WEEK ONE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCOREBOARD

WEEK ONE:

THURSDAY AUGUST 28:

Benedictine 38, St. Michael the Archangel 0

Deep Run 31, Mechanicsville 10

Douglas Freeman 21, Atlee 14

Petersburg 48, Henrico 6

Glen Allen 42, Prince George 6

Caroline 83, J.R. Tucker 12

Hermitage 38, Matoaca 0

Louisa 42, Mills Godwin 26

Thomas Jefferson 14, I.C. Norcom 0

Franklin 22, John Marshall 12
Thomas Dale 29, Cosby 7

Manchester 83, Monacan 13

James River 59, Greensville 34

Midlothian 19, L.C. Bird 0

Meadowbrook 60, Clover Hill 0

Powhatan 20, Orange 8

Dinwiddie 53, Colonial Heights 7

King William 21, Amelia 7
Essex 52, Sussex Central 30

New Kent 13, Gloucester 7

Charles City at Lancaster, DNP

Cumberland 46, Mathews 0

Middlesex 13, Surry 0

Rappahannock 65, Nandua 27

Brooke Point 65, King George 0

FRIDAY AUGUST 29:

Trinity Episcopal 36, North Cross 28

Armstrong 66, Richmond School For The Arts 0

Highland Springs 68, Hopewell 12
St. Christopher's 21, Huguenot 6 

Bethel 53, Patrick Henry 0 

Varina 41, William Fleming 14

Collegiate 27, Albemarle 0 

Nottoway 31, Goochland 13

West Point 46, Colonial Beach 6

Northumberland at Northampton, N/R

James Monroe 47, Westmoreland 7

Courtland 35, Massaponax 6 

John Handley 23, Eastern View 9 

Riverbend 68, Chancellor 7
Central-Lunenburg 21, Altavista 14

Spotsylvania 28, Fluvanna 8

Franklin County 27, Bassett 19

Nelson County 13, Randolph-Henry 0 (4Q)
Blessed Sacrament Huguenot 55, Rappahannock County 14

2025 MASTER HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

ALL listings are subject to change for a variety of reasons. 

Many schools are now going either cash-free with tickets or are strongly urging fans to purchase them via your phone and quicker entry into stadiums.

There are Thursday and Saturday games in the VHSL. And, as always, weather will affect schedules during the season, so check our weekly schedules posted Mondays and updated throughout the week with any adjustments.

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WEEK ONE:

THURSDAY AUGUST 28:

St. Michael the Archangel at Benedictine, 4pm

Mechanicsville at Deep Run, 7pm

Atlee at Douglas Freeman, 7pm

Henrico at Petersburg, 7pm

Prince George at Glen Allen, 7pm

J.R. Tucker at Caroline, 7pm

Matoaca at Hermitage, 7pm

Louisa at Mills Godwin, 7pm

I.C. Norcom vs. Thomas Jefferson, 7pm, Hovey Field, VUU
Franklin at John Marshall, 7pm, Rogers Stadium, VSU
Thomas Dale at Cosby, 7pm

Monacan at Manchester, 7pm

James River at Greensville, 7pm

L.C. Bird at Midlothian, 7pm

Clover Hill at Meadowbrook, 7pm

Powhatan at Orange, 7pm

Dinwiddie at Colonial Heights, 7pm

King William at Amelia, 7pm

New Kent at Gloucester, 7pm

Charles City at Lancaster, 7pm

Cumberland at Mathews, 7pm

Middlesex at Surry, 7pm

Altavista at Central Lunenburg, 7pm

Randolph-Henry at Nelson County, 7pm

Rappahannock at Nandua, 6pm

Brooke Point at King George, 7pm

FRIDAY AUGUST 29:

Trinity Episcopal at North Cross, 4pm

Richmond School For The Arts (RSFA) at Armstrong, 7pm

Hopewell at Highland Springs, 7pm
St. Christopher's at Huguenot, 7pm

Patrick Henry at Bethel, 7pm, Darling Stadium

Varina at William Fleming, 7pm

Collegiate at Albemarle, 7pm

Goochland at Nottoway, 7pm

Colonial Beach at West Point, 7pm

Northumberland at Northampton, 7pm

Westmoreland at James Monroe, 7pm

Massaponax at Courtland, 7pm

John Handley at Eastern View, 7pm

Chancellor at Riverbend, 7pm

Fluvanna at Spotsylvania, 7pm

SATURDAY AUGUST 30:

