlee's defense? We'll see if they have an answer for the dynamic duo of Joel Nicholson and Kayden Hughes, who are putting up video game numbers for Sam Rogers.

DROPPING OUT: Benedictine (was #9), Thomas Jefferson (was #11), Dinwiddie (was #12)

CHASING THE DOZEN: Meadowbrook (3-0), Colonial Heights (3-1), Hopewell (2-1), Dinwiddie (2-2)

WEEK FOUR HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCOREBOARD

GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL: 

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 15:

Thomas Jefferson 18, RHSA 0

Huguenot 14, Armstrong 0

John Marshall 39, Franklin Military 0

*****************

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL:

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 17:

Highland Springs 28, South County 7

Phoebus 36, Kecoughtan 31

Warwick 55, Heritage-NN 0

Tabb 26, New Kent 14 

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18:

TOMATO BOWL 68: Patrick Henry 24, Mechanicsville 18

Varina 37, Hermitage 6

Hanover 53, Mills Godwin 14

Armstrong 36, Goochland 14

John Marshall at Petersburg, CANCELED 

Douglas Freeman 49, Prince George 14

Hopewell 47, Thomas Jefferson 7

Atlee 49, J.R. Tucker 0

Meadowbrook 41, Deep Run 13

Thomas Dale 41, Glen Allen 7

L.C. Bird 18, Powhatan 12

James River 35, Monacan 14

Huguenot 34, Cosby 0

Midlothian 75, RHSA 0

Manchester 42, Clover Hill 6

Salem 38, Dinwiddie 14

King William 41, Caroline 14

Colonial Heights 42, Southampton 36

Churchland 22, Henrico 14

McDonogh 28, Benedictine 7

Collegiate 28, Nansemond-Suffolk Academy 14

Bullis 14, St. Christopher's 6

Louisa 24, Matoaca 22

Amelia 39, Nandua 19

Brunswick 7, Nottoway 0

Surry 40, Charles City 0

Strasburg 22, Rappahannock 14

Poquoson 49, Grafton 34

Lancaster 30, Middlesex 14

Sussex Central 68, Colonial Beach 0

Essex 59, Franklin 20

Riverbend 58, Albemarle 7

Monticello 27, Western Albemarle 14

Northampton 14, Windsor 0

Brooke Point 32, Spotsylvania 14

Massaponax 37, Chancellor 14

Courtland 7, Orange 0

Liberty-Bealeton 12, Eastern View 8

PH-Roanoke 42, William Fleming 7

Magna Vista 42, Franklin County 3

William Monroe 41, Madison County 40

Nelson County 35, Cumberland 0

Randolph-Henry 56, William Campbell 0

Nansemond River 36, Western Branch 22

Booker T. Washington 39, Lake Taylor 14

Landstown 28, Ocean Lakes 25

I.C. Norcom 54, Manor 24

Gloucester 41, York 0

Warhill 13, Smithfield 7

Brentsville District 45, Fauquier 0

Millbrook 26, Meridian 7

Warren County 35, Kettle Run 28 (F/OT)

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 19:

Trinity Episcopal 45, Woodberry Forest 7

Indian River 24, Oscar Smith 21

SUPER 12 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL RANKINGS: Week Four

1) VARINA (2-0-1, was #1, vs. #7 Hermitage Friday): What a disappointing finish at Oscar Smith Friday, a 7-7 tie after all the weather mishaps. With 15-0 not possible, the Blue Devils take another step towards what they hope will be 14-0-1.

2) HUGUENOT (2-0, was #2, at Cosby Friday): Speaking of next steps. The Falcons handle Clover Hill 68-0 and will be heavily favored to stay unbeaten against the Titans.

3) THOMAS DALE (2-0, was #3, at Glen Allen Friday): The rubber game of this series which began two years ago. The Knights laid an egg in their first trip to Staples Mill Road, falling 28-3, but handled the Jaguars 14-8 at home last season. Off their bye, they are, as usual, fighting Manchester, but now also Oscar Smith, not for the two seed, but eyes are on the top seed in Class 6, Region A.

4) HIGHLAND SPRINGS (2-1, was #4, vs. South County Thursday): This is why we kept the Springers at this position in spite of their home loss to Huguenot. There's no shame in that. They respond on the road in a tough environment to handle Dinwiddie 49-28, and now, Dashaun Chisem seems a lot more comfortable at the offensive helm. South County is unbeaten at 2-0.

5) MANCHESTER: (3-0, was 7, at Clover Hill Friday): A great start for the Lancers, who will not look past this week's opponent. At some point, the Cavaliers will surprise someone. We're not sure that could happen this week.

6) TRINITY EPISCOPAL (2-1, was #12, at Woodberry Forest Saturday): A fantastic statement win, with a gutsy gamble which paid off in a 20-12 win at Hermitage. Now, Sam Mickens' squad must take a road trip and contend with a 2-0 Woodberry Forest squad coming off wins over Norfolk Academy and a St. Mary's Riken team that is off to an 0-3 start. Can't have a letdown here.

