#TheLineUp: Week 10 of High School Football

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL FRIDAY NIGHT:

Powhatan 42, #5 Midlothian 7

THURSDAY OCTOBER 28:

Courtland 28, Eastern View 7
#4 Matoaca 28, Hopewell 15
Prince George 29, Petersburg 12
Orange 27, Goochland 24
King George 37, Spotsylvania 0
Chancellor 35, Culpeper 14
Nottoway 63, Randolph-Henry 0
Sussex Central 26, Brunswick 22
James Monroe 40, Caroline 0

FRIDAY OCTOBER 29:

Collegiate 21, Norfolk Academy 14
Thomas Jefferson at Colonial Heights, POSTPONED to Monday 11/1
#9 Patrick Henry 22, #2 Varina 21
J.R. Tucker 22, Mills Godwin 21
Glen Allen 37, Deep Run 7
Hermitage d. John Marshall by forfeit
#1 Highland Springs 28, Atlee 7
Hanover 13, Henrico 12
Mechanicsville 62, Armstrong 7
Cosby 18, George Wythe 12
Manchester at Huguenot, canceled, water main break
Monacan 42, Clover Hill 6
#3 Dinwiddie 51, Meadowbrook 0
Albemarle 23, #10 Louisa 7
Amelia 58, Prince Edward 8
King William 38, West Point 0
King & Queen Central 40, Middlesex 0
Rappahannock at Northumberland, now Monday, 7:30pm

SATURDAY OCTOBER 30:

New Kent 49, Jamestown 14
St. Christopher's d. St. Anne's-Belfield via forfeit
Benedictine 53, Catholic 0

UPDATED: VHSL FOOTBALL REGION RANKINGS: WEEK 10

Two weeks to go, lots of games in flux, many teams looking at a nine or even eight-game season rather than ten, and much more. It's a Virginia High School League (VHSL) football playoff race unlike any other. Twenty-six teams are currently in, and plenty more still in the fight for the postseason. Here's the latest regional standings with a deep dive into what's ahead over the next twelve days.....

NOTE: The top eight teams make the postseason in each region.

CLASS 6, REGION A:

1) Oscar Smith (31.0, 6-1, at Western Branch, 8-1, Class 6)
2) Western Branch (29.778, 8-1, vs Oscar Smith, 6-1, Class 6)
3) Thomas Dale (29.125, 7-1, Bye)
4) Manchester (28.714, 5-2, at Huguenot, 1-5, Class 4)
5) Ocean Lakes (27.0, 5-3, Bye)
6) James River (25.667, 5-4, Bye)
7) Franklin County (25.625, 4-4, vs Lord Botetourt, 4-3, Class 3)
8) Floyd Kellam (22.75, 3-5, vs Tallwood, 2-6, Class 5)
---
9) Cosby (22.375, 2-6, vs George Wythe, 1-6, Class 4)
10) Grassfield (20.0, 1-7, vs Nansemond River, 3-4, Class 5)

BREAKDOWN: If Western Branch wants to win the region title, they have their opportunity, as they host Oscar Smith this week. If the Tigers win, they will all but clinch the number one seed. Thomas Dale and Manchester actually need Western Branch to win any hopes of moving up to the top spot, but the Knights are at a disadvantage with a bye this week. The Lancers, with a win, will likely retake third with a week to go, but then it will be advantage Thomas Dale in Week 11, facing an unbeaten Dinwiddie team, while Manchester plays Monacan, who hovers around .500. James River moves up to sixth, and has a shot at the fifth seed should they knock off Midlothian next week while Ocean Lakes loses to Bayside. Cosby is still very much alive, but needs wins over George Wythe and Powhatan to be in position, while needing Kellam to lose at least one of their last two. 

ELSEWHERE:

REGION 6B: 1) Battlefield 33.25, 2) Patriot 29.625, 3) Freedom-PW 29.222
REGION 6C: 1) Robinson 34.0, 2) South County 31.75, 3) Lake Braddock 30.625
REGION 6D: 1) James Madison 33.0, 2) Centreville 29.625, 3) Chantilly 27.25


CLASS 5, REGION C: 

1) Midlothian (29.143, 7-0, vs Powhatan, 5-3, Class 4)
2) Highland Springs (28.75, 6-2, at Atlee, 5-3, Class 4)
3) Hermitage (27.5, 6-2, d. Henrico 35-6, game vs John Marshall forfeited to Hermitage)
4) Douglas Freeman (25.889, 7-2, Bye)
5) L.C. Bird (25.0, 3-3, vs Huguenot, 1-5, Class 4)
6) Glen Allen (23.286, 3-4, vs Deep Run, 0-8, Class 5)
7) Mills Godwin (22.0, 3-5, at J.R. Tucker, 3-4, Class 5)
8T) Prince George (20.286, 1-6, at Petersburg Thursday, 7pm, 3-4, Class 3)
        J.R. Tucker (20.286, 3-4, vs Mills Godwin, 3-5, Class 5)
---
10) Clover Hill (20.125, 2-6, at Monacan, 4-4, Class 4)

UPDATED BREAKDOWN: The lead for Midlothian over Highland Springs shrinks, and, this week, they both play Class 4 teams with identical records. If both win, games involving their opponents could determine who's on top in the final week. Hermitage's 35-6 win over Henrico Tuesday shook some things up. The Panthers moved up a bit to 27.5, while Douglas Freeman and Mills Godwin each earned one point while Glen Allen, who beat Hermitage, earned two to draw within 1.714 of L.C. Bird. When the Mavericks host Glen Allen November 5th, it will be their first game in 21 days. The Jaguars missed a golden opportunity to fight Douglas Freeman for the #4 seed due to their overtime loss to Lake Taylor, as L.C. Bird takes advantage with an upset over Powhatan. The Skyhawks don't play Friday, but play twice in Week 11, hosting Huguenot next Monday, then going to Clover Hill. The bad news there is both teams currently have a combined three wins. Strength of schedule finally rewards Prince George with the #8 seed, J.R. Tucker being in COVID protocol. However, the Tigers pulled into an eighth place tie Tuesday night thanks to the Hermitage win. The Royals finish with a trip to Petersburg, then a home game with Hopewell. Clover Hill goes to Monacan, then finishes hosting the Skyhawks. It's amazing that less than two-tenths of a point separate the teams in eighth through tenth. Mills Godwin isn't a sure thing, either. With those three teams looming, a head to head win over J.R. Tucker this week would likely eliminate one contender, and a home win over Thomas Jefferson November 5th would seal a postseason bid.

ELSEWHERE:

REGION 5A: 1) Green Run 31.5, 2) Kempsville 31.0, 3) Salem-VB 26.714
REGION 5B: 1) Maury 28.0, 2) Woodside 26.429, 3) Norview 24.143
REGION 5D: 1) Stone Bridge 33.75, 2) Mountain View 30.0, 3) Massaponax 28.0


CLASS 4, REGION B:

1) Dinwiddie (30.0, 6-0, vs Meadowbrook, 0-7, Class 5)
2) King George (28.857, 7-0, vs Spotsylvania, Thursday, 7pm, 5-3, Class 4)
3) Varina (28.571, 7-0, vs Patrick Henry, 6-2, Class 4)
4) Matoaca (27.75, 7-1, at Hopewell, Thursday, 7pm, 4-2, Class 3)
5) Patrick Henry (25.0, 6-2, at Varina, 7-0, Class 4)
6) Chancellor (23.8, 3-2, vs Culpeper County, 4-5, Class 3)
7) Powhatan (22.875, 5-3, at Midlothian, 7-0, Class 5)
8) Spotsylvania (22.625, 5-3, at King George, Thursday, 7pm, 7-0, Class 4)
---
9) Atlee (22.5, 5-3, vs Highland Springs, 6-2, Class 5)
10) Monacan (21.75, 4-4, vs Clover Hill, 2-6, Class 5)
11) Hanover (21.714, 3-4, vs Henrico, 2-6, Class 4)
12) Courtland (20.714, 3-4, vs Eastern View, 4-4, Class 4)
13) Eastern View (19.5, 4-4, at Courtland, 3-4, Class 4)

BREAKDOWN: Lots to digest here. We start at the top, where Dinwiddie loses half a point to King George and Varina, and, if all three unbeatens prevail Friday, there will likely be a new #1, and it could be Varina by the narrowest of margins, thanks to facing a 6-2 Patrick Henry team, who wants to hand the Blue Devils their first loss and see if it will be enough to threaten Matoaca for the fourth seed. The Warriors, meanwhile, have a tough Central District battle at Hopewell, who is fighting for playoff position in Region 3A. Chancellor, despite only playing five games, jumps back into the top eight with a win last week, but the two teams below them, Powhatan and Spotsylvania, each have a chance to pull upsets of unbeatens and not only overtake Chancellor, but threaten Patrick Henry's #5 seed should they fall at Varina. Now, to the craziness at the bottom of the top eight. Hanover loses, falls from 7th to 11th, while Atlee won, and still fell from 8th to 9th. Five teams are within 1.161 points of each other. Monacan and Hanover will be favored this week, hoping that neither Powhatan, Spotsylvania, nor Atlee can pull off upsets. Longshots Courtland and Eastern View play, essentially, an elimination game Friday.

