One of the best weeks of regular season high school football created nail-biting finishes, many weather delays, and some surprises! As more teams utilize their byes over the next couple of weeks, there are fewer games, but plenty which will go a long way to determining the postseason! Here's our latest poll:
1) VARINA (2-0, was #1, at Oscar Smith Friday): This is our Game of The Week! We said that last week in this space for Varina's crazy 35-34 overtime win at Maury. For the second straight week, the Blue Devils travel east to face a defending state champion, this time in the form of Class 6 Oscar Smith, looking to three-peat, but without their starting quarterback who was injured in preseason. Another classic is brewing here.
2) HUGUENOT (1-0, was #2, vs. Clover Hill Friday): Alabama and South Carolina recruiters were very happy watching Charles Scott, Jr. and Iveon Lewis, respectively, mow down the Highland Springs offense like no local team has done to them in recent years, winning at Kreiter Stadium 28-7. They won't sleep walk against Clover Hill. They know every rep, and every win, gets them closer to what they yearn for: a state championship, even with Varina possibly in their path.
3) THOMAS DALE (2-0, was #5, BYE): The Dark Zone. The impressive Thomas Dale defense continues in 2026, stonewalling rival L.C. Bird to just six points in the Battle of Chester. Now with a week off, the Knights prepare for trips to Glen Allen and Prince George before Meadowbrook comes to Chester October 2nd.
4) HIGHLAND SPRINGS (1-1, was #4, vs. #6 Dinwiddie Friday): The Springers certainly remember Friday night. Returnees also remember how Dinwiddie erased a 14-0 deficit and shocked Highland Springs at home last year in overtime. They don't need to hit a reset button, but a good performance in this contest will get the Springers back in the fast lane.
5) HERMITAGE (2-0, was #6, vs. #12 Trinity Episcopal Friday): The Panthers didn't exactly wow the Chester Fritz faithful in the first half of their win over Henrico, but they have the engine needed to go toe to toe with a Titan squad coming off a huge emotional win over Benedictine.
6) DINWIDDIE (2-0, was #7, vs. #4 Highland Springs Friday): The young Generals took care of business (late) Friday night (thanks Mother Nature) against Granby. Now, their biggest test yet: Highland Springs. Jailen Cox has steadily improved through two varsity starts at quarterback. The freshman must show upperclassman poise against a historically daunting Springer defense. The lower the score, the closer the game.
7) MANCHESTER (2-0, was #8, vs. James River Thursday): Any preseason questions about this team should be answered now. The Lancers impressed, especially defensively, in their win at home over Glen Allen. They welcome in a Rapids squad who have pitched two shut outs thus far. They'll be hard pressed to make it three.
8) PETERSBURG (2-0, was #11, BYE ): Two wins by a combined 80-6 score against two opponents that would not meet the standard in the rugged Central District. After a home game September 18 against John Marshall, the gauntlet begins with a trip to Colonial Heights, who are opening eyes this season.
9) BENEDICTINE (1-1, was #3, at Matoaca Friday): The only team to defeat the Cadets last season? Trinity Episcopal on November 1st, 2025. This year, the Titans win the regular season battle 7-0, but Benedictine will have to wait two months for revenge. First things first, handle a trip to Matoaca, a young team who will be excited for this challenge.
10) ARMSTRONG (1-0, was #10, at John Marshall Saturday): Another year, another cliffhanger to be finished later with top Class 2, Region A rival Thomas Jefferson. On the minds of the Wildcats this week is a trip to John Marshall to face a rejuvenated program. The results may not be there yet on the north side, but they're coming. Armstrong should treat this like a business trip.
11) THOMAS JEFFERSON (1-0, was #12, at Amelia Thursday): This game was originally scheduled to be played Thursday afternoon at TeeJay, but officials are concerned about projected heat and humidity and, thus, the game is moved to Amelia County so it can be played under the lights. With the Armstrong game hanging over their heads, they need to simply focus on the Raiders.
12) TRINITY EPISCOPAL (RETURNING, at #5 Hermitage Friday): Already an emotional seesaw ride, the Titans didn't let their overtime loss affect them, proceeding to shut out Benedictine. This is a fantastic test for Trinity, and they should travel well to Hermitage.
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Dropping Out But In The Hunt:
L.C. Bird (1-1)
Chasing The Dozen:
Hanover (1-0)
Meadowbrook (2-0)
Hopewell (1-1)
St. Christopher's (1-0)
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