WEEK TWO:

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 4:

Armstrong at Thomas Jefferson, 4:45pm
Meadowbrook at Kecoughtan, 7pm

I.C. Norcom at Petersburg, 7pm

Caroline at Colonial Heights, 7pm

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 5:

Collegiate at Potomac, 4:45pm

Atlee at Deep Run, 7pm

Monacan at Hanover, 7pm

Hough at Highland Springs, 7pm

Maury at Varina, 7pm

Hermitage at Henrico, 7pm

Mills Godwin at Patrick Henry, 7pm

Goochland at Mechanicsville, 7pm
Manchester at Glen Allen, 7pm

Prince George at J.R. Tucker, 7pm

Benedictine at Matoaca, 7pm

Dinwiddie at Granby, 7pm, Powhatan Field

Douglas Freeman at Midlothian, 7pm

Southampton vs. John Marshall, 7pm, Hovey Field, VUU

Cosby at James River, 7pm

RSFA at Powhatan, 7pm

Mecklenburg at Hopewell, 7pm

Courtland at Louisa, 7:30pm

New Kent at Poquoson, 7pm, Poquoson MS

Mathews at Colonial Beach, 7pm

Westmoreland at King William, 7pm

Middlesex at Northumberland, 7pm

West Point at Rappahannock, 7pm

Randolph-Henry at Arcadia, 7pm

Nottoway at Greensville, 7pm

Cumberland at William Campbell, 7pm

Central-Lunenburg at William Monroe, 7pm

Surry at Lancaster, 7pm

James Monroe at Charlottesville, 7pm

Culpeper at Eastern View, 7pm

Spotsylvania at Massaponax, 7pm

King George at Orange, 7pm

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 6:

Fork Union at Trinity Episcopal, 1pm

St. Christopher's at Episcopal, 1pm

BATTLE OF CHESTER: L.C. Bird at Thomas Dale, 11am

WEEK THREE:

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 11:

Huguenot at Clover Hill, 7pm

Colonial Heights at Nottoway, 7pm

West Point at Lancaster, 7pm

Randolph-Henry at Cumberland, 7pm

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 12:

Benedictine at Blue Ridge, 3pm

Nansemond Suffolk Academy at Collegiate, 4:30pm

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

Varina at I.C. Norcom, 7pm

Mills Godwin at Atlee, 7pm

Douglas Freeman at Hanover, 7pm

Dinwiddie at Highland Springs, 7pm

J.R. Tucker at Mechanicsville, 7pm

Glen Allen at Patrick Henry, 7pm

Armstrong at Hertford County (NC), 7pm

Thomas Jefferson at Amelia, 7pm

John Marshall at Charlottesville, 7pm

Lake Taylor at Deep Run, 7pm

RSFA at Cosby, 7pm

Manchester at James River, 7pm

Monacan at L.C. Bird, 7pm

Powhatan at Midlothian, 7pm
Petersburg at Southampton, 7pm

King William at Essex, 7pm

Lafayette vs. New Kent, 7pm, NOW at Bruton High School 

Charles City at Northumberland, 7pm

Sussex Central at Mathews, 7pm

Windsor at Middlesex, 7pm

Central-Lunenburg at Brunswick, 7pm

Franklin at Colonial Beach, 7pm

Westmoreland at Rappahannock, 7pm

Fluvanna at Chancellor, 7pm

Orange at Courtland, 7pm

Riverbend at King George, 7pm

Massaponax at James Monroe, 7pm

Eastern View at Woodgrove, 7pm

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 13:

Woodberry Forest at Trinity Episcopal, 2pm

WEEK FOUR:

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 18:

RSFA at Midlothian, 7pm

Charles City at Surry, 7pm

New Kent at Tabb, 7pm, Bailey Field

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 19:

