1) DINWIDDIE (5-0, was #1, vs. Hopewell Thursday, 7pm): The Blue Devils are having an uncharacteristically off season. The Generals should take advantage of that.
2) BENEDICTINE (5-0, was #2, at Gonzaga Friday, 6:30pm): The Eagles are 4-1 and opened their season with a 17-0 victory over Oscar Smith. This will be a tough test for the Cadets.
3) VARINA (4-1, was #3, at Grimsley HS, Greensboro, NC Friday, 7pm): The Whirlies are 5-0, have outscored their last two opponents 131-6, scoring on a punt return, kickoff return and defensively with a safety last Friday night. They're also ranked as the top team in North Carolina, regardless of classification, by MaxPreps. By comparison, Hough, who narrowly defeated Highland Springs earlier this month, is currently #3.
4) HIGHLAND SPRINGS (2-2, at Phoebus, Darling Stadium, Hampton Thursday, 7pm): The Phantoms long winning streak was snapped last time out. Do they come out flat or angry? The Springers will need to be ready to jump on them early if the former, and frankly, carry the same attitude if the latter.
5) MANCHESTER (5-0, was #5, vs. Midlothian Friday, 7pm): The Lancers have gone into the halftime locker room up 14-13 each of the past two weeks, then played like state title contenders in the second half. They welcome a Trojan team smarting from their big loss on homecoming to Huguenot.
6) THOMAS DALE (4-0, was #6, at #12 Meadowbrook Friday, 7pm): An emotional homecoming win for the Knights to begin Central District play. Now they travel to the biggest surprise team of 2025, who, with a win at their homecoming, can make a statement heard not only throughout the Central District, but, more importantly, Class 5, Region C, where they currently sit second in the standings behind Patrick Henry-Roanoke.
7) LOUISA (4-0, was #7, at Charlottesville Friday, 7pm): Hiter, Carter, and company look to roll again in Jefferson District play after a 56-15 win over Fluvanna last week. The Lions are averaging 10.5 yards per play on offense. That's right. Per play.
8) TRINITY EPISCOPAL (5-0, was #8, vs. Anacostia Saturday, 1pm): The Indians enter this contest 1-3, with all four games being shutouts. Feast or famine. A bye week awaits the Titans, then, a trip to St. Christopher's on October 17.
9) HUGUENOT (3-1, was #10, vs. LC Bird Friday, 7pm): Now you see why we told Falcon fans not to hyperventilate after their opening night loss. Charles Scott continues to general the Huguenot offense we all knew we'd see, as they'll look to keep the march to the postseason going at home Friday against the Skyhawks.
10) ARMSTRONG (5-0, was #12, vs. Henrico Friday, 7pm): A slow start, but an impressive second half hands the Wildcats a road win at King William. Now they host a struggling Capital District rival. Don't let it be a trap game looking ahead to Greensville County coming to Cool Lane next Friday.
11) ST. CHRISTOPHER'S (4-1, was #9, vs. Fork Union Friday, 6:30pm): A valiant effort fell short Friday against Fred Dolan and Benedictine. The Saints can take a giant step closer to a VISAA playoff berth with a home win this Friday against 2-3 Fork Union.
12) MEADOWBROOK (4-0, NEW, vs. #6 Thomas Dale Friday, 7pm): A welcome to the Super 12 Poll for the Monarchs! They're partying like it's 2011, which was the last time they began a season 4-0. Now, their toughest test yet with Thomas Dale coming in for homecoming (see #6 above). Should be a good one!
DROPPING OUT: Midlothian (was #11)
ON THE CUSP: Caroline (4-0), Hanover (4-0), Hermitage (3-1), Glen Allen (3-2), James River (4-1), Thomas Jefferson (4-1)







