RVA SPORTS NETWORK AREA SUPER 12 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL RANKINGS

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SUPER 12 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL RANKINGS: WEEK ONE

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.

Posted by robwitham at 5:05 PM
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!

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)




Posted by robwitham at 4:25 PM

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)


Posted by robwitham

Sunday, September 13, 2026​

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)

Posted by robwitham at 6:24 PM

Sunday, September 20, 2026​

SUPER 12 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL RANKINGS: Week Five​

1) VARINA (3-0-1, was #1, at Henrico Friday): The Blue Devils won't take their rivals lightly, even though they could be guilty of looking ahead to the rematch with Grimsley of North Carolina next week. After that, Varina will be grateful to have their bye week. Is that when Kaleb Wyche is ready to return from injury?

2) HUGUENOT (3-0, was #2, vs. #10 Midlothian Friday): Another win, another shutout. For all the talk, and deservedly so, surrounding Charles Scott, Jr and Iveon Lewis, a shoutout to the Falcons defense for being ultra-dominant thus far.

3) THOMAS DALE (3-0, was #3, at Prince George Thursday): The Knights, after a monster performance at a good Glen Allen team, now head to face the Royals on a short week. Prince George will throw haymakers, trying to avoid a 1-3 start after a disappointing showing in their loss at Douglas Freeman.

4) HIGHLAND SPRINGS (3-1, was #4, vs. L.C. Bird Friday): As head coach Loren Johnson told the Richmonder after their South County victory, this is essentially game four of a regular season schedule specifically designed to prepare the Springers for the postseason gauntlet. The Skyhawks can give them a good test, and need this to be a low-scoring game, allowing their defense to dictate tempo.

5) MANCHESTER (4-0, was #5, vs. Cosby Friday): The Titans have struggled offensively, the Lancers have not. Manchester was outscored their first four opponents 133-13.

6) TRINITY EPISCOPAL (3-1, was #6, bye week): A break can be a good thing and frustrating at the same time. The Titans have looked like VISAA state championship material in consecutive wins over Benedictine, Hermitage, and previously unbeaten Woodberry Forest, so you hate to have a pause from a momentum point of view. But bruises and aches have time to heal before returning to play October 3rd at Blue Ridge.

7) PETERSBURG (2-0, was #8, at Colonial Heights Friday): Avoid rust. The Crimson Wave had a bye week, then had their game against John Marshall canceled last Friday. They've added a home affair with Highland Springs for Tuesday October 13th, but first, they have to be careful going to a 3-1 Colonial Heights team that is playing very well.

8) ARMSTRONG (3-0, was #10, vs. King William Friday): Four teams remain perfect in Class 2, Region A, and one of them is not four-time defending regional champion Poquoson. This battle between the Wildcats and the Cavaliers is one of two contests this week involving the unbeatens, as Central-Lunenburg and Randolph-Henry hold their annual showdown Friday as well. Can Armstrong slow down K'Sean Hill of King William? Or, if they can't, can they match him point for point?

9) HERMITAGE (2-2, was #7, at Deep Run Friday): The Panthers couldn't keep up with top-ranked Varina, and now look to right the ship and start stacking wins in their annual trek through the West End, starting with a struggling Wildcat squad.

10) MIDLOTHIAN (3-1, returning, at #2 Huguenot Friday): The Gibson Gross led offense has been on fire of late, scoring 124 points in their last two games. But they haven't seen anything like the Huguenot defense.

11) DOUGLAS FREEMAN (3-1, NEW, bye week): The Mavericks really impressed in their 49-14 win over Prince George, and now get some time to rest and heal heading into October, first against winless J.R. Tucker, then a trip to Hovey Field at Virginia Union to battle Thomas Jefferson. The Mavericks are in good shape in not only earning a playoff bid in Class 5, Region C, but also in the quest to at least host one playoff game.

12) HANOVER (2-1, NEW, vs. Atlee Friday): The only thing that's sure about the rivalry between the Hawks and the Raiders is nothing's for sure. These two have played some wild ones over a history that dates back to 2003, and the Raiders could take a huge step back into the Class 4, Region B playoff race, which is suddenly wide open, with a win here. Remember, Hanover's opponent lost their three games by a combined five points. But Atlee's defense? We'll see if they have an answer for the dynamic duo of Joel Nicholson and Kayden Hughes, who are putting up video game numbers for Sam Rogers.

DROPPING OUT: Benedictine (was #9), Thomas Jefferson (was #11), Dinwiddie (was #12)

CHASING THE DOZEN: Meadowbrook (3-0), Colonial Heights (3-1), Hopewell (2-1), Dinwiddie (2-2)






Posted by robwitham at 5:18 PM

Sunday, September 27, 2026​

SUPER 12 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL RANKINGS: Week Six​

This season has been such a rollercoaster! Surprising starts, big upsets, injury woes, and they all feel more so than usual. How did our poll change after a wild week five? Here we go:


1) VARINA (4-0-1, was #1, vs. Grimsley (NC) Friday, 7pm): The third and final defending state champion on the Blue Devil schedule, this is a rematch of a 21-14 thriller won by the Whirlies in Greensboro. Will Kaleb Wyche be ready to return at quarterback, or, if he's not at one hundred percent, why risk a long-term injury when there's still, they hope, ten games to go?