St. Christopher's at Norfolk Academy, 6:30pm

Armstrong at Goochland, 7pm

Churchland at Henrico, 7pm

Varina at Hermitage, 7pm

Salem at Dinwiddie, 7pm

John Marshall at Mechanicsville, 7pm

Mills Godwin at Hanover, 7pm

Highland Springs at South County, 7pm

Deep Run at Meadowbrook, 7pm

Douglas Freeman at Prince George, 7pm

Atlee at J.R. Tucker, 7pm

Glen Allen at Thomas Dale, 7pm

Cosby at Huguenot, 7pm

Clover Hill at Manchester, 7pm

James River at Monacan, 7pm

L.C. Bird at Powhatan, 7pm

Thomas Jefferson at Hopewell, 7pm

Louisa at Matoaca, 7pm

Colonial Heights at Southampton, 7pm

Caroline at King William, 7pm

Rappahannock at Mathews, 7pm

Lancaster at Middlesex, 7pm

Nottoway at Brunswick, 7pm

Nelson County at Cumberland, 7pm

William Campbell at Randolph-Henry, 7pm

Colonial Beach at Sussex Central, 7pm

Northumberland at Smith Mtn. Lake Christian Academy, 7pm

Eastern View at Liberty (Bealeton), 7pm

Chancellor at Massaponax, 7pm

Brooke Point at Spotsylvania, 7pm

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 20:

Georgetown Prep at Benedictine, 1pm

Collegiate at Woodberry Forest, 2pm

Trinity Episcopal vs. St. Michael the Archangel, 5pm, Riverbend HS, Spotsylvania

WEEK FIVE:

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 25:

Armstrong at King William, 7pm

RSFA at L.C. Bird, 7pm
Meadowbrook at Hopewell, 7pm

Colonial Heights at Petersburg, 7pm

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 26:

St. Christopher's at Benedictine, 4pm

TOMATO BOWL 67: Patrick Henry at Mechanicsville, 7pm
Matoaca at Dinwiddie, 7pm
Hanover at Atlee, 7pm
Henrico at Varina, 7pm
Hampton at Glen Allen, 7pm

Deep Run at Hermitage, 7pm

J.R. Tucker at Mills Godwin, 7pm

Booker T. Washington vs. John Marshall, 7pm, Hovey Field, VUU

Manchester at Cosby, 7pm

Clover Hill at James River, 7pm

Powhatan at Monacan, 7pm

Huguenot at Midlothian, 7pm

Prince George at Thomas Dale, 7pm

Collegiate at Paul VI, 7pm

Goochland at Orange, 7pm

Fluvanna at Louisa, 7:30pm

Caroline at Chancellor, 7pm

Smithfield at New Kent, 7pm

Cumberland at Charles City, 7pm

Rappahannock at Middlesex, 7pm

West Point at Northampton, 7pm

Mathews at Northumberland, 7pm

Amelia at Nottoway, 7pm

Buckingham at Prince Edward, 7pm

Central-Lunenburg at Randolph-Henry, 7pm

Spotsylvania at Culpeper, 7pm

Courtland at King George, 7pm

Eastern View at James Monroe, 7pm

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 27:

Flint Hill at Trinity Episcopal, 1pm

WEEK SIX:

THURSDAY OCTOBER 2:

Highland Springs at Phoebus, 7pm, Darling Stadium

Hopewell at Dinwiddie, 7pm

Westmoreland at West Point, 7pm

Heritage (NN) at Bethel, 7pm

FRIDAY OCTOBER 3:

Fork Union at St. Christopher's, 6:30pm

Benedictine at Gonzaga, 6:30pm

L.C. Bird at Huguenot, 7pm

Henrico at Armstrong, 7pm

Hanover at Patrick Henry, 7pm

Deep Run at Glen Allen, 7pm

Thomas Jefferson at Heritage-Lynchburg, 7pm

Mills Godwin at Hermitage, 7pm

Douglas Freeman at J.R. Tucker, 7pm

John Marshall at King William, 7pm

Midlothian at Manchester, 7pm

Cosby at Clover Hill, 7pm

RSFA at Monacan, 7pm

James River at Powhatan, 7pm

Thomas Dale at Meadowbrook, 7pm

Petersburg at Matoaca, 7pm

Prince George at Colonial Heights, 7pm

Albemarle at Goochland, 7pm

Louisa at Charlottesville, 7pm

York at New Kent, 7pm

James Monroe at Caroline, 7pm

Essex at Charles City, 7pm

Lancaster at Arcadia, 6pm
Rappahannock at Northside, 6pm

Northampton at Middlesex, 7pm

Randolph-Henry at Buckingham, 7pm

Clarke County at Central-Lunenburg, 7pm

Amelia at Prince Edward, 7pm

Nottoway at Cumberland, 7pm

Chancellor at Courtland, 7pm

King George at Spotsylvania, 7pm
Surry at Greensville, 7pm

Southampton at Sussex Central, 7pm
Brunswick at Windsor, 7pm

PH-Roanoke at Salem, 7pm

GW-Danville at William Fleming, 7pm

Manassas Park at Brentsville District, 7pm

Culpeper at Fauquier, 7pm
James Wood at Meridian, 7pm

Liberty-Bealeton at Warren County, 7pm

Skyline at Central-Woodstock, 7pm
Kempsville at Landstown, 7pm

Oscar Smith at Hickory, 7pm

King's Fork at Grassfield, 7pm

Indian River at Western Branch, 7pm

Franklin County at Liberty Christian, 7pm

Rappahannock County at Brunswick Academy, 7pm

Smithfield at Tabb, 7pm

Lakeland at Deep Creek, 7pm

I.C. Norcom at Lake Taylor, 7pm

Maury at Booker T. Washington, 7pm

Bruton at Gloucester, 7pm

Nandua at Washington (MD), 6pm

Jamestown at Poquoson, 7pm

Greenbriar Christian at Chincoteague, 7pm

Altavista at Dan River, 7pm

Buffalo Gap at Rockbridge, 7pm

Smith Mountain Lake Christian Academy at Parry McCluer, 7pm

William Campbell at Nelson County, 7pm

SATURDAY OCTOBER 4:

Anacostia at Trinity Episcopal, 1pm

WEEK SEVEN:

THURSDAY OCTOBER 9:

Hermitage at J.R. Tucker, 7pm

Rappahannock at Northumberland, 7pm

FRIDAY OCTOBER 10:

Benedictine at Collegiate, 3:45pm

Woodberry Forest at St. Christopher's, 6:30pm

Henrico at Highland Springs, 7pm
Manchester at L.C. Bird, 7pm

Matoaca at Thomas Dale, 7pm

Patrick Henry at Atlee, 7pm

Mechanicsville at Hanover, 7pm

Greensville at Armstrong, 7pm

Thomas Jefferson at Douglas Freeman, 7pm

Hermitage at J.R. Tucker, 7pm

Glen Allen at Mills Godwin, 7pm

Charles City vs. John Marshall, 7pm, Hovey Field, VUU

Clover Hill at Midlothian, 7pm

Huguenot at Monacan, 7pm

Hopewell at Colonial Heights, 7pm

Meadowbrook at Prince George, 7pm

Petersburg at Dinwiddie, 7pm

Goochland at Louisa, 7:30pm

Eastern View at Caroline, 7pm

King William at Halifax, 7pm

Middlesex at West Point, 7pm

Randolph-Henry at Amelia, 7pm

Westmoreland at Essex, 7pm

Cumberland at Central-Lunenburg, 7pm

Prince Edward at Nottoway, 7pm

Colonial Beach at Lancaster, 7pm

Culpeper at Chancellor, 7pm

Spotsylvania at Courtland, 7pm

James Monroe at King George, 7pm

SATURDAY OCTOBER 11:

WEEK EIGHT:

THURSDAY OCTOBER 16:

Bruton at New Kent, 7pm

FRIDAY OCTOBER 17:

Fork Union at Collegiate, 3:30pm

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

Thomas Dale at Dinwiddie, 7pm

Hanover at Varina, 7pm

Friendship Collegiate Academy at Highland Springs, 7pm

Mechanicsville at Henrico, 7pm

Hermitage at Glen Allen, 7pm

Deep Run at Douglas Freeman, 7pm

Armstrong at Atlee, 7pm

J.R. Tucker at Patrick Henry, 7pm
Northampton vs. John Marshall, 7pm, Location TBA

L.C. Bird at Clover Hill, 7pm

Midlothian at Cosby, 7pm

Powhatan at Huguenot, 7pm

RSFA at James River, 7pm

Colonial Heights at Matoaca, 7pm

Prince George at Hopewell, 7pm

Meadowbrook at Petersburg, 7pm

Western Albemarle at Goochland, 7pm

Louisa at Albemarle, 7pm

King William at Mecklenburg, 7pm

Caroline at Spotsylvania, 7pm

Charles City at Middlesex, 7pm

Essex at Rappahannock, 7pm

Maret at West Point, 7pm

Mathews at Hampton Roads Academy, 7pm

Buckingham at Central-Lunenburg, 7pm

Prince Edward at Cumberland, 7pm

Nottoway at Randolph-Henry, 7pm

Lancaster at Northumberland, 7pm

Colonial Beach at Westmoreland, 7pm

King George at Culpeper, 7pm

Courtland at Eastern View, 7pm

Chancellor at James Monroe, 7pm

SATURDAY OCTOBER 18:

North Cross at Benedictine, 1pm

WEEK NINE:

THURSDAY OCTOBER 23:

Atlee at Varina, 7pm

Clover Hill at Monacan, 7pm

Petersburg at Hopewell, 7pm

Cumberland at Amelia, 7pm

Lancaster at Westmoreland, 7pm

FRIDAY OCTOBER 24:

Collegiate at Norfolk Academy, 6pm

Highland Springs at Hermitage, 7pm

Henrico at Hanover, 7pm

Thomas Dale at Patrick Henry, 7pm

Trinity Episcopal at Glen Allen, 7pm

Thomas Jefferson at Deep Run, 7pm

John Marshall at J.R. Tucker, 7pm

Douglas Freeman at Mills Godwin, 7pm

Mechanicsville at King William, 7pm

Cosby at L.C. Bird, 7pm

James River at Midlothian, 7pm

Manchester at Powhatan, 7pm

Dinwiddie at Meadowbrook, 7pm

Matoaca at Prince George, 7pm

Goochland at Monticello, 7pm

Orange at Louisa, 7:30pm

Warhill at New Kent, 7pm

Courtland at Caroline, 7pm

Northumberland at Essex, 7pm

West Point at Mathews, 7pm

Buckingham at Nottoway, 7pm

Central-Lunenburg at Prince Edward, 7pm

Colonial Beach at Rappahannock, 7pm

Spotsylvania at Chancellor, 7pm

James Monroe at Culpeper, 7pm

Eastern View at King George, 7:30pm

SATURDAY OCTOBER 25:

RSFA at Huguenot, 1pm

Woodberry Forest at Benedictine, 2pm

North Cross at St. Christopher's, 2:30pm

WEEK TEN:

THURSDAY OCTOBER 30:

Varina at Highland Springs, 7pm

Hanover at Armstrong, 7pm
Hermitage at Douglas Freeman, 7pm

Thomas Jefferson at Mills Godwin, 7pm

Huguenot at James River, 7pm

Colonial Heights at Meadowbrook, 7pm

Matoaca at Hopewell, 7pm

Dinwiddie at Prince George, 7pm

King George at Caroline, 7pm

Nottoway at Central-Lunenburg, 7pm

Smith Mtn. Lake Christian Academy at Randolph-Henry, 7pm

FRIDAY OCTOBER 31:

Mechanicsville at Atlee, 7pm

Patrick Henry at Henrico, 7pm

Deep Run at J.R. Tucker, 7pm

John Marshall at Prince Edward, 7pm

Powhatan at Clover Hill, 7pm

RSFA at Manchester, 7pm

Monacan at Cosby, 7pm

Thomas Dale at Petersburg, 7pm

Fluvanna at Goochland, 7pm

Western Albemarle at Louisa, 7:30pm

New Kent at Grafton, 7pm, Bailey Field

Essex at Colonial Beach, 7pm

Mathews at Charles City, 7pm

Nandua at West Point, 7pm

Lancaster at Rappahannock, 7pm

Culpeper at Courtland, 7pm

Chancellor at Eastern View, 7pm

James Monroe at Spotsylvania, 7pm

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 1:

Benedictine at Trinity Episcopal, 1pm

St. Christopher's at Collegiate, 1pm

Northumberland at Westmoreland, 2pm

WEEK ELEVEN:

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 6:

Hopewell at Thomas Dale, 7pm

Meadowbrook at Matoaca, 7pm

Armstrong at Mechanicsville, 7pm

Middlesex at Mathews, 7pm

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 7:

Patrick Henry at Varina, 7pm

Highland Springs at Hanover, 7pm

Atlee at Henrico, 7pm

Mills Godwin at Deep Run, 7pm

Douglas Freeman at Glen Allen, 7pm

Thomas Jefferson at Hermitage, 7pm

Arcadia vs. John Marshall, 7pm, Location TBA

RSFA at Clover Hill, 7pm

Manchester at Huguenot, 7pm

Midlothian at Monacan, 7pm

James River at L.C. Bird, 7pm

Cosby at Powhatan, 7pm

Petersburg at Prince George, 7pm

King William at Colonial Heights, 7pm

Goochland at Charlottesville, 7pm

Louisa at Monticello, 7pm

New Kent at Jamestown, 7pm, Wanner Stadium

Caroline at Culpeper, 7pm

Essex at Lancaster, 7pm

West Point at Charles City, 7pm

Central-Lunenburg at Amelia, 7pm

Cumberland at Buckingham, 7pm

Prince Edward at Randolph-Henry, 7pm

Northumberland at Colonial Beach, 7pm

Rappahannock at Westmoreland, 7pm

King George at Chancellor, 7pm

Spotsylvania at Eastern View, 7pm

Courtland at James Monroe, 7pm

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 8:

VISAA State Semifinals, TBD

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FOOTBALL: Preseason RVA Sports Network Super 12 High School Football Poll

It's finally Week One!! All the scrimmages are in the books, so let's take a look at our first Super 12 High School Football Poll of 2025!