ELSEWHERE:

REGION 4A: 1) King's Fork 28.0, 2T) Warhill & Hampton 27.0
REGION 4C: 1) Heritage-LC 28.375, 2) Kettle Run 27.889, 3) Broad Run 27.25
REGION 4D: 1) GW-Danville 29.0, 2) Western Albemarle 28.625, 3) Salem 27.625, 5) Louisa 26.125


CLASS 3, REGION A:

1) Phoebus (30.75, 7-0, vs Gloucester Thursday, 1-6, Class 5)
2) Lafayette (24.857, 6-1, at Poquoson, 4-3, Class 2)
3) York (24.25, 7-1, at Warhill, 8-0, Class 3)
4) Booker T. Washington (22.714, 5-2, at Maury, 3-1, Class 5)
5) Lake Taylor (22.5, 4-4, at Granby, 0-7, Class 5)
6) Hopewell (22.167, 4-2, vs Matoaca, Thursday, 7pm, 7-1, Class 4)
7) Petersburg (19.0, 3-4, vs Prince George, Thursday, 7pm, 1-6, Class 5)
8) Tabb (18.875, 3-5, vs Bruton, 3-5, Class 3)
---
9T) New Kent (18.0, 3-5, at Jamestown Saturday, 1-6, Class 4)
        I.C. Norcom (18.0, 1-4, at Norview, 4-3, Class 5)
11) Southampton (17.833, 2-3, at Windsor, 0-7, Class 2)
12) Lakeland (17.0, 2-5, vs King's Fork, 6-1, Class 4)
13) Colonial Heights (15.75, 2-6, vs Thomas Jefferson Monday, 6-1, Class 2)

UPDATED BREAKDOWN: Phoebus' massive lead is cut into just a bit, but they still hold a nearly six point advantage over #2 Lafayette. The battle is still behind them. York, with a win over unbeaten Warhill, would overtake Lafayette for second, win or lose. Lafayette will not finish their suspended game with King George. It goes as a no-contest. The battle for the fourth seed, and with it, a home game in the region quarterfinals November 12th, is hot and heavy. Hopewell has the advantage this week to claim it with a win over 7-1 Matoaca. Then, similar to Region 4B, here, seeds seven to eleven are separated by only two points. I.C. Norcom, playing a Class 5 opponent with four wins, has the best chance of grabbing seventh with a win, should Petersburg, Tabb and New Kent fall for sure. They still could jump if some of the teams ahead of them win due to opponents with worse records, and, thus, less bonus points. Colonial Heights must win their last two games, and maybe get help, to climb into a playoff bid.

CLASS 3, REGION B: 

1) Meridian (23.75, 6-2, at Manassas Park, 0-8, Class 3)
2) Brentsville District (23.25, 6-2, vs Skyline, 2-5, Class 3)
3) Goochland (20.625, 5-3, at Orange, Thursday, 7pm, 5-3, Class 4)
4) James Monroe (19.5, 3-5, at Caroline, Thursday, 7pm, 0-8, Class 3)
5) Culpeper County (18.889, 4-5, at Chancellor, Thursday, 7pm, 3-2, Class 4)
6) Skyline (16.429, 2-5, at Brentsville District, 6-2, Class 3)
7) Warren County (15.75, 2-6, Bye)
8) Armstrong (15.143, 1-6, at Mechanicsville, 1-7, Class 4)
---
9) William Monroe (14.143, 2-5, at Central Woodstock, 6-1, Class 2)
10T) Caroline (13.625, 0-8, vs James Monroe, Thursday, 7pm, 3-5, Class 3)
          Manassas Park (13.625, 0-8, vs Meridian, 6-2, Class 3)

BREAKDOWN: Goochland still has a shot at the top seed, but only if they win their final two games against Orange and Louisa. Meridian's last two opponents have a combined two wins, Brentsville's also two. The Bulldogs' opponents have a combined twelve. James Monroe will need wins to fend off Culpeper County in the race for home field with the #4 seed. Armstrong remains in eighth place, but all three teams below them have a shot to overtake them with wins should the Wildcats finish 1-8. 

ELSEWHERE:

REGION 3C: 1) Liberty Christian 29.714, 2) Heritage-Lynchburg 25.625, 3) Brookville 24.714
REGION 3D: 1) Christiansburg 29.125, 2) Hidden Valley 24.778, 3) Abingdon 24.625


CLASS 2, REGION A:

1) Nottoway (25.429, 7-0, at Randolph-Henry, Thursday, 7pm, 4-4, Class 2)
2) King William (22.429, 6-1, at West Point, 5-2, Class 1)
3) Thomas Jefferson (22.286, 6-1, at Colonial Heights Monday 11/1, 2-6, Class 3)
4) Poquoson (20.714, 4-3, vs Lafayette, 6-1, Class 3)
5) Amelia (20.125, 6-2, at Prince Edward, 2-6, Class 2)
6T) Brunswick (19.5, 3-1, vs Sussex Central Thursday, 7pm, 4-1, Class 1)
       Greensville (19.5, 4-2, at Franklin, 2-5, Class 1)
8) Randolph-Henry (15.75, 4-4, vs Nottoway, Thursday, 7pm, 7-0, Class 2)
---
9) Bruton (14.875, 3-5, at Tabb, 3-5, Class 3)
10) Nandua (13.143, 2-5, at Northampton, 6-2, Class 1)
11) John Marshall (12.75, 0-4, season canceled)
12) Prince Edward (12.125, 2-6, vs Amelia, 6-2, Class 2)

BREAKDOWN: Nottoway, despite being three points ahead of surging King William, may win out and still finish second. The Cougars last two opponents have four combined wins, while the Cavaliers have 5-2 West Point, then unbeaten King and Queen Central. Thomas Jefferson's final two opponents have five combined wins, but they play a Class 3 opponent (two extra points) and a Class 5 opponent (six extra points). Poquoson can either draw closer to the Vikings by beating Lafayette Friday, or, with a loss, they are fighting Amelia County for a home game in the first round should the Raiders defeat Prince Edward. Prince Edward, meanwhile, must win out (Amelia, Randolph-Henry) and get some help, but Randolph-Henry can separate themselves from the three active teams behind them with an upset of the current top seed, Nottoway, on Friday.

ELSEWHERE:

REGION 2B: 1) Stuarts Draft 24.857, 2T) Central-Woodstock & Strasburg 22.714
REGION 2C: 1) Glenvar 23.875, 2) Appomattox 22.5, 3) Radford 21.0
REGION 2D: 1) Graham 27.143, 2) Virginia 23.125, 3) Union 21.714


CLASS 1, REGION A: 

1) Essex (21.5, 4-0, vs Washington & Lee, 3-3, Class 1)
2) King & Queen Central (19.429, 7-0, vs Middlesex, 3-2, Class 1)
3) Northampton (18.5, 6-2, vs Nandua, 2-5, Class 2)
4) Northumberland (18.4, 5-0, vs Rappahannock, 3-4, Class 1)
5) West Point (18.143, 5-2, vs King William, 6-1, Class 2)
6) Washington & Lee (16.667, 3-3, at Essex, 4-0, Class 1)
7) Colonial Beach (14.667, 3-3, at Lancaster, 1-7, Class 1)
8) Middlesex (14.2, 3-2, at King & Queen Central, 7-0, Class 1)
---
9) Rappahannock (12.286, 3-4, at Northumberland, 5-0, Class 1)

BREAKDOWN: It's nine teams and eight spots with two weeks remaining. Rappahannock can shake things up, and rocket into the top eight, by handing Northumberland their first defeat. The biggest question looming in this region is whether the suspended game between the top two seeds from late September will be finished. A West Point win over 6-1 King William would be a giant leap toward hosting a first round playoff game. 