7) HERMITAGE (2-1, was #5, at #1 Varina Friday): Your prize for a sudden loss at home? A trip to an onery Varina team who are probably still in denial of finishing in a tie for the first time since the Reagan Administration. Gut checks don't get much deeper than this for the Panthers.

8) PETERSBURG (2-0, was #8, vs. John Marshall Friday): Hate to say it, but this will be a tune-up for the Wave, coming off their bye week with a trip to surprising Colonial Heights a week away. First things first, though. Go to 3-0, then get ready for not just the Colonials, but the rest of the Central District.

9) BENEDICTINE (2-1, was #9, at McDonogh Friday): A power outage shortened win at Matoaca behind them, now a huge road trip to Owings Mills, Maryland to battle an Eagles' squad off to a red hot 3-0 record. How healthy will the Cadets be, not just this week, but going forward?

10) ARMSTRONG (2-0, was #10, vs. Goochland Friday): This will be an interesting week for the Wildcats. Goochland was briefly a rival in Class 3, but no longer. The Bulldogs played 3-0 Mechanicsville tough but lost at home. This is the kind of game Jeremy Pruitt built this team for. After unleashing their brawling rush attack Saturday against John Marshall, the Goochland front seven will have their hands full.

11) THOMAS JEFFERSON (2-0, was #11, at Hopewell Friday): After Hermitage, is this the toughest test for a ranked team this week? It's possible. The Blue Devils, at 1-1, already see Class 3, Region A rivals Petersburg and Colonial Heights each with two victories. It's also Homecoming at Merner Field. But the Vikings have the power to overcome all this. They showed at Amelia Thursday night they are not overlooking anyone as the rest of their showdown with Armstrong looms October 5th. And with Poquoson losing last week, the Class 2, Region A race is wide open.

12) DINWIDDIE (2-1, was #6, at Salem Friday): The road ahead for the Generals got a lot tougher when they lost freshman quarterback Jailen Cox to a broken collarbone during their loss to Highland Springs. It only gets tougher as the Generals' first road trip takes them southwest to face a Salem squad that handed them a loss in the 2016 Class 4 State Championship and are off to a strong start.

DROPPING OUT: None

CHASING THE DOZEN:
Douglas Freeman (2-1)

Colonial Heights (2-1)

L.C. Bird (1-1)

Collegiate (3-0)

Hanover (1-1)

Mechanicsville (3-0)

WEEK THREE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCOREBOARD

GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL:

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 10:

Varina 30, Petersburg 8

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 12 (All games at Huguenot HS):

John Marshall 30, Varina 6

Cristo Rey 21, Franklin Military 6

Highland Springs 30, Richmond Community 24

Huguenot 28, Petersburg 8

*******************************

WEEK THREE:

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 10:

Collegiate 41, St. Anne's-Belfield 21

Thomas Jefferson 50, Amelia 0

Manchester 38, James River 0

Colonial Heights 20, Nottoway 8

Lafayette 36, New Kent 0

Bethel 14, Warwick 2

Western Albemarle 43, Harrisonburg 8

Fluvanna 58, Chancellor 19

Hardwood 34, James Monroe 20

Central-Lunenburg 36, Brunswick 7

Denbigh 25, Phoebus 21

Woodgrove 56, Eastern View 0

Park View 28, Manassas Park 7

Landstown 37, Kempsville 0

Meridian 23, Annandale 0

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11:

Highland Springs 49, Dinwiddie 28

Varina 7, Oscar Smith 7, (FINAL--was suspended due to lightning with 6:10 left 3Q, will not resume)

Douglas Freeman 36, Hanover 27

Trinity Episcopal 20, Hermitage 12

Glen Allen 33, Patrick Henry 7

Mills Godwin 23, Atlee 21

Mechanicsville 23, J.R. Tucker 7

Lake Taylor 20, Deep Run 6

L.C. Bird at Monacan, POSTPONED 

Midlothian 49, Powhatan 13

Cosby 44, RHSA 6

Huguenot 68, Clover Hill 0

Benedictine 19, Matoaca 0 (Final--game called at :10 2Q due to power issue)

Essex at King William, POSTPONED to Friday October 2

Northumberland 41, Charles City 6 (FINAL)

Middlesex 28, Windsor 6

Rappahannock 26, Westmoreland 6

Lancaster 37, West Point 18

Franklin 20, Colonial Beach 8

Surry 34, Northampton 6

Tabb 23, Poquoson 8

Randolph-Henry 48, Cumberland 0

Fork Union at Prince Edward, CANCELED

Buckingham 34, William Campbell 6

Salem 45, William Fleming 12

PH-Roanoke 35, Franklin County 9

King George 7, Potomac 6

James Wood 48, Culpeper County 7

Blessed Sacrament-Huguenot 55, Greenbrier Christian 38

Heritage-NN 14, Kecoughtan 13

Manor 44, Lakeland 24

Kettle Run 40, Skyline 20

Strasburg 35, Warren County 34

Liberty-Bealeton 55, Fauquier 7

Amherst 27, Mecklenburg 7

Luray 55, William Monroe 0

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 12:

Armstrong 49, John Marshall 0

Episcopal Academy (PA) 28, St. Christopher's 0