#1 -- VARINA (12-2, Class 4 State Runner-Up): A star quarterback, an embarrassment of riches at running back, a stingy defense. It's a recipe for another run to Liberty University in December...except the Blue Devils are in the toughest region in the Commonwealth. They'll have to deal with the likes of Huguenot, Dinwiddie, Louisa, and many others, and succeed in the gauntlet, in order to get to December, and don't be surprised if they end up seeing Phoebus, the team that defeated them last year in the title game, once again. But first....

#2 -- HUGUENOT (11-1, lost to Varina in Region 4B Semifinal): They're experienced, with ridiculous talent across the board, and the Blue Devils taught them why there's a big difference between the regular season and the postseason last year. They've been in the laboratory since that defeat, and are ready to take their shot to dethrone Varina and move on to December themselves. Adding St. Christopher's to their schedule, whom they host this Friday, was a great move. Being in the Dominion District, landlocked to just one non-district game, you need a quality opponent to help you prepare for crunch time. 

#3 -- HIGHLAND SPRINGS (9-4, lost to Oscar Smith in Region 6A Championship): By Highland Springs standards, it's been a very quiet offseason in the grand scheme of things in the region. They return to Class 5 this year, but don't think it makes it suddenly easier for them to return to a title. The Springers have a monster schedule, as always, and our "Feel Good" friend Sean Robertson says he's hearing echoes of 2017, when a group of "August unknowns" became December heroes when they captured their third of four straight VHSL championships. We think the Springers don't mind that all the chatter from fans this offseason has been about that other school in Eastern Henrico. Oh, and the photo below? That's head coach Loren Johnson bringing the 2015 Springers onto the field at Scott Stadium, the site of their first state crown. Ten years already. Hard to believe!

#4 -- BENEDICTINE (9-3, VISAA Division I Champions): A changing of the guard over at Bobby Ross as Greg Lilly steps away as head coach after 94 wins, handing the reins to Kurt Von Bargen, who knows what he's got in quarterback Carson Lambert. They can expect another season of top competition, starting with the rapidly ascending St. Michael the Archangel from Fredericksburg, who defeated the Cadets on opening day last year. But Benedictine got the final word, defeating them the state championship game in November. Trinity Episcopal, St. Christopher's, another battle with Gonzaga, and a Week 2 showdown against Matoaca. Nothing will come easy for the Cadets, but they can win it all again.

#5 -- DINWIDDIE (11-2, lost to Varina in Region 4B Championship): Yes, the Harry Dalton era is over. But, a cursory look at the history of the Generals under Billy Mills shows one of the best "next man up" mentalities in a program in the Commonwealth. Enter Zion Boisseau, who seems quite ready to step in and guide the Generals back into the playoffs. Fans should realize it might take a little time to get the offense in gear, but it'll do so. We believe better defense will be key to carrying Dinwiddie far in 2025.

#6 -- THOMAS DALE (6-5, lost to Manchester in Region 6A Quarterfinal): Everybody seems to be sleeping on the Knights. 2024 was a difficult campaign in Chester with a ton of injuries. But they didn't keep Thomas Dale from being competitive, falling by seven to Dinwiddie, and losing by eleven in the playoff game against the Lancers. Now, there's reason for Kevin Tucker to be very excited about this fall. If the Knights avoid the injury bug, the combination of returning players from said injuries and now experienced youngsters who had to grow up fast last fall will give Tucker a ton of firepower on both sides of the ball. In a brutally tough Central District, never forget about Thomas Dale.

#7 -- LOUISA (9-3, lost to William Fleming in Region 5C Semifinal): We've known for a long time that Dyzier Carter is headed to Rutgers. Now, with Savion Hiter's announcement this week that's he's headed to Michigan, the Lions can now focus completely on unfinished business. Their opening night loss a year ago to a Patrick Henry team that finished 2-8, a game riddled by storm delays and horrible play (penalties) by the Lions in the first half. The game started Friday and ended Saturday. We didn't know it then, but Louisa was behind the eight ball the rest of the way, having to travel to both Midlothian, then William Fleming in the playoffs. No "Jungle" advantage. They'll need it this year as they return to rugged Region 4B. We know they can run the ball. A good passing game and a better defense will be key to see if the Lions can finally climb the mountain in Class 4.

#8 -- TRINITY EPISCOPAL (5-4, lost to Benedictine in VISAA Division I Semifinal): One point. After getting routed a week earlier in their regular season finale to rival Benedictine, they fell 29-28 in the postseason rematch. As Benedictine did, the Titans fell to both St. Michael the Archangel and to Woodberry Forest. Head Coach Sam Mickens has plenty of firepower on both sides of the ball, and plenty of gunpowder for the cannon to help the Titans achieve a return to recent past glory and, maybe, another state championship.

#9 -- MANCHESTER (8-5, lost to Oscar Smith in Region 6A Semifinal): A full offseason for head coach Jason Harrell, and a fourth-year starter under center in Landon Abernathy, who is ready to prove that he is ready to lead the Lancers to a deeper postseason run, as well as proving he's ready for the next level. Highland Springs leaves Class 6, but L.C. Bird moves up, so that October 10th trip to Chester looms large, as does a September 5th trip across the river against the team right below them.....

#10 -- GLEN ALLEN (10-2, lost to Highland Springs in Region 6A Semifinal): By far the best season in Jaguar history came in 2024. Yes, Varina brought them down to earth after the first 5-0 start in program history, but they walloped Western Branch in the first round of the Class 6, Region A playoffs, and fell to power Highland Springs by just three points. Of all the western Henrico schools, it's the Jaguars with the most momentum heading into 2025. The name to watch is junior quarterback Ralphie Puccinelli. If his line can keep him upright, look out for the Jaguar offense this season. The front half of their schedule is tough, hosting improving Prince George and #9 Manchester before trips to Patrick Henry and #6 Thomas Dale. They finish September hosting Hampton. Can they start 5-0 again?

#11 -- THOMAS JEFFERSON (12-1, lost to Kettle Run in Region 3A Championship): An undefeated regular season. A three-point heartbreaking loss with a trip to the Class 3 semifinals on the line. A spectacular season for a Viking program that, a decade or so earlier, struggled to put a competitive team on the field. Now with their move to Class 2, the hopes and dreams of a state championship from Viking fans grows louder, and their team has plenty of reason for hope. Their lightning fast offense will continue despite losses to graduation. I.C. Norcom will be a quality opening opponent this Friday. Battle for supremacy atop Region 2A hosting Armstrong the following week will set the stage for who has the inside track to a great seeding in this field.

#12 -- MATOACA (10-2, lost to L.C. Bird in Region 5C Semifinal): They're in the tough Central District, and they lost a lot of star firepower which will be on full display on Saturdays over the next four years. But much respect must be given to, perhaps, the most improved football program in the "Central Region" since the full return of the sport post-COVID. Their youngsters must grow up fast, as the schedule is brutal, beginning with a trip to Hermitage Thursday, followed by fellow ranked teams in Benedictine and Louisa. When they finally step into the Central? It's a trip to Dinwiddie, then hosting Petersburg and a trip to Thomas Dale. If the Warriors can come out of that stretch 4-2 or better, they will be well prepared come playoff time even if such a difficult schedule may cost them in seeding.

*******

ON THE CUSP: L.C. Bird, Hopewell, Midlothian, Hermitage, St. Christopher's, Armstrong, Powhatan, Douglas Freeman, Atlee, Hanover, Prince George, Caroline

 

NEWS & NOTES: One Week To Opening Night

The season is almost here! Let's touch on a few things, from the region to the state and beyond....

WEEK 1 WATCH:

While there is a lot of attention being paid to the opening games for Highland Springs (Hopewell) and Varina (William Fleming), plus the St. Christopher's/Huguenot showdown, and rightfully so, there are a few hidden gems in the first weekend of the 2025 season.

Matoaca at Hermitage: We may be looking back to this very game on the night of November 7th when it comes to seeding in the Class 5, Region C brackets. Hermitage, a longtime power, welcomes a Matoaca program who has been consistently one of the best in the region post-COVID.

Louisa at Mills Godwin: A year ago, this would also be a Region 5C showdown. The Lions, however, returned to Class 4 this season in the mid-cycle alignment based on school enrollments. Thus, the first game for top 2026 running back recruit, and Michigan commit, Savion Hiter, will take place on Pump Road, where the Eagles are hoping to stay healthy this year, and take advantage of the experience gained by so many underclassmen pressed into duty a season ago.

L.C. Bird at Midlothian: A huge opening night opportunity for the Trojans. The Skyhawks, now in Class 6, Region A, returns few starters from their state semifinal team of 2024. Bird is always talented, but on-the-job training is the early goal this season. A victory would be an early feather in the Midlothian cap.

I.C. Norcom vs. Thomas Jefferson: The Vikings hope to continue their multi-season regular season game winning streak at Hovey Field against a quality opponent from the 757. Remember, the Vikings, along with rival Armstrong, have joined John Marshall in Class 2, Region A, and, TeeJay and the Wildcats renew their longstanding rivalry next Thursday afternoon, an early pivotal game in their new region home.

REALIGNMENT:

L.C. Bird and J.R. Tucker both move up to Class 6, Region A, who only has nine teams, including Manchester, Thomas Dale and Cosby.

Class 5, Region C members aren't too pleased that Highland Springs has returned to the fold, as has Glen Allen, who won a record ten games last season. The Skyhawks and Tigers departed, as did Louisa, who returned to Class 4, Region B, which is, for our money, the toughest region in the entire Commonwealth. 

Think about it. Varina, Huguenot, Dinwiddie, Louisa, King George, Eastern View, Hanover, Atlee, Caroline, Courtland. All have legitimate postseason aspirations. Then there's Monacan, Patrick Henry, Spotsylvania, Chancellor, Mechanicsville all looking to return to glory, and the postseason. There could be regional semifinal games here that are better than state semifinal or even championship games in other classes.

And, as mentioned above, Thomas Jefferson and Armstrong join King William, John Marshall, Amelia, et al in Class 2, Region A.

BED'S-EYE VIEW:

I have spent a lot of time in recovery mode this summer after surgery in late May and the first round of treatments for my neuromuscular disease, which continue into September. So I've done a lot of researching and spelunking in the realm of not just high school sports, but sports in general, and how the trickle down effects are already impacting the scholastic level. We discussed some of this last week on ESPN Richmond with Bob Black.

Ten years ago, Teddy Bridgewater would have crucified for doing this as a high school football coach. In today's new world, he should have been applauded, and not suspended. He was also doing what thousands of coaches, nationwide, have always been doing, not out of want to gain a competitive advantage, but out of the basic human desire to make sure teenagers have things like shelter, food, and a sense of security and belonging.

Click here to read about Bridgewater, who bounced back nicely and is, for now, back in the NFL.

Did you catch the first game in the new home for Buford High School in Georgia last weekend on ESPNU? A stadium many Division 2 and 3 schools would die for. The cost? At taxpayer expense? Click here to see. The stadium is owned by the city itself, and leased to the high school for use.

Tweet (X) Of The Week: After the ridiculous saga of Hayfield High School last season, and their malfeasance that wrecked a portion of the Class 6 playoffs, and with news in the spring of another coach controversy brewing in Fairfax County, our eyes caught this message on Wednesday. 

We could write a five-part series on the reality of how VHSL rules have been skirted, broken, or outright ignored for many years when it comes to players getting to certain schools to play football. But the flashlight of history is finally beginning to give us some focus, thanks to this "new frontier" of all sports, from the NFL down to your local youth league.

And for those of you who deem it unfathomable that a "coach" or "scout" would go to an 8U or 10U Saturday morning game? Welcome to reality.

The above post doesn't give any proof of anything, and isn't a new theory or observation, but it is a post that reminds us of, not the changing tide, but the fact the tide is becoming quite visible.

EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT:

What's a new high school sports year without some good news? 

On top of our weekly appearances with Bob Black and Sean Robertson Thursdays at 5pm on ESPN Richmond, we'll be debuting a new feature weekly in collaboration with our wonderful partners at The Richmonder! We'll have the information on Instagram Reels and on X this weekend.

And, to close, the first RVA Sports Network Super 12 High School Football Poll will release Sunday afternoon, as it will do each week during the regular season through November 9th.

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Thoughts on today's notes? Feel free to contact Rob at robwitham1@gmail.com or DM us on "X" at @TheRVASportsNet or on Instagram at @rvasportsnetwork.