SUPER 12 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL RANKINGS: Week Four

1) VARINA (2-0-1, was #1, vs. #7 Hermitage Friday): What a disappointing finish at Oscar Smith Friday, a 7-7 tie after all the weather mishaps. With 15-0 not possible, the Blue Devils take another step towards what they hope will be 14-0-1.

2) HUGUENOT (2-0, was #2, at Cosby Friday): Speaking of next steps. The Falcons handle Clover Hill 68-0 and will be heavily favored to stay unbeaten against the Titans.

3) THOMAS DALE (2-0, was #3, at Glen Allen Friday): The rubber game of this series which began two years ago. The Knights laid an egg in their first trip to Staples Mill Road, falling 28-3, but handled the Jaguars 14-8 at home last season. Off their bye, they are, as usual, fighting Manchester, but now also Oscar Smith, not for the two seed, but eyes are on the top seed in Class 6, Region A.

4) HIGHLAND SPRINGS (2-1, was #4, vs. South County Thursday): This is why we kept the Springers at this position in spite of their home loss to Huguenot. There's no shame in that. They respond on the road in a tough environment to handle Dinwiddie 49-28, and now, Dashaun Chisem seems a lot more comfortable at the offensive helm. South County is unbeaten at 2-0.

5) MANCHESTER: (3-0, was 7, at Clover Hill Friday): A great start for the Lancers, who will not look past this week's opponent. At some point, the Cavaliers will surprise someone. We're not sure that could happen this week.

6) TRINITY EPISCOPAL (2-1, was #12, at Woodberry Forest Saturday): A fantastic statement win, with a gutsy gamble which paid off in a 20-12 win at Hermitage. Now, Sam Mickens' squad must take a road trip and contend with a 2-0 Woodberry Forest squad coming off wins over Norfolk Academy and a St. Mary's Riken team that is off to an 0-3 start. Can't have a letdown here.

7) HERMITAGE (2-1, was #5, at #1 Varina Friday): Your prize for a sudden loss at home? A trip to an onery Varina team who are probably still in denial of finishing in a tie for the first time since the Reagan Administration. Gut checks don't get much deeper than this for the Panthers.

8) PETERSBURG (2-0, was #8, vs. John Marshall Friday): Hate to say it, but this will be a tune-up for the Wave, coming off their bye week with a trip to surprising Colonial Heights a week away. First things first, though. Go to 3-0, then get ready for not just the Colonials, but the rest of the Central District.

9) BENEDICTINE (2-1, was #9, at McDonogh Friday): A power outage shortened win at Matoaca behind them, now a huge road trip to Owings Mills, Maryland to battle an Eagles' squad off to a red hot 3-0 record. How healthy will the Cadets be, not just this week, but going forward?

10) ARMSTRONG (2-0, was #10, vs. Goochland Friday): This will be an interesting week for the Wildcats. Goochland was briefly a rival in Class 3, but no longer. The Bulldogs played 3-0 Mechanicsville tough but lost at home. This is the kind of game Jeremy Pruitt built this team for. After unleashing their brawling rush attack Saturday against John Marshall, the Goochland front seven will have their hands full.

11) THOMAS JEFFERSON (2-0, was #11, at Hopewell Friday): After Hermitage, is this the toughest test for a ranked team this week? It's possible. The Blue Devils, at 1-1, already see Class 3, Region A rivals Petersburg and Colonial Heights each with two victories. It's also Homecoming at Merner Field. But the Vikings have the power to overcome all this. They showed at Amelia Thursday night they are not overlooking anyone as the rest of their showdown with Armstrong looms October 5th. And with Poquoson losing last week, the Class 2, Region A race is wide open.

12) DINWIDDIE (2-1, was #6, at Salem Friday): The road ahead for the Generals got a lot tougher when they lost freshman quarterback Jailen Cox to a broken collarbone during their loss to Highland Springs. It only gets tougher as the Generals' first road trip takes them southwest to face a Salem squad that handed them a loss in the 2016 Class 4 State Championship and are off to a strong start.