ELSEWHERE:

REGION 1B: 1) Riverheads 26.25, 2) Central-Lunenburg 19.857, 3) Buffalo Gap 18.75
REGION 1C: 1) Galax 21.143, 2) Giles 20.714, 3) Parry McCluer 18.375
REGION 1D: 1) Holston 22.5, 2) Twin Springs 20.571, 3) Chilhowie 19.875

#TheLineUp: Week 9 of High School Football

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL FRIDAY NIGHT:

#9 Patrick Henry 35, Hanover 27

*******

Collegiate 23, Fork Union 21
Lake Taylor 40, Glen Allen 34 (F/OT)
J.R. Tucker at #12 Douglas Freeman, CANCELED
#11 Hermitage 41, Mills Godwin 13
Atlee 48, Armstrong 8
King William 56, Mechanicsville 28
Monacan 44, Huguenot 18
James River 40, Clover Hill 20
#7 Manchester 42, Cosby 7
#5 Midlothian d. George Wythe by forfeit
L.C. Bird 24, Powhatan 23
Hopewell 28, Meadowbrook 0
#3 Dinwiddie 49, Prince George 8
Thomas Dale 41, Petersburg 8
Benedictine 26, Avalon 6
Albemarle 21, Goochland 0
Buckingham 19, Amelia 13
Tabb 21, New Kent 7
Chancellor 42, Caroline 0
King George 39, Eastern View 0
Courtland 46, Culpeper County 0
Spotsylvania 33, James Monroe 6
Essex 63, Lancaster 0
Nottoway 57, Prince Edward 22
Randolph-Henry 34, Cumberland 12
King and Queen Central 16, West Point 0
Mathews at Middlesex, DNP
Brunswick at Park View-South Hill, POSTPONED
Rock Creek 28, Life Christian Academy 26

SATURDAY OCTOBER 23:

St. Christopher's 57, Trinity Episcopal 19
Washington & Lee 13, Rappahannock 6

VHSL FOOTBALL REGION RANKINGS: WEEK 9

Lots of questions, few answers. Plenty of movement, and still time for more. Here are the updated Virginia High School League (VHSL) football region standings with three weeks left in the 2021 regular season. A reminder that the top eight teams make the postseason.

Each team will be listed with VHSL rating, win-loss record, and next opponent with their record and classification.

*******

CLASS 6, REGION A:

1) Oscar Smith (30.0, 5-1, at Nansemond River, 3-3, Class 5)
2) Western Branch (28.625, 7-1, vs Deep Creek, 4-3, Class 4)
3T) Manchester (28.0, 4-2, vs Cosby, 2-5, Class 6)
       Thomas Dale (28.0, 6-1 at Petersburg, 4-3, Class 3)
5) Ocean Lakes (25.857, 4-3, vs First Colonial, 2-6, Class 5)
6) Franklin County (25.0, 3-3, vs William Fleming, 1-6, Class 5)
7) James River (24.375, 4-4, vs Clover Hill, 2-5, Class 5)
8) Floyd Kellam (22.857, 3-4, at Salem-Va Beach, 4-2, Class 5)
---
9) Cosby (21.857, 2-5, at Manchester, 4-2, Class 6)
10) Grassfield (19.5, 1-7, BYE)

THE BREAKDOWN: As expected, Oscar Smith assumed the top spot after Midlothian's upset win over Manchester, which now places the Lancers in a third place tie with county rival (though they rarely play) Thomas Dale. There is a definite separation now between the top four teams and the rest of the region. The Lancers and Knights can widen that gap with wins Friday. More importantly, they need to win to keep Western Branch in their sights. Will the Tigers run the table and take the top seed as they were expected to do preseason? It could come down to next Friday's showdown at Western Branch.

ELSEWHERE:

Region 6B: 1) Battlefield 33.143, 2) Patriot 28.714, 3) Freedom-PW 28.375
Region 6C: 1) Robinson 33.142, 2) South County 32.0, 3) Fairfax 31.0
Region 6D: 1) James Madison 31.571, 2) Centreville 28.143, 3) Westfield 26.857

CLASS 5, REGION C:

1) Midlothian (29.0, 6-0, vs George Wythe, 1-6, Class 4)
2) Highland Springs (28.0, 6-2, BYE)
3) Hermitage (26.167, 4-2, vs Mills Godwin, 3-4, Class 5)
4) Douglas Freeman (24.625, 6-2, vs J.R. Tucker, 3-3, Class 5)
5) Glen Allen (23.5, 3-3, vs Lake Taylor, 3-4, Class 3)
6) L.C. Bird (22.6, 2-3, at Powhatan, 5-2, Class 4)
7) Mills Godwin (21.857, 3-4, at Hermitage, 4-2, Class 5)
8) J.R. Tucker (20.167, 3-3, at Douglas Freeman, 6-2, Class 5)
---
9) Prince George (20.0, 1-5, at Dinwiddie, 5-0, Class 4)
10) Clover Hill (19.857, 2-5, at James River, 4-4, Class 6)

THE BREAKDOWN: Midlothian has definitely proven themselves to be worthy of the top spot in the region. Highland Springs fans had to take notice of their comeback win over a Manchester team the Springers defeated, also by seven points, back in Week 2. Expect little change in the top two spots this week. However, below that, it could get wild. Mills Godwin has a huge opportunity to significantly strengthen their playoff hopes with a win at Chester Fritz against Hermitage, hoping to catch the Panthers down after a big win for themselves at Douglas Freeman Friday. Now that the Mavericks are in fourth, they see L.C. Bird with a chance to beat a better team this week than the one on Douglas Freeman's schedule, and tighten the race for the fourth seed, and with it, a home game in the first round of the region championship November 12th. But Glen Allen now faces a Lake Taylor team that is, admittedly, not to Titans standards, though they do own a win over Mills Godwin. Glen Allen at Douglas Freeman on November 5th looms large. What if Prince George can, again, knock off Dinwiddie? If the Royals do that, they are right back in the picture. Clover Hill, too, can be a disrupter with a win over James River.

ELSEWHERE:

Region 5A: 1) Green Run 31.429, 2) Kempsville 29.0, 3) Indian River 25.2
Region 5B: 1) Maury 26.75, 2) Woodside 26.667, 3) Norview 23.429
Region 5D: 1) Stone Bridge 32.571, 2) Mountain View 29.714, 3) Massaponax 28.2

CLASS 4, REGION B:

1) Dinwiddie (29.6, 5-0, vs Prince George, 1-5, Class 5)
2T) King George (28.0, 6-0, at Eastern View, 3-3, Class 4)
        Varina (28.0, 6-0, d. Henrico 54-13)
4) Matoaca (27.571, 6-1, at Colonial Heights, 2-5, Class 3)
5) Patrick Henry (24.0, 5-2, vs Hanover, 3-3, Class 4)
6) Powhatan (23.429, 5-2, vs L.C. Bird, 2-3, Class 5)
7) Hanover (22.0, 3-3, at Patrick Henry, 5-2, Class 4)
8) Atlee (21.857, 4-3, at Armstrong, 1-5, Class 3)
---
9) Chancellor (21.4, 2-3, vs Caroline, 0-7, Class 3)
10) Spotsylvania (21.0, 4-3, at James Monroe, 3-4, Class 3)
11) Monacan (20.857, 3-4, at Huguenot, 1-4, Class 4)
12) Huguenot (19.6, 1-4, vs Monacan, 3-4, Class 4)
13) Eastern View (19.167, vs King George, 6-0, Class 4)
14) Courtland (18.667, 2-4, at Culpeper Co, 4-4, Class 3)
15) Henrico (18.286, 2-5, at Varina, 6-0, Class 4, Thursday, 6:30)

THE BREAKDOWN: Lots to discuss here. We'll begin with the separation between the top four teams and the rest of the region. Teams like Patrick Henry and Powhatan have to hope for some losses by the top four to give them a shot at hosting a first round game. The Patriots have the best chance of doing that by running their table. That would include a win at Varina next Friday. First, they've got to fend off a Hanover team this Friday that is barely above a six-team battle for the eighth and final playoff bid. Should Hanover fall, the team with the best chance to overtake them is Spotsylvania based on records of this week's opponents. Should Hanover win, it is a huge step toward a playoff berth. Up top, playing a three-win team helps King George should all four schools win. The Foxes would earn 28 points, the Generals, Blue Devils and Warriors would all gain 26 points with victories. It wouldn't be enough to topple Dinwiddie, but the Foxes should draw closer. Could the top really come down to whether or not King George and Lafayette get to finish their game suspended since August 28th?

