FOOTBALL: Week 2 Super 12 High School Football Poll

One week in the books and there is a lot to digest, and some definite movement in our second Super 12 High School Football Poll of the 2025 season.

1) VARINA (1-0, was #1, vs Maury Friday, 7pm) -- The Blue Devils took care of business in Roanoke, blazing to a big halftime lead and giving their quarterback the rest of the evening off. Now it's one of two games on the docket this week that, in the grand scheme of regional standings, matter, but not quite as much as you think. Win or lose, Varina gets big time points for playing Maury. Both will certainly be high seeds in their respective classifications. But it is 804 vs 757, which is all the juice this battle needs.

2) HIGHLAND SPRINGS (1-0, was #3, vs Hough (NC) Friday, 7pm) -- The same plot line applies here as the Springers welcome Hough from suburban Charlotte, who are 2-0 and began the season ranked second in the "8A" state classification poll presented by the Charlotte Observer. It's a relatively new school, having opened in 2010, and whose enrollment is around 2,500 students, more than any Richmond area high school. The beef up front must give Eric Byrd room to run, and the defense will have their hands full with junior quarterback Ethan Royal.

3) BENEDICTINE (1-0, was #4, at Matoaca Friday, 7pm) -- What a statement win for the Cadets in their opener, shutting out their VISAA Division I State Championship opponent from last year, St. Michael the Archangel, 38-0. And that was while losing their starting quarterback Carson Lambert to injury. Luke Kincaid stepped in and the rest was history. Next is a trip to a Matoaca team whose lack of experience was somewhat exposed in their opening loss to Hermitage.

4) DINWIDDIE (1-0, was #5, at Granby Friday, 7pm) --The budgets are smaller at this level of football, so Zion Boisseau couldn't buy his offensive linemen expensive watches or a steak dinner after their sterling performance in the Generals' win over Colonial Heights. But he did bring donuts! We think the Generals have found the next in a continual series of offensive leaders that should continue to bring Billy Mills and Dinwiddie much success. This week, another 804 vs 757 showdown as they go to Powhatan Field to face Granby.

5) MANCHESTER (1-0, was #9, at Glen Allen Friday, 7pm) -- 83 points. Acrobatic, insane plays. No one would be truthful if they told you they knew before the Lancers' 83-13 win over Monacan that a 70-point difference was in the offing. Simply a powerful start. Now, they head up 288 to face a Glen Allen team that was, a year ago, a Region 6A rival. The Jaguars are back in Region 5C, but the winner Friday will pick up huge bonus points in their regional playoff race.

6) THOMAS DALE (1-0, was #6, vs. L.C. Bird Saturday, 2pm) -- Step one in the reboot of a veteran Knights team is completing, scoring in all three phases of the game in their win over Cosby. Now, they get set to host the Battle of Chester this Saturday against a Skyhawk team still looking for their first score of the season after a 19-0 loss at Midlothian. The Knights can add to their momentum while putting their archrival in an 0-2 hole.

7) TRINITY EPISCOPAL (1-0, was #8, vs. Fork Union Saturday, 1pm) -- An excellent start to the season with the win over North Cross. Now they prepare to host Fork Union, hoping the defense can hold them to less than the 28 points surrendered to North Cross in the opener.

8) GLEN ALLEN (1-0, was #10, vs. #5 Manchester Friday, 7pm) -- What a dominant performance by the Jaguars in a game to be expected to be much closer with Prince George. The Glen Allen offensive line had an outstanding night, enabling Ralphie Puccinelli to run wild to victory. Now, however, they take a big step up in competition as Manchester, the 83-point machine in Week 1, comes calling.

9) LOUISA (1-0, was #7, vs. Courtland Friday, 7:30pm) -- Sometimes circumstances beyond your control cause you to slip some in a poll despite being a winner. Such is the case here. Even without Savion Hiter, the Lions rolled up 42 points in their win at Mills Godwin. But remember we discussed defense last week, and it gave up 26 to the Eagles. Now, the Jungle opens for the first time in 2025 with a huge early season test with Courtland, who are already making waves in Region 4B with a dominant win over Massaponax to open their year. The Lion defense will face a virulent test this week.

10) ST. CHRISTOPHER'S (1-0, NEW, at Episcopal Saturday, 1pm) --The Saints spoke volumes Friday night by virtue of their 21-6 win at then #2 Huguenot. The Falcons blew so many opportunities, but St. Christopher's did not, including a 90-yard interception return for a touchdown. The Saints must learn from this win, and quickly pivot to Episcopal. Don't let such a signature win leave you hung over the next week.

11) HUGUENOT (0-1, was #2, BYE) -- The Falcons have to stew for two weeks over their lackluster performance against St. Christopher's. I do feel sorry for their next opponent, Clover Hill, who hosts the Falcons on Thursday September 11. This is still a program with uber talent. Melding it into a team that can contend for a championship seems to be priority one.

12) THOMAS JEFFERSON (1-0, was #10, vs. Armstrong Thursday, 4:45pm) -- A good shutout win over I.C. Norcom christened the Vikings' new era in Class 2. Now, a showdown. The Vikings host Armstrong, also new to Class 2, both in Region 2A, and both are favorites for the top seed. Thus, you don't need me to tell you just how big the first game of Week 2 is going to be. 

DROPPING OUT: Matoaca (was #12)

ON THE CUSP: Hermitage, Midlothian, Armstrong, Powhatan, Douglas Freeman,, Caroline, Hanover