DROPPING OUT: None

CHASING THE DOZEN:
Douglas Freeman (2-1)

Colonial Heights (2-1)

L.C. Bird (1-1)

Collegiate (3-0)

Hanover (1-1)

Mechanicsville (3-0)

WEEK THREE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCOREBOARD

GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL:

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 10:

Varina 30, Petersburg 8

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 12 (All games at Huguenot HS):

John Marshall 30, Varina 6

Cristo Rey 21, Franklin Military 6

Highland Springs 30, Richmond Community 24

Huguenot 28, Petersburg 8

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WEEK THREE:

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 10:

Collegiate 41, St. Anne's-Belfield 21

Thomas Jefferson 50, Amelia 0

Manchester 38, James River 0

Colonial Heights 20, Nottoway 8

Lafayette 36, New Kent 0

Bethel 14, Warwick 2

Western Albemarle 43, Harrisonburg 8

Fluvanna 58, Chancellor 19

Hardwood 34, James Monroe 20

Central-Lunenburg 36, Brunswick 7

Denbigh 25, Phoebus 21

Woodgrove 56, Eastern View 0

Park View 28, Manassas Park 7

Landstown 37, Kempsville 0

Meridian 23, Annandale 0

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11:

Highland Springs 49, Dinwiddie 28

Varina 7, Oscar Smith 7, (FINAL--was suspended due to lightning with 6:10 left 3Q, will not resume)

Douglas Freeman 36, Hanover 27

Trinity Episcopal 20, Hermitage 12

Glen Allen 33, Patrick Henry 7

Mills Godwin 23, Atlee 21

Mechanicsville 23, J.R. Tucker 7

Lake Taylor 20, Deep Run 6

L.C. Bird at Monacan, POSTPONED 

Midlothian 49, Powhatan 13

Cosby 44, RHSA 6

Huguenot 68, Clover Hill 0

Benedictine 19, Matoaca 0 (Final--game called at :10 2Q due to power issue)

Essex at King William, POSTPONED to Friday October 2

Northumberland 41, Charles City 6 (FINAL)

Middlesex 28, Windsor 6

Rappahannock 26, Westmoreland 6

Lancaster 37, West Point 18

Franklin 20, Colonial Beach 8

Surry 34, Northampton 6

Tabb 23, Poquoson 8

Randolph-Henry 48, Cumberland 0

Fork Union at Prince Edward, CANCELED

Buckingham 34, William Campbell 6

Salem 45, William Fleming 12

PH-Roanoke 35, Franklin County 9

King George 7, Potomac 6

James Wood 48, Culpeper County 7

Blessed Sacrament-Huguenot 55, Greenbrier Christian 38

Heritage-NN 14, Kecoughtan 13

Manor 44, Lakeland 24

Kettle Run 40, Skyline 20

Strasburg 35, Warren County 34

Liberty-Bealeton 55, Fauquier 7

Amherst 27, Mecklenburg 7

Luray 55, William Monroe 0

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 12:

Armstrong 49, John Marshall 0

Episcopal Academy (PA) 28, St. Christopher's 0

SUPER 12 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL RANKINGS: Week Three

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)

WEEK TWO HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

WEEK TWO:

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 3:

Powhatan vs. RHSA, POSTPONED to October 9

THE BATTLE OF CHESTER: Thomas Dale 24, L.C. Bird 6

Hermitage 34, Henrico 0

Manchester 25, Glen Allen 7

Armstrong 17, Thomas Jefferson 14 (SUSPENDED AT HALFTIME, resumes October 5, 6pm)

Deep Run 3, Atlee 2

Hanover 55, Monacan 33

Mills Godwin 31, Patrick Henry 20

Prince George 62, J.R. Tucker 20

Mechanicsville 28, Goochland 21

Midlothian 28, Douglas Freeman 14

James River 6, Cosby 0

Hopewell 49, Mecklenburg 0

Meadowbrook 29, Kecoughtan 20

Petersburg 46, I.C. Norcom 0

Colonial Heights 42, Caroline 18

King William 38, Westmoreland 16

Poquoson 13, New Kent 0

Rappahannock 55, West Point 0

Surry 16, Lancaster 12

Sussex Central 40, Lakeland 20

Culpeper 21, Eastern View 6

King George 10, Orange 0

James Monroe 20, Charlottesville 14
Nottoway 46, Greensville 17

William Fleming 45, Albemarle 12

Landstown 59, First Colonial 21

Tabb 35, Bruton 0

Brentsville District 35, Briar Woods 21

Skyline 49, Manassas Park 0

Kettle Run 41, Meridian 0

Frank W Cox 27, Kellam 14

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 4:

Trinity Episcopal 7, Benedictine 0

Collegiate 24, Potomac 0

St. Christopher's 27, Christ Church 14

Varina 35, Maury 34 (F/OT)