ELSEWHERE:

Region 4A: 1) King's Fork 27.167, 2) Hampton 26.857, 3) Warhill 26.286
Region 4C: 1) Broad Run 27.571, 2) Heritage-LC 27.5, 3) Tuscarora 26.143
Region 4D: 1) Western Albemarle 28.714, 2) GW-Danville 27.333, 3) Salem 26.8 (Of note, Louisa now #5 at 25.25 after handing Western Albemarle their first loss)

CLASS 3, REGION A:

1) Phoebus (30.0, 6-0, at Woodside, 5-1, Class 5)
2) Lafayette (23.5, 5-1, vs Jamestown, 1-4, Class 4)
3) York (23.167, 5-1, vs Smithfield, 1-4, Class 4)
4) Booker T. Washington (22.0, 4-2, at Granby, 0-6, Class 5)
5) Hopewell (21.4, 3-2, vs Meadowbrook, 0-6, Class 5)
6) Lake Taylor (20.857, 3-4, at Glen Allen, 3-3, Class 5)
7) New Kent (18.286, 3-4, vs Tabb, 2-5, Class 3)
8) Petersburg (18.167, 3-3, vs Thomas Dale, 6-1, Class 6)
---
9) I.C. Norcom (17.25, 1-3, vs Churchland, 5-2, Class 4, Saturday)
10) Tabb (16.714, 2-5, at New Kent, 3-4, Class 3)
11) Lakeland (16.143, 2-5, BYE)
12) Colonial Heights (15.0, 2-5, vs Matoaca, 6-1, Class 4)

THE BREAKDOWN: The Phantoms are running away and hiding from everyone else. It's been awhile since a team held a lead of six and one half points with three weeks remaining! They'll have a shot at widening the lead with their trip to Woodside. Below them, the two through five seeds are all facing inferior competition, on paper, with few bonus points up for grabs. Lake Taylor could take fifth and threaten for fourth with a victory against their new opponent, Glen Allen, from Class 5. The big game here this week is Tabb at New Kent. The Trojans could take a giant step forward to a playoff spot with a win, but if Tabb is victorious, they're alive and well. And, what if I.C. Norcom knocks off Churchland? New Kent, Petersburg, Tabb, Lakeland and Colonial Heights all hope that doesn't happen.

CLASS 3, REGION B:

1) Brentsville District (22.571, 5-2, at Riverside, 0-7, Class 5)
2) Meridian (22.5, 6-2, BYE)
3) Goochland (20.571, 5-2, vs Albemarle, 5-2, Class 5)
4) James Monroe (19.429, 3-4, vs Spotsylvania, 4-3, Class 4)
5) Culpeper County (19.0, 4-4, vs Courtland, 2-4, Class 4)
6) Skyline (15.5, 1-5, vs Manassas Park, 0-7, Class 3)
7) Armstrong (14.833, 1-5, vs Atlee, 4-3, Class 4)
8) William Monroe (14.167, 2-4, at Warren County, 1-6, Class 3)
---
9) Warren County (14.143, 1-6, vs William Monroe, 2-4, Class 3)
10) Manassas Park (13.286, 0-7, at Skyline, 1-5, Class 3)
11) Caroline (13.143, 0-7, at Chancellor, 2-2, Class 4)

THE BREAKDOWN: It's still anyone's race in the top five. With Brentsville playing a winless team and Meridian on a bye, this is a golden opportunity for the Goochland Bulldogs to play, and defeat, a five-win team from Class 5 in Albemarle. They would earn 34 points for the win. Brentsville can only earn 24 by defeating Riverside. That slices Brentsville's lead over Goochland in half. Armstrong could sure use at least one more victory to ensure a place in the top eight come season's end. After Atlee, their toughest opponent left, they face Mechanicsville and Park View-South Hill. Even Caroline is still alive, but they need to beat Chancellor Friday.

ELSEWHERE:

Region 3C: 1) Liberty Christian Academy 29.0, 2) Heritage-Lynchburg 25.0, 3) Brookville 23.5
Region 3D: 1) Christiansburg 26.571, 2) Hidden Valley 24.5, 3T) Abingdon & Bassett, 22.857

CLASS 2, REGION A:

1) Nottoway (25.0, 6-0, vs Prince Edward, 2-5, Class 2)
2) Thomas Jefferson (22.0, 6-1, IDLE (COVID Pause))
3) King William (21.167, 5-1, vs Mechanicsville, 1-6, Class 4)
4) Amelia County (20.857, 6-1, vs Buckingham, 3-2, Class 2)
5) Poquoson (19.167, 3-3, vs Bruton, 3-4, Class 2)
6) Greensville Co (18.8, 3-2, vs Windsor, 0-6, Class 2)
7) Brunswick Co (18.0, 3-1, at Park View-South Hill, 1-4, Class 3)
8) Randolph-Henry (15.2, 2-3, at Cumberland, 1-5, Class 1)
---
9) Bruton (15.143, 3-4, at Poquoson, 3-3, Class 2)
10) John Marshall (12.5, 0-4, SEASON CANCELED)
11) Nandua (12.0, 1-5, vs Arcadia, 0-7, Class 2)

THE BREAKDOWN: This has been such a fun region to watch this year! King William's 61-42 explosive win over Lafayette Friday may have been a surprise to many, but not to Cavalier fans. This is the team they expected to see. Is there enough time and opportunity to catch Nottoway? That remains to be seen. Thomas Jefferson loses a big opportunity for points with their game against Glen Allen canceled due to the Vikings moving into COVID protocol. Depending on results, the top five, or at least spots two through five, could undergo a change this week. There's a great battle for the eighth playoff spot between Randolph-Henry and Bruton as well. Strength of schedule down the stretch favors Bruton by a hair.

ELSEWHERE:

Region 2B: 1) Stuarts Draft 23.0, 2) Central-Woodstock 21.667, 3) Clarke County 21.429
Region 2C: 1) Glenvar 23.0, 2) Appomattox 21.286, 3) Radford 18.714
Region 2D: 1) Graham 25.333, 2) Virginia 20.667, 3) Union 20.571

CLASS 1, REGION A:

1) Essex (22.0, 3-0, at Lancaster, 1-6, Class 1)
2) West Point (19.4, 4-1, vs King and Queen Central, 6-0, Class 1)
3) Northumberland (18.4, 5-0, at Colonial Beach, 3-3, Class 1)
4) King and Queen Central (18.333, 6-0, at West Point, 4-1, Class 1)
5) Northampton (17.429, 5-2, at Snow Hill (MD), 3-3, Class 1)
6) Washington & Lee (15.2, 2-3, vs Rappahannock, 3-3, Class 1, Saturday)
7) Colonial Beach (14.167, 3-3, vs Northumberland, 5-0, Class 1)
8) Middlesex (13.25, 2-2, at Mathews, 0-6, Class 1)
---
9) Rappahannock (12.5, 3-3, at Washington & Lee, 2-3, Class 1)

THE BREAKDOWN: Huge weekend here. Lots of head to head competition, including the delayed showdown between West Point and King and Queen Central. Meanwhile, Colonial Beach could get right back in the thick of a home game in the first round with an upset of Northumberland. This region is most likely to see the most changes from week to week down the stretch.

ELSEWHERE:

Region 1B: 1) Riverheads 24.857, 2) Central-Lunenburg 19.333, 3) Buffalo Gap 17.0
Region 1C: 1) Galax 19.571, 2) Giles 18.5, 3) Parry McCluer 16.571
Region 1D: 1) Holston 22.0, 2) Twin Springs 20.167, 3) Chilhowie 20.0

SUPER 12 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL POLL: WEEK 9

The Trojans are for real.

Midlothian's improbable comeback victory over previously second-ranked Manchester keeps them undefeated and gives them a meteoric rise in the latest RVA Sports Network Super 12 High School Football Poll presented by Luck Chevrolet in Ashland. While one team debuts after defeating a previously unbeaten team, a perennial poll member falls out.

