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

More topsy-turvy changes as this wild 2024 high school football season continues as we check the new Super 12 Poll!

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1) MATOACA (3-0, was #2, vs. Colonial Heights): For the first time ever, the Warriors climb to the top of our poll thanks in big part to a quality win at Massaponax Friday. That trip to Spotsylvania County is never easy, and now the Warriors set their sights on the rugged Central District, beginning with hosting Colonial Heights this week.

2) HUGUENOT (3-0, was #4, at Powhatan): The Falcons have already scored 200 points. In three games. They will be a handful to stop for everyone on their schedule. They can really solidify their suddenly high profile in the region, and stake their claim as a big Class 4, Region B favorite, with a win at Powhatan on Friday.

3) GLEN ALLEN (4-0, was #8, BYE): Speaking of teams that are for real. A lot of people thought Thomas Dale would hand the Jaguars their first loss. As Lee Corso so famously says, not so fast my friend! Glen Allen's win over the Knights was the most impressive result in Week 4. But October is a monster, with all four games on the road, beginning with a trip to Douglas Freeman October 4th.

4) VARINA (2-1, was #5, at Henrico): The Blue Devils put up a quality win Friday over Forest Park, and now get ready for a rivalry trip to Henrico on Friday. Varina needs to grab as many wins as possible as the race to the top eight in Class 4, Region B really revs up beginning this week.

5) HIGHLAND SPRINGS (2-2, was #6, at Riverbend): The Springers head back north to Riverbend Friday. Their last trip there, on October 3, 2022, was a big success. Their opponents are coming off a bye week after wins over King George and Chancellor and a loss to Varina's last opponent, Forest Park.

6) DINWIDDIE (2-1, was #1, at Hopewell): We will get a good barometer of how far these Generals can go this season as they shake off the loss at powerhouse Maury and turn their attention to Central District play with an always tough trip to Merner Field to face the Hopewell Blue Devils who, at 1-2, are in need of some victories to keep their Class 3, Region A hopes high.

7) BENEDICTINE (3-1, was #7, at St. Christopher's Saturday): The Cadets are looking to position themselves to take over the top of VISAA Division I should St. Michael the Archangel falter. They gave Benedictine their lone loss back in Week 1. The Cadets are also mindful that nothing will be simple when they travel to rival St. Christopher's, who have postseason aspirations of their own, on Saturday afternoon.

8) THOMAS DALE (2-1, was #3, at Prince George Thursday): The Knights regroup after their first loss with a short week of preparation before facing the Royals to open Central District play on Thursday night. After that? Consecutive home games with Dinwiddie and Matoaca. They're grateful that both opponents will have to come to Chester.

9) L.C. BIRD (3-1, was #11, vs. Richmond School For The Arts): It's Homecoming Week for the Skyhawks, who can hit the turn at 4-1 with a win Friday over the Bulldogs. The October schedule is very interesting, as the Skyhawks will face Powhatan at home next Friday October 4, then get a bye week to prepare for the high-powered Huguenot offense, also in Chester, on October 18.

10) THOMAS JEFFERSON (4-0, NEW, BYE): The Vikings are led by legitimate Player of The Year candidate Rashaud Cherry, who is putting up insane numbers for the unbeaten Vikings. Can Thomas Jefferson run the table? They have John Marshall off the bye October 4, then a big trip to Mills Godwin.

11) HANOVER (3-0, NEW, vs. Atlee): The Hawks are built in the image of their coach, Sam Rogers. They are scrappy, make you earn every yard, and absolutely has no quit. Their 42-7 win at Mills Godwin Thursday was eye-opening. But now they are in the middle of preparation for the arrival of their archrival, the Atlee Raiders, for a Friday night showdown live on the RVA Sports Network.

12) POWHATAN (2-1, was #12, vs. #2 Huguenot): A comfortable win over James River in hand, the Indians now get to try and slow down the hot Huguenot offense, who come in averaging over 65 points per game. Don't get into a shootout with the Falcons. Powhatan needs stops, and likely a forced turnover or two, to create shorter fields and chew time off the clock. They can't score if they're on the sidelines.

DROPPING OUT: Manchester (was #9), Trinity Episcopal (was #10):

OTHER GAMES TO WATCH THIS WEEK:

Hermitage at Mills Godwin, 7pm
Paul VI at Collegiate, 4pm

Eastern View at Caroline, 7pm

Manassas Park at Armstrong, 7pm

Trinity Episcopal at Flint Hill, Saturday, 12:30pm