Huguenot 28, Highland Springs 7

Dinwiddie 43, Granby 0

Louisa 17, Courtland 14

Ameila 19, Franklin 14

Essex 32, Brunswick 6

Northumberland 28, Middlesex 12

King & Queen Central at Colonial Beach, canceled 

Randolph-Henry 36, Arcadia 0

Hampton 63, Lake Taylor 19

William Campbell 30, Cumberland 6

Central-Lunenburg 35, William Monroe 7

Spotsylvania 42, Massaponax 20

Western Albemarle 24, Madison County 14

Salem 65, Franklin County 17

Prince Edward 19, Windsor 14

Fluvanna 24, Buckingham 13

PH-Roanoke 48, E.C. Glass 10

Southampton 68, Menchville 13

Oscar Smith 29, Warwick 6

Booker T Washington 48, Heritage-Newport News 0

Grafton 35, York 0

Grassfield at Woodside

SUPER 12 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL RANKINGS: WEEK TWO

One week into the season and two teams join the party after impressive opening statements, while the top seven are holding strong. We have three ranked vs ranked matchups this week, and, if you can believe it, none of them are our Game Of The Week in our Deep Dive weekly column at The Richmonder....

1) VARINA (1-0, was #1, at Maury Friday): This is our Game of The Week! Two defending state champions collide as the Blue Devils head down I-64 for first of back-to-back trips to battle a defending titlist. Next week, it's Class 6 crown holder Oscar Smith. This week, a Varina squad coming off a 54-0 squashing of a good William Fleming team will get an angry Commodore team whose fourteen game winning streak was ended Friday 31-30 by Mallard Creek of North Carolina.

2) HUGUENOT (0-0, was #2, at #4 Highland Springs Friday): After tons of publicity with high profile offers and commitments going down on Forest Hill Avenue, it's time for the Falcons to begin their quest in Class 4. It begins with a doozy, heading out to face 1-0 Highland Springs, who looked good in their opener against Hopewell. Let the Charles Scott, Jr. Watch begin.

3) BENEDICTINE (1-0, was #3, vs. Trinity Episcopal Friday): The Cadets began the year with a 46-0 drubbing Saturday, and now turn to their rivals, the Titans, who come off a heartbreaking 43-37 loss to Roanoke Catholic in overtime, and have no interest in beginning the season at 0-2. But avoiding that will be a tough task against Benedictine.

4) HIGHLAND SPRINGS (1-0, was #4, vs. #2 Huguenot Friday): Various polls in the area had the Springers anywhere from #2 to #4 before the season. They certainly stake their claim to at least #2 with a win in their home opener. Huge advantage for the Springers in that they've played a game, while Huguenot has not. The Springer defense is the key in this one.

5) THOMAS DALE (1-0, was #5, vs. #9 L.C. Bird Thursday): The Knights haven't lost The Battle of Chester since the 2018 season. But based on the Skyhawks' dominant performance over Midlothian, Thomas Dale will have their hands full. They'll definitely need a more consistent offensive performance than in the week one win over Cosby, and they have the capability to make it happen.

6) HERMITAGE (1-0, was #6, vs. Henrico Thursday): Step one complete with a 35-7 win at Matoaca, now the focus for the Panthers is a home opener with Henrico. The new look offense gets another 48 minutes under their belt before hosting Trinity Episcopal, then heading to Varina on September 18th.

7) DINWIDDIE (1-0, was #7, vs. Granby Friday): It was a slow start for the young Dinwiddie offense, but they fired on all cylinders when it mattered most, scoring the final 21 points in their 36-12 win over an improved Colonial Heights team. Granby was pummeled by Indian River in their opener last week, so the Generals are not only likely favored, but will do as Hermitage does, get another 48 minutes of experience before the road gets tougher. Freshman quarterback Jailen Cox has the tools. He just needs experience.

8) MANCHESTER (1-0, was #9, vs. Glen Allen Thursday): The Lancers didn't skip a beat in their 36-0 win at Monacan to open 2026. But now a much tougher test arrives in the Jaguars, who won a track meet at Prince George 48-36. On a week where one of their Class 6, Region A county rivals will lose (Thomas Dale or L.C. Bird), a statement can be made here with a 2-0 start.

9) L.C. BIRD (1-0, was #10, at #5 Thomas Dale Thursday): What a start! A 32-8 win over a Midlothian team who shut them out a year ago is impressive. Gerard Johnson has the Skyhawks believing, and could really be onto something if they could defeat the Knights for the first time since 2018. Remember the name of running back Larry Cherry.

10) ARMSTRONG (1-0, was #11, vs. #12 Thomas Jefferson Thursday): Well, here we go! Another week two showdown between two of the area's top three Class 2 teams, and, of course, a city rivalry for the ages. Armstrong won both meetings last year, including the Class 2, Region A semifinal. Can the Vikings get revenge and the early advantage in the region standings?