****

1) Highland Springs (6-2, was #1, d. Henrico and Hanover, idle)

2) Varina (6-0, was #3, d. Atlee, vs. Henrico Thursday, 6:30pm)
3) Dinwiddie (5-0, was #4, d. Petersburg, vs. Prince George Friday, 7pm)
4) Matoaca (6-1, was #5, d. Prince George, at Colonial Heights Friday, 7pm)
5) Midlothian (6-0, was #9, d. #7 Manchester, vs. George Wythe Friday, 7pm)
6) Thomas Dale (5-1, was #6, d. Hopewell, at Petersburg Friday, 7pm)
7) Manchester (4-2, was #2, l. to #5 Midlothian, vs. Cosby Friday, 7pm)

8) St. Christopher's (7-0, d. Woodberry Forest, vs. Trinity Episcopal Saturday, 1pm)
9) Patrick Henry (5-2, was #8, d. Armstrong, vs. Hanover Friday, 7pm on Rejoice 101.3)
10) Louisa (7-1, NEW, d. Western Albemarle, idle)

11) Hermitage (4-2, was #11, d. #12 Douglas Freeman, vs. Mills Godwin Friday, 7pm)
12) Douglas Freeman (6-2, was #12, l. to #11 Hermitage, vs. J.R. Tucker Friday, 7pm)

DROPPED OUT: Hopewell (3-3, was #10)

#TheLineUp: High School Football Week 8

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL FRIDAY NIGHT: 

#11 Hermitage 28, #12 Douglas Freeman 20

Benedictine 21, Collegiate 7
Glen Allen 41, Fauquier 0
Mills Godwin 37, Deep Run 0
Highland Springs 32, Hanover 6
Varina 45, Atlee 7
Henrico 30, Mechanicsville 15
Patrick Henry 53, Armstrong 0
James River 33, Monacan 20
L.C. Bird 21, Cosby 18
Midlothian 42, Manchester 35
Powhatan 36, Clover Hill 20
Colonial Heights 14, Meadowbrook 0
Dinwiddie 49, Petersburg 6
Matoaca 56, Prince George 6
Thomas Dale 39, Hopewell 21
Goochland 55, Monticello 3
Louisa 27, Western Albemarle 0
Amelia 40, Cumberland 12
New Kent 48, Grafton 20
King William 61, Lafayette 42
Spotsylvania 18, Eastern View 16
Caroline at Courtland, POSTPONED to Monday 10/18
King George 37, Chancellor 0
Essex at Colonial Beach, CANCELED
West Point at King & Queen Central, POSTPONED to Friday 10/22
Sussex Central at Park View (South Hill), DNP
Nottoway 26, Buckingham 8
Central-Lunenburg 48, Prince Edward 12
Surry 56, Windsor 6

SATURDAY OCTOBER 16:

Thomas Jefferson 28, J.R. Tucker 8
St. Christopher's 47, Woodberry Forest 14
Trinity Episcopal 42, Fork Union 0

WEEK 8 FOOTBALL PREVIEW PRESENTED BY MASSEY, WOOD, AND WEST

Are you ready?

It's time to kick off the final four weeks (already?!?) of the 2021 high school football season, filled with twists, turns, changes, more changes, and a lot of unanswered questions. Precious few will be answered this week, but maybe we'll get some clues as to what to expect the rest of the way.

NEWS AND NOTES:

--Cosby has scheduled another game against L.C. Bird, whom they've never defeated, for Friday. Cosby officials tell RVA Sports Network they preferred to play a game this week rather than accept the forfeit from their originally scheduled game against Huguenot because it is their Homecoming weekend. That's perfectly understandable. Just ask Prince George.

--James River has appealed their two forfeit losses from September due to use of an ineligible player. The Virginia High School League (VHSL) will make a decision at some point. Entering this week, the Rapids, once 5-2, are now 3-4.

*****

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL FRIDAY NIGHT: #11 Hermitage (3-2) at #12 Douglas Freeman (6-1): Our radio game this week on Rejoice 101.3 FM and 990 AM features two of the top four teams in Region 5C, the homestanding Mavericks, ranked third behind Midlothian and Highland Springs, and the Panthers, coming in fourth. With both Glen Allen and Mills Godwin looming behind Hermitage in fifth and sixth and both with big games this week, while neither the Panthers or Mavericks winning are good news, a Douglas Freeman win could draw them closer to Hermitage. You can't climb to the #3 seed until you've been #4.

#2 Manchester (4-1) at #9 Midlothian (5-0): Each team currently leads their regions, the Lancers in 6A, the Trojans in 5C, and both have legacy teams nipping at their heels, Oscar Smith in 6A and Highland Springs in 5C. This is Midlothian's moment. To be considered a true threat to supplant the Springers down the line in Region 5C, they must defeat a Manchester team who lost in their opener to Highland Springs 27-20, and haven't been defeated since.

#1 Highland Springs (5-2) at Hanover (3-2): It is a tough enough task for Sam Rogers' Hawks, if they have to go to battle without quarterback Cole Elrod, all the worse. The Springers are playing their second game this week after defeating Henrico 35-0 on the road on Tuesday. 

#3 Varina (5-0) at Atlee (4-2): It's Homecoming at Atlee (and several other locations), but the Raiders have a tall task trying to bring down one of three unbeatens left in Class 4, Region B. The Blue Devils saw their third place position in Region 4B taken away by Matoaca due to midweek results, so not only are they trying to keep Dinwiddie and King George in their sights, they deal with Matoaca, too. For Atlee (and Hanover above), a chance to pull a big upset and skyrocket in the Region 4B standings.

Monacan (3-3) at James River (3-4): The Chiefs are young, feisty, and trying to remain in the Region 4B playoff race. Currently in tenth, over a point behind Atlee and Hanover, who are tied for eighth, this game would have had four extra VHSL rider points at stake had the James River forfeits not happened. For the Rapids, a win here could help create some separation with rival Cosby and Floyd Kellam, who enter this week tied for 8th in Region 6A at 22 points. James River is a 22.714.

#10 Hopewell (3-2) at #6 Thomas Dale (5-1): The Knights will be dangerous the rest of the way, as they continue to deal with so many emotions. Head Coach Kevin Tucker and his staff is doing a good job so far in making sure the emotions do not become distractions, but rather motivations. The Knights are #4 in Region 6A with Ocean Lakes just a half-point behind them. For Hopewell, they lose to unbeaten Dinwiddie, then forfeit their earlier postponed game to Petersburg, temporarily putting the Crimson Wave ahead of them in Region 3A (#6 vs #7). The Blue Devils are used to being near the top of their region, and have serious work ahead of them to even earn one home game come playoff time. A win in this game would go a long way to keeping them in the conversation.

#5 Matoaca (5-1) at Prince George (1-4): This game will likely be sneaky good. Prince George had a monster early schedule, finally getting a first victory last week. Tahir Johnson and Curtis Allen can score at any time. But so can "the Brothers Johnson" of Matoaca. A Royals win likely propels them into the top eight in Region 5C (they're currently 10th at 19.4 points. #8 J.R. Tucker is at 20.2), while the Warriors are desperately trying, with one loss, to keep up with the three unbeatens in 4B: Dinwiddie, King George and Varina.

#4 Dinwiddie (4-0) at Petersburg (4-2): The Generals are rolling, and look to continue to do so on the road against a Petersburg team that has everything to play for here. An upset of the unbeatens sends the Crimson Wave a major step closer to the Region 3A playoffs. It would also help keep Hopewell, and even New Kent, at bay. Right now in 3A, Phoebus is lapping the field.

Eastern View (3-2) at Spotsylvania (3-3): Two teams north of Richmond, both in Region 4B and on the outside looking in entering Week 8. The Cyclones are normally among the best teams in the region, but they struggled in the spring season, and are struggling, by their standards, again this fall. The Knights had a chance to move up last week, but fell in a mild upset to Culpeper County.

Chancellor (2-1) at King George (5-0): We'll get a much better idea who Chancellor really is as they travel to the defending Region 4B champions, who get a forfeit win from Caroline, and, yes, they are still trying to figure out a way to complete the suspended 14-14 tie with Lafayette from late August, way back in Week 1. Teams like Patrick Henry and Powhatan, who want to make a late run for the top four and the right to host a first round playoff game on November 12, need a King George win.

Powhatan (4-2) at Clover Hill (2-4): The Indians, coming off their most disappointing game of the season falling hard to James River, look to right the ship against the Class 5 Cavaliers, who, with a win, can, like Prince George, get right back into the top eight in Region 5C. Powhatan is keeping a sharp eye on Monacan this week as they get James River, and will keep track of Atlee and Hanover as well, while Clover Hill wants a win, losses for L.C. Bird and J.R. Tucker, and a Matoaca win over Prince George.

J.R. Tucker (3-2) at Thomas Jefferson (5-1), Saturday, 12pm: The Tigers have been exposed the last two weeks with big losses at the hands of rivals Hermitage and Glen Allen. They also have a precarious roster situation with most players having to play both ways, especially along the lines. This program hasn't seen the postseason in ages, and, after their best start in 29 years, they don't want to see it slip away. The Vikings enter with an extra week's preparation knowing wins over Class 5 schools give them critical extra rider points fighting the likes of Nottoway, Amelia, and King William for playoff position at the top of Region 2A.

ALSO THIS WEEK:

Glen Allen at Fauquier
Mills Godwin at Deep Run
Mechanicsville at Henrico
Armstrong at #8 Patrick Henry
Colonial Heights at Meadowbrook
Goochland at Monticello
Louisa at Western Albemarle
Cumberland at Amelia
New Kent at Grafton, at Bailey Field
Lafayette at King William
Essex at Colonial Beach
Nottoway at Buckingham
Woodberry Forest at St. Christopher's, Saturday, 2pm
Collegiate at Benedictine, Friday, 3:45pm

UPDATED: FOOTBALL: VHSL RELEASES FIRST REGIONAL RANKINGS

Here is the updated first set of Virginia High School League (VHSL) regional football rankings, released on Wednesday. Keep in mind that this season will be much different than any other, as likely more teams than not will not play a full ten-game season, games lost on some teams' schedules due to COVID-19 or other issues with their opponent could affect strength of schedule in ways that are out of their control. 

A reminder that the top eight schools make the postseason. Numbers will be released weekly by the League office, concluding with the official playoff brackets on Sunday, November 7th. Records are those posted by the league based on games officially recognized.

*****

CLASS 6, REGION A:

1) Manchester (4-1, 28.6)
2) Oscar Smith (4-1, 27.8)
3) Western Branch (6-1, 27.286)
4) Thomas Dale (5-1, 26.5)
5) Ocean Lakes (4-2, 26.0)
6) Franklin County (2-3, 24.0)
7) James River (3-4, 22.714)
8T) Floyd Kellam (2-4, 22.0)
        Cosby (2-4, 22.0)
---
10) Grassfield (0-7, 18.0)

THE BREAKDOWN: Manchester will try to continue to hold off Oscar Smith as each team faces an unbeaten team on Friday. The Lancers go to Region 5C leader Midlothian while Oscar Smith plays Region 4A leader King's Fork, who is also 5-0.  Western Branch goes to Hickory, who is in Class 5 and is 2-4, while Thomas Dale hosts Class 3 Hopewell. James River is now listed as 3-4 rather than 5-2 due to two forfeits, against Cosby and Huguenot, for use of an ineligible player, a blow to their postseason positioning. 

ELSEWHERE:

Region 6B: 1) Battlefield 32.333, 2) Freedom-PW 27.857, 3) Gar-Field 27.0

Region 6C: 1) Robinson 31.667, 2) South County 30.333, 3) Fairfax 30.0

Region 6D: 1) James Madison 30.5, 2) Centreville 29.167, 3) Chantilly 26.5

CLASS 5, REGION C:

1) Midlothian (5-0, 28.0)
2) Highland Springs (5-2, 26.857)
3) Douglas Freeman (6-1, 25.429)
4) Hermitage (3-2, 23.4)
5) Glen Allen (2-3, 21.6)
6) Mills Godwin (2-4, 21.0)
7) L.C. Bird (1-3, 20.25)
8) J.R. Tucker (3-2, 20.2)
---
9) Clover Hill (2-4, 20.0)
10) Prince George (1-4, 19.4)
11) Meadowbrook (0-5, 16.4)
12) Deep Run (0-7, 15.429)

THE BREAKDOWN: Strength. Of. Schedule. We believed Highland Springs would greatly benefit from it, and they do. With two games this week (defeated Henrico Tuesday, at Hanover Friday), a loss by Midlothian to Manchester may be enough to place them back where they are used to being, on top. The Douglas Freeman/Hermitage game Friday looms large, obviously, with the winner getting an inside track on solidifying a top three seed. Glen Allen's last-minute game scheduled at Fauquier puts them against a two-win team out of Class 4, which would yield more points with a win than over the winless Class 2 John Marshall team they were set to face before the Justices ended their season. Clover Hill could jump back into the top eight with a win at home over Powhatan Friday, while a Prince George home win over Matoaca would vault the Royals right back into contention.

ELSEWHERE: 

Region 5A: 1) Green Run 30.0, 2) Kempsville 27.6, 3) Bayside 25.167

Region 5B: 1) Maury 26.0, 2) Woodside 25.0, 3) Norview 22.5

Region 5D: 1) Stone Bridge 32.0, 2) Mountain View 28.0, 3) PH-Roanoke 26.833 

CLASS 4, REGION B: 

1) Dinwiddie (4-0, 29.0)
2) King George (5-0, 27.6)
3) Matoaca (5-1, 27.333)
4) Varina (5-0, 26.8)
5) Chancellor (2-1, 24.333)
6) Patrick Henry (4-2, 23.0)
7) Powhatan (4-2, 22.5)
8T) Atlee (4-2, 22.0)
       Hanover (3-2, 22.0)
---
10) Monacan (3-3, 20.667)
11) Eastern View (3-2, 20.0)
12) Spotsylvania (3-3, 19.5)
13) Huguenot (1-4, 18.6)
14) Courtland (1-4, 17.0)

THE BREAKDOWN: Again. Strength. Of. Schedule. Dinwiddie takes the lead in this rugged region, but the Generals have two fellow unbeatens breathing down their neck. The defending region champion Foxes are listed at 5-0, so we're looking to see if their fifth win was a forfeit from Caroline last week, since they're 14-14 tie with Lafayette from August 27th is, at last check, officially still "suspended". Matoaca, if they can win out, could create a top four separated from the rest of the pack, giving them a home game in the opening round. Chancellor's ranking is a bit deceiving given their 2-1 record. They go to King George Friday, then host Caroline and Culpeper before finishing a seven-game schedule at James Monroe. We do not believe there will be any special dispensation given for a seven-game schedule versus a nine or ten-game, save the usual use in tiebreaking situations. The Atlee/Hanover game November 5th? It looms large, but three teams are right behind them ready to pounce.

ELSEWHERE:

Region 4A: 1) King's Fork 28.0, 2) Hampton 26.5, 3) Warhill 24.667

Region 4C: 1) Heritage 27. 143, 2) Broad Run 26.714, 3) Kettle Run 25.714

Region 4D: 1) Western Albemarle 29.333, 2T) GW-Danville & Salem (Lynchburg) 25.8 (Louisa is in 6th, 23.286)

CLASS 3, REGION A:

1) Phoebus (5-0, 28.8)
2) Lafayette (5-0, 24.8)
3) Booker T. Washington (4-1, 24.4)
4) York (5-1, 22.5)
5) Lake Taylor (3-3, 20.667)
6) Petersburg (3-2, 19.833)
7) Hopewell (3-2, 18.4)
8) New Kent (2-4, 16.833)
---
9) Lakeland (2-4, 16.167)
10) Tabb (1-5, 15.333)
11) Southampton (1-2, 14.333)
12) Park View-South Hill (1-3, 13.5)
13) Colonial Heights (1-5, 13.167)

THE BREAKDOWN: Phoebus is rolling, with a huge lead over defending region champ Lafayette, and everyone else. Booker T. Washington is a surprise, while Lake Taylor climbs after their win at Class 5 Mills Godwin last Friday. Hopewell can solidify their playoff positioning with a win at Class 6 Thomas Dale this Friday, while New Kent is in a precarious position with Lakeland and Tabb still in position.

CLASS 3, REGION B:

1) Brentsville District (4-2, 21.333)
2) Meridian (5-2, 20.571)
3) Goochland (4-2, 20.333)
4) Culpeper County (4-3, 19.571)
5) James Monroe (2-4, 17.5)
6) Skyline (1-4, 15.4)
7) Armstrong (1-4, 14.4)
8) William Monroe (2-3, 14.2)
---
9) Manassas Park (0-6, 13.667)
10) Caroline (0-6, 13.0)
11) Warren County (0-6, 12.667)

THE BREAKDOWN: UPDATED: Manassas Park lost Monday to Strasburg 57-0 to move to 0-6. Armstrong moves up to seventh thanks to Petersburg being awarded a forfeit win over Hopewell.

Goochland normally goes 10-0 or 9-1, but they are still in a position to be among the top teams, especially with a November 5th date hosting Louisa still ahead of them. Everyone is in play here, even the winless teams, so Armstrong's November 5th date against Park View-South Hill could be for a playoff berth.

ELSEWHERE:

Region 3C: 1) Liberty Christian Academy 27.2, 2) Heritage-Lynchburg 25.667, 3) Brookville 22.0

Region 3D: 1) Christiansburg 25.333, 2) Hidden Valley 24.714, 3) Abingdon 21.857

CLASS 2, REGION A:

1) Nottoway (5-0, 24.0)
2) Thomas Jefferson (5-1, 20.167)
3) Amelia County (5-1, 19.833)
4T) Poquoson (3-2, 18.8)
       King William (4-1, 18.8)
6) Brunswick (3-1, 17.75)
7) Greensville Co. (2-2, 17.0)
8) Bruton (3-3, 15.167)
---
9) Randolph-Henry (1-3, 13.5)
10) John Marshall (0-4, 12.5, season over)
11) Prince Edward (2-4, 11.833)

THE BREAKDOWN: Head to head matters here. Amelia knocked off Thomas Jefferson, but lost this past Friday to Nottoway. Strength of schedule gives the Vikings the #2 seed currently over the Raiders despite Amelia's head to head win 8-7 over TJ. Playing a Colonial District schedule continues to help Thomas Jefferson, especially when they win. They host 3-2 J.R. Tucker from Class 5 Saturday. If Nottoway runs the table, and they will be favored in every remaining game, they'll be tough to top. If 3-1 Buckingham can beat them Friday at home, all bets are off.

ELSEWHERE:

Region 2B: 1) Luray 22.5, 2) Clarke County 21.667, 3) Central-Woodstock 20.4

Region 2C: 1) Glenvar 22.333, 2) Appomattox Co. 20.833, 3) James River-Buchanan 19.0

Region 2D: 1) Graham 23.2, 2) Virginia 22.4, 3) Union 21.167

CLASS 1, REGION A:

1) Essex (3-0, 21.333)
2) West Point (3-1, 20.667)
3) Northumberland (4-0, 19.0)
4) King and Queen Central (5-0, 18.4)
5) Northampton (5-1, 17.0)
6) Washington & Lee (2-3, 14.4)
7) Colonial Beach (3-3, 13.167)
8) Middlesex (2-2, 12.75)
---
9) Rappahannock (2-3, 11.2)
10) Lancaster (1-5, 8.833)

THE BREAKDOWN: UPDATED: Northampton defeats West Point Monday 26-20. This score is in reverse in the updated #VHSL standings released Wednesday, which we will not update here until we get clarification on what really happened.

King and Queen's game with West Point will now take place next Friday, October 22nd, and will have big playoff implications. Meanwhile, Northumberland travels to Washington and Lee, who can help seal their postseason bid with a win to go to .500. Northampton will play private school Portsmouth Christian at home.

ELSEWHERE:

Region 1B: 1) Riverheads 23.0, 2) Central-Lunenburg 17.8, 3) Buffalo Gap 17.333

Region 1C: 1) Galax 18.333, 2) Giles 17.2, 3) Parry McCluer 15.5

Region 1D: 1) Holston 22.0, 2) Chilhowie 19.2, 3) Twin Springs 18.8

SUPER 12 POLL: WEEK 8 AND THIS WEEK'S RADIO BROADCAST

1) Highland Springs (4-2, was #1, d. #8 Patrick Henry, at Henrico Tuesday, at Hanover Friday)
2) Manchester (4-1, was #2, game postponed, at #9 Midlothian Friday)
3) Varina (5-0, was #3, d. Armstrong, at Atlee)
4) Dinwiddie (4-0, was #4, d. #10 Hopewell, at Petersburg Friday)
5) Matoaca (5-1, was #5, d. Petersburg, at Prince George Friday)
6) Thomas Dale (4-1, was #6, d. Henrico, vs. #10 Hopewell Friday)
7) St. Christopher's (6-0, was #10, d. Fork Union, vs. Woodberry Forest Saturday, 2p)
8) Patrick Henry (4-2, was #9, l. to #1 Highland Springs, vs. Armstrong Friday)
9) Midlothian (5-0, was #10, d. Huguenot via forfeit, vs. #2 Manchester Friday)
10) Hopewell (3-1, was #7, l. to #4 Dinwiddie, at #6 Thomas Dale Friday)
11) Hermitage (3-2, was #11, d. Meadowbrook, at #12 Douglas Freeman Friday)
12) Douglas Freeman (6-1, was #12, d. Deep Run, vs. #11 Hermitage Friday)

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL FRIDAY NIGHT:

#11 Hermitage at #12 Douglas Freeman, 6:30pm

RADIO: #Rejoice 101.3 FM and 990 AM
WEB: CLICK HERE
ALEXA: "Play Rejoice Richmond!"

#TheLineUp: High School Football (Week 7)

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL FRIDAY NIGHT: Glen Allen 42, J.R. Tucker 6

Woodberry Forest 28, Collegiate 17
#12 Douglas Freeman 55, Deep Run 14
Lake Taylor 33, Mills Godwin 14
#1 Highland Springs 41, #9 Patrick Henry 28
Hanover 35, Mechanicsville 28
#6 Thomas Dale 46, Henrico 13
#3 Varina 42, Armstrong 0
Hermitage 34, Meadowbrook 0
Midlothian d. Huguenot by FORFEIT
L.C. Bird at Manchester, POSTPONED
Monacan 37, Cosby 22
James River 30, Powhatan 9
Clover Hill 41, George Wythe 6
Prince George 38, Colonial Heights 18
Matoaca 35, Petersburg 6
#4 Dinwiddie 35, #7 Hopewell 20
Goochland 26, Charlottesville 6
King George at Caroline, CANCELED
Nottoway 42, Amelia 16
York 36. New Kent 21
King William 37, I.C. Norcom 12
King and Queen Central 60, Mathews 0
James Monroe 6, Eastern View 3
Courtland at Chancellor, POSTPONED
Culpeper County 34, Spotsylvania 21
Northumberland at Essex, CANCELED (lack of officials)
Prince Edward 74, Bluestone 30
Central-Lunenburg at Cumberland, POSTPONED to October 12
Buckingham 35, Randolph-Henry 0
Sussex Central 52, Windsor 6
West Point 49, Middlesex 0
Washington & Lee 60, Lancaster 14
Surry 66, Franklin 36
Colonial Beach 40, Rappahannock 14
Greensville County 28, Park View-South Hill 7

SATURDAY OCTOBER 9:

St. Christopher's 48, Fork Union 7
Louisa 44, Orange 26
Benedictine 48, Georgetown Prep 7

WEEK 7 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

This will be the final week of high school football prior to the scheduled first unveiling of region rankings by the Virginia High School League (VHSL), scheduled to occur on Monday. So, as we take a quick look at standings in each of our regions in our coverage area, please be aware that the region standings come Monday could look different, and, in some cases, quite different.

Strength of schedule is a huge positive in the VHSL power points system. Thus a 3-2 (or 4-2 or even 3-3) Highland Springs will likely be near the top with the likes of Douglas Freeman and Midlothian in Class 5, Region C. Teams that end their season playing less than ten games will need some luck, in that games canceled against better teams will hurt their playoff chances more than if you lost a game to a winless opponent. 

It's going to be a wild ride between now and November 7th, so buckle up!

NOTE: *--means currently a nine-game schedule, **--means eight-game schedule
NOTE II: The top eight teams qualify for postseason in each region.

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CLASS 6, REGION A:

1) Western Branch (5-1)
2T) Oscar Smith (4-1*)
        Manchester (4-1*)
        Ocean Lakes (4-1*)
5) Thomas Dale (3-1**)
6) James River (4-2)
7) Cosby (3-3)
8) Floyd Kellam (2-3)
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9) Franklin County (1-3*)
10) Landstown (0-4**)
11) Grassfield (0-6)

NOTES: As for our local teams, Manchester looks good for a top four seed and is still hoping to reschedule its game with L.C. Bird that won't happen tomorrow. Cosby has two tough opponents to come and two winnable games. 5-5 could do it. Despite having a better record than Oscar Smith, Western Branch could be behind them in the regional rankings Monday due to the Tigers' loss being to a national power considered a "Class 4" school. Western Branch can best take the top by beating Oscar Smith in three weeks. As for Thomas Dale, who has endured far more concerning COVID-19 in their football family than anyone should, after Henrico Friday, they host Hopewell, go to Petersburg, have a bye week, then host Dinwiddie. If they go 7-1 and don't try to add a game in their bye week, they could still be fighting to host a first round game on November 12th.

CLASS 5, REGION C: 

1) Midlothian (5-0*)
2) Douglas Freeman (5-1)
3) J.R. Tucker (3-1**)
4) Highland Springs (3-2)
5) Hermitage (2-2*)
6) Mills Godwin (2-3) 
7T) Glen Allen (1-3*)
        L.C. Bird (1-3**)
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9) Clover Hill (1-4)
10) Meadowbrook (0-2***)
11) Prince George (0-4*)
12) Deep Run (0-6)

NOTES: With the departure of Varina to Class 4 and Manchester to Class 6, this region (formerly Class 5, Region B) has taken a hit in terms of strength of teams. Realistically, an 0-4 Prince George, due to great strength of schedule, could win 3 or 4 down the stretch and make the playoffs. Highland Springs' strength of schedule is miles ahead of most teams as we stated earlier. Teams trying to solidify playoff position, like Mills Godwin and Glen Allen, need wins Friday, especially the Jaguars. It will be tough for the Eagles hosting a team like Lake Taylor on just days' notice. With Midlothian's game against Huguenot Friday called off (a forfeit to the Trojans), they now have eight days to prepare for what is easily their biggest game of the regular season: Manchester. Should the Trojans win and run the table (9-0), they could threaten for the top seed. They'd certainly be big Varina fans when they take their shot at Highland Springs come November 5.

CLASS 4, REGION B:

1T) King George (4-0*)
        Varina (4-0*)
3) Dinwiddie (3-0*)
4T) Matoaca (4-1)
        Patrick Henry (4-1)
        Powhatan (4-1)
        Eastern View (4-1)
8) Atlee (4-2)
---
9) Chancellor (3-1**)
10) Spotsylvania (3-2)
11) Hanover (2-2*)
12) Monacan (2-3)
13) Henrico (1-3)
14T) Courtland (1-4)
          George Wythe (1-4)
          Mechanicsville (1-4)
17) Huguenot (0-6)

NOTES: Remember, we said back in August that the toughest region in our area, and perhaps in the Commonwealth, was this seventeen-team free-for-all. Chancellor already holds a head-to-head win over Spotsylvania, who still have King George and Eastern View on their schedule, while Chancellor has handed Eastern View their only loss and goes to King George next Friday. The defending champion Foxes still have a 14-14 tie game with Lafayette in limbo from late August. Will they finish that game? That would give them a nine-game schedule. Due to the cancellation of their game with Hopewell, Varina is looking at just nine games, too. Current strength of schedule is close. If both go 9-0, does a Varina win over Highland Springs clinch the top seed? There's a long way to go. And look at fourth place! Four teams at 4-1, all scheduled currently to play ten games. Remember, in 2019, it was a #4 seeded Patrick Henry who defeated a #7 Dinwiddie in the region final. Somebody get out the popcorn for this one these next five Fridays!

CLASS 3, REGION A: 

1) Lafayette (4-0*)
2) Phoebus (4-0)
3) Hopewell (3-0**)
4T) Booker T Washington (4-1*)
       York (4-1)
6) Lakeland (3-2*)
7) Petersburg (2-1**)
8T) Lake Taylor (2-3)
       New Kent (2-3)
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10) Colonial Heights (1-4)
11) Park View (South Hill) (1-2*)
12) Southampton (1-2**)
13) Tabb (0-5)
14) I.C. Norcom (0-2***)

NOTES: This region is, frankly, a mess. Half of the teams will likely play nine games or less, while Lafayette may, or may not, finish that tie game with King George from opening weekend. Two of the top eight (Phoebus and York) are on track for ten games, so are Lake Taylor, New Kent and Colonial Heights. Take little at face value here.

CLASS 3, REGION B: 

1T) Brentsville District (4-2)
     Meridian (4-2)
3) Goochland (3-2)
4) Culpeper Co. (3-3)
5) William Monroe (2-2*)
6) Armstrong (1-3*)
7) James Monroe (1-4)
8) Skyline (0-4*)
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9T) Manassas Park (0-5)
         Caroline (0-5*)
         Warren County (0-5*)

NOTES: With three home games in their final five, Goochland is still is good position to rise up in the standings, as Meridian, for example, plays two winless teams within their region in Manassas Park and Warren County. Brentsville finishes with Skyline and Manassas Park. A Goochland win November 5th over Louisa could be huge.

CLASS 2, REGION A: 

1) Amelia (5-0)
2) Nottoway (4-0*)
3) Thomas Jefferson (5-1)
4) King William (3-1*)
5) Brunswick (3-1**)
6T) Randolph-Henry (2-2*)
        Poquoson (2-2*)
8) Bruton (2-3)
---
9) Greensville Co (1-2**)
10) Nandua (1-3*)
11) Prince Edward (1-4)
12T) Windsor (0-4*)
          Bluestone (0-4*)
14) Arcadia (0-6)
15) John Marshall (0-4, season over)

NOTES: Perhaps the biggest game not being discussed this week is Amelia's trip to Nottoway. The winner should take over the top spot in Region 2A with idle Thomas Jefferson looming (their only loss was to Amelia 8-7). King William is hanging around, too, with a game against Class 4 Mechanicsville in two weeks that could provide a few critical bonus points. We know that John Marshall will not be in the playoffs.

CLASS 1, REGION A:

1) King & Queen Central (4-0**)
2) Essex (3-0*)
3) Northumberland (3-0**)
4) West Point (2-0)
5) Northampton (4-1)
6) Middlesex (2-1**)
7) Colonial Beach (2-2)
8) Washington & Lee (2-2)
---
9) Rappahannock (2-2*)
10) Lancaster (1-4)
11) Chincoteague (1-6)
12) Mathews (0-4**)

NOTES: Will the King & Queen/Essex game be completed after a horrific interruption (gunfire) two weeks ago? It may be the key to the top of this region. Four unbeatens remaining, and two others with just one defeat, including a 4-1 Northampton team who still has a home game with West Point this Monday.

#TheLineUp: HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL FRIDAY: WEEK 6

We've hit the "midway" week in the 2021 high school football regular season. Keep up with the schedule, any last minute changes, and scores here through Saturday night!

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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL FRIDAY NIGHT: Thomas Jefferson 14, Deep Run 12

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Episcopal 16, Collegiate 14
#8 St. Christopher's 14, Benedictine 7
#12 Douglas Freeman 54, John Marshall 0
#11 Hermitage 35, J.R. Tucker 8
Mills Godwin 21, Glen Allen 14
#1 Highland Springs 52, Colonial Forge 7
#9 Patrick Henry 30, Henrico 12
Atlee 30, Mechanicsville 7
#3 Varina 34, Hanover 12
#2 Manchester 48, Clover Hill 6
George Wythe at James River, 7pm
Huguenot at L.C. Bird, postponed to Monday 11/1
#10 Midlothian 49, Cosby 14
Powhatan 39, Monacan 28
Petersburg at Meadowbrook, CANCELED 
#4 Dinwiddie 35, #5 Matoaca 14
#6 Thomas Dale 42, Prince George 29
Armstrong at Park View (South Hill), POSTPONED to November 5
Goochland 28, Fluvanna 0
Louisa d. Monticello, FORFEIT
Lafayette 49, New Kent 10
King William at Stuarts Draft, NOW CANCELED
King & Queen Central at Rappahannock, CANCELED
Amelia 68, Randolph-Henry 20
Eastern View 35, Caroline 0
Chancellor 31, Spotsylvania 21
Courtland 21, James Monroe 14
Nottoway 28, Central-Lunenburg 14
Cumberland 46, Prince Edward 44
King George 55, Culpeper 7
Southampton at Sussex Central, POSTPONED
Greensville 48, Surry 28
West Point 54, Colonial Beach 20
Buckingham d. Bluestone, FORFEIT
DeMatha 14, Life Christian Academy 0

SATURDAY OCTOBER 2:

#7 Hopewell 48, Colonial Heights 8
ADDED: Brunswick at Washington & Lee, 6pm