2) THOMAS DALE (4-0, was #3, vs. Meadowbrook Friday, 7pm): These two teams played a classic in 2025, won by the Knights in the final minute. With Oscar Smith struggling this season (1-2-1), Thomas Dale, and another team just below them in this poll, have an opening to the top seed in Class 6, Region A. However, the Central District this season has no nights off. But the Knights' defense is playing out of their minds right now.

3) HIGHLAND SPRINGS (4-1, was #4, vs. Phoebus Friday, 7pm): The Springers learned their lessons from the Huguenot defeat and have dispatched both South County and L.C. Bird easily these past two weeks. The Phantoms also have one defeat this season after seeing their 51-game winning streak end during 2025. One more good test before the impromptu Tuesday (10/13) matchup at Petersburg.

4) MANCHESTER (5-0, was #5, at #6 Midlothian Friday, 7pm): The Lancer defense is nothing to sneeze at either, and they'll likely relish not getting all the splashy headlines when compared to the Midlothian defense after their work at Huguenot last Friday. Manchester only tallied 18 points in a win over Cosby, but the Titans' defense is pretty good, too.

5) TRINITY EPISCOPAL (3-1, was #6, at Blue Ridge Saturday, 2pm): The Titans hit the road to face a Blue Ridge squad who have won three in a row since their shutout loss to Benedictine in their 2026 opener. Trinity has everything in front of them and have only been getting better as the season has progressed.

6) MIDLOTHIAN (4-1, was #10, vs. #4 Manchester Friday, 7pm): It will definitely be a playoff atmosphere in Poates Stadium as the Trojans face yet another big Dominion District test, this time with the undefeated Lancers. What does Midlothian dial up defensively this week, and how can Manchester find ways to avoid the traps that sealed Huguenot's doom last week?

7) PETERSBURG (4-0, was #7, vs. Matoaca Thursday, 7pm): The Warriors will come in sky high after their first win at home against Dinwiddie in twenty years, but the Wave showed no rust in their 40-0 road pasting of a good Colonial Heights team. The Colonials' rushing attack last week? 42 carries for 32 yards. Jerome Mathis has Petersburg playing great defense, too.

8) ARMSTRONG (4-0, was #8, at Henrico Friday, 7pm): This is a week where the Wildcats need to be dialed in more than usual. The Warriors are desperate for a win, and it's their Homecoming game. Armstrong cannot get caught looking ahead to playing the second half of their game with Thomas Jefferson next Monday evening, October 5th. Lean on the youngsters up front, and run the rock.

9) HUGUENOT (3-1, was #2, at L.C. Bird Friday, 7pm): Both teams are coming off very disappointing losses. After the Falcons' opening night loss to St. Christopher's last year, they ripped off eleven straight wins en route to the Class 4, Region B championship game. They'll look to start a similar route at Dutchman Field.

10) HERMITAGE (3-2, was #9, at Mills Godwin Friday, 7pm): The Panthers dispatched Deep Run last Friday 35-6, and their one position drop this week says nothing about Hermitage. It's all about what Midlothian did, and the Panthers are watching them very closely, as, of course, both are members of Class 5, Region C and played each other in the postseason just a year ago.

11) DOUGLAS FREEMAN (3-1, was #11, vs. J.R. Tucker Friday, 7pm): Off a bye week and seemingly healthy, the Mavericks, too, have paid close attention to the results by Midlothian, Hermitage, and Highland Springs in the Region 5C race. They host winless J.R. Tucker Friday, then go to Virginia Union to face Thomas Jefferson on October 9th.

12) HANOVER (3-1, was #12, vs. Patrick Henry Friday, 7pm): The Kayden Hughes injury will certainly be felt by the Hawks on both sides of the field, but Joel Nicholson has other weapons, too, and they'll need to step up to face a Patrick Henry team rested from the bye, high off their Tomato Bowl win the week before, and seeing that fourth to eighth place in the Class 4, Region B playoff race is currently wide open. This game is bigger for the Hawks' postseason hopes than most people realize, as four of their last four games are against above .500 teams, including Varina, unbeaten Armstrong, and Highland Springs.

DROPPING OUT: None

CHASING THE DOZEN: Collegiate, Hopewell, Thomas Jefferson, Meadowbrook, St. Christopher's

Posted by robwitham at 5:30 PM

Sunday, October 4, 2026​

SUPER 12 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL RANKINGS: Week Seven​

It was a wild week six, and there's a little bit of movement in our latest rankings.


1) VARINA (4-1-1, was #1, bye week): Yes, the Blue Devils suffered a defeat. But without their starting quarterback, they