11) PETERSBURG (1-0, NEW, at I.C. Norcom Friday): The Wave came to Henrico and left victors by a 34-6 count. Enthusiasm is rampant around this program, and they'll look to continue it on another road trip, this time to the 757 to face an I.C. Norcom team that fell to Thomas Jefferson Saturday 36-10.

12) THOMAS JEFFERSON (1-0, NEW, at #10 Armstrong Thursday): See above at #10!

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Dropping Out:

Trinity Episcopal (was #8)

Midlothian (was #12)

Chasing The Dozen:

Caroline (1-0)

Hanover (0-0)

Glen Allen (1-0)

WEEK ONE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCOREBOARD

WEEK ONE:

THURSDAY AUGUST 27:

Highland Springs 35, Hopewell 6

Douglas Freeman 37, Atlee 35

Thomas Dale 28, Cosby 0

L.C. Bird 32, Midlothian 8

Manchester 36, Monacan 0

Bethel 49, Patrick Henry 0

James River 40, Greensville 0

Sussex Central 30, Essex 20

Rappahannock 42, Nandua 0

Lancaster 51, Charles City 0

Phoebus 33, Western Branch 7

Lakeland 35, Windsor 0

Tabb 38, Jamestown 6

FRIDAY AUGUST 28:

Armstrong 34, RHSA 0

Dinwiddie 36, Colonial Heights 12

Varina 54, William Fleming 0

Hermitage 35, Matoaca 7

Mechanicsville 14, Deep Run 7

Glen Allen 48, Prince George 36

Meadowbrook 49, Clover Hill 9

Petersburg 34, Henrico 6

Caroline 42, J.R. Tucker 23

Collegiate 23, Albemarle 7

Goochland 29, Nottoway 18

King William 46, Amelia 6

Louisa 27, Mills Godwin 24

Orange 14, Powhatan 3

New Kent 37, Gloucester 6

West Point 26, Colonial Beach 22

Charlottesville 43, Franklin 6

James Monroe 21, Westmoreland 13

Cumberland 36, King & Queen Central 0

Culpeper 12, Western Albemarle 7

Massaponax 30, Courtland 26

Fluvanna 44, Spotsylvania 36

Blessed Sacrament-Huguenot 42, Rappahannock County 14

Monticello 47, William Monroe 13

Riverbend 49, Chancellor 0

Bassett 25, Franklin County 21

Southern Alamance (NC) 30, PH-Roanoke 28

Chatham 25, Prince Edward 0

Randolph-Henry 21, Nelson County 14

Buckingham 32, Madison County 13

Brunswick 20, Mecklenburg 12

Grassfield 46, Southampton 30

Booker T. Washington 36, Kecoughtan 13

Kellam 28, Landstown 24

Strasburg 36, Skyline 22

Kettle Run 56, Liberty-Bealeton 0

Meridian 17, Justice 7

Fauquier 37, Manassas Park 9

Warren County 58, Rock Ridge 12

Catholic 25, Arcadia 0

Brooke Point 60, King George 0
Northumberland 30, Northampton 7
Central-Lunenburg 28, Altavista 7

SATURDAY AUGUST 29:

Menchville 62, John Marshall 24

Thomas Jefferson 14, I.C. Norcom 0

Benedictine 46, Blue Ridge 0

John Handley 34, Eastern View 14

Roanoke Catholic 43, Trinity Episcopal 37 (F/3 OT)

Poquoson 41, York 0

Lake Taylor 28, Heritage-Newport News 12

SUPER 12 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL RANKINGS: WEEK ONE

Wake up! It's game week!!

The 2026 season is upon us, so let's dig in to our first Super 12 High School Football Rankings of the campaign.

First off, the five teams just outside the top twelve:

--Thomas Jefferson

--Petersburg

--Hanover

--Glen Allen

--Caroline

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12) MIDLOTHIAN: It's time to kick the door in. Coach Phil Gross has done a tremendous job building a consistent winner with the Trojans. They've been known for hot starts, but cooler finishes. Son Gibson Gross, we believe, is poised for a standout season. If their defense is as good as last year's, Midlothian will certainly be a playoff team in Class 5, Region C. The biggest challenge would come then, in getting their first playoff win since 2021.

11) ARMSTRONG: The Wildcats were driving for a region championship winning score when Poquoson rose up defensively and ended Armstrong's season on three impressive pass rushes in three successive plays. But that won't stop Armstrong from trying to dethrone the four-time defending region champs while, at the same time, staving off rival Thomas Jefferson and others in Class 2, Region A. Shedarus Pickett and Brennan Ball will make their one-two rushing punch the battering ram for Coach Jeremy Pruitt.

10) L.C. BIRD: The Skyhawks return eighteen of twenty-two starters with the LSU-bound Whitehead brothers anchoring the trenches. But new head coach Gerard Johnson will need to help his team avoid the slow start of last year while peaking come postseason time, which ended with a thud against Oscar Smith in the Class 6, Region A semifinals. Another team standing in their path is next.

9) MANCHESTER: In perhaps the most heartbreaking way, the Lancers saw their 2025 season, and their large senior class, end on the mindboggling pick six by Thomas Dale in the Class 6, Region A semifinals. There will be a lot of new faces in important positions on the field, but with such tradition, and head coach Jason Harrell, it's hard to see any significant relapse coming to the Lancers.

8) TRINITY EPISCOPAL: The Titans have had an incredible run this decade. The problem is their archrival, Benedictine, has an even more impressive one. But that's just fuel to the fire for head coach Sam Mickens and crew. They lost offensive coordinator Malcolm Bell, but are geared for another run at the Cadets and the rest of Division I in the VISAA. 

7) DINWIDDIE: Head Coach Billy Mills has discussed how last year's 11-1 mark was, for some Generals fans, a disappointment. That's how high the bar of expectation is in Dinwiddie County. Starting 11-0, then losing big at home to eventual Class 4 state champion Varina crushed more than one person's dreams. Now, without Zion Boisseau at quarterback, it will be a year of transition for a Generals team who have placed so many great talents under center, utilizing their arm and their legs. The next generation has to step up now. But in Dinwiddie, that, too, is the expectation.

6) HERMITAGE: They were tantalizingly close to finally vanquishing playoff nemesis Highland Springs last year, losing by eight in the Class 5, Region C championship. Avery Curtis, Andre Clarke and Ben Yeanay are all gone, so a new group of Panthers will guide, especially on the offensive side of the ball. But head coach Timothy Jean-Pierre has built the Hermitage back to near Patrick Kane levels. A region championship would complete that.

5) THOMAS DALE: What a ride for Knights Nation in 2025. The miracle win against Manchester, but a bitter loss to powerhouse Oscar Smith, which ended an eight-day postseason stretch that gave the Knights clarity on how far they need to go to get back to a region championship and try for their first state crown since 2009. There were key losses, but this roster is stacked with talent. Avoid the injury bug, and we like the Knights' chances if, somehow, they can get back to Thanksgiving weekend, and, who knows, maybe another shot at the Tigers.

4) HIGHLAND SPRINGS: Springer fans would have laughed you out of the old Kreiter Stadium in the late teens had you suggested they would be the number two program in eastern Henrico one day. But, here we are. The Springers want (need?) to find the formula to finally defeat their bitter rivals, Class 4 state champion Varina. With new quarterback Dashaun Chisem (ex-Meadowbrook) guiding the offense and tons of returning talent, it's not like the Springers are far away from either Varina or another Class 5 state championship of their own. But, after last December's loss to Maury, they knew where they stood, and have spent the last eight plus months changing that. Maybe this is the year where two bitter rivals each could have a championship parade. The usual strong schedule (Huguenot, Dinwiddie, Phoebus, etc.) will certainly have them ready.

3) BENEDICTINE: State champions. Again. The favorite to repeat. Again. Add a strong returning core to returning quarterback Ralphie Puccinelli, who played a half-season at Glen Allen before breaking his collarbone against Hermitage, and the Cadets seek to not miss a beat in Kurt von Bargen's second season leading the squad.

2) HUGUENOT: A one-possession loss to Varina. A defense that shut out the Blue Devils after giving up 21 early points, giving Charles Scott, Jr. and the offense a comeback attempt that fell just short in a 21-13 loss in the Class 4, Region B final last year. Of every player in the Central Region, the expectations, and the pressure, may be higher on Scott than anyone else. He verbally committed to the University of Alabama in the offseason. His spiral is to die for. But he, and the rest of the Falcons know what this community wants: a state championship. They haven't played for one since the Reagan Administration (1988). But to do it.....well, you know.....

1) VARINA: There was no question who would top the rankings as we enter the season and deservedly so. Absolutely stacked on both sides of the ball, even after graduation. Kaleb Wyche is ready for his final ride as a Blue Devil, as are several other college-bound student-athletes. Head Coach Marcus Lewis loves a tough schedule, too, which is why they'll head to Maury in week two, go to Oscar Smith in week three, then welcome Hermitage in week four and Grimsley (NC) in week six. 

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There is good reason to believe that the 804 could play for as many as five state championships between the public and private levels in 2026. We can't wait to chronicle all the action. Enjoy the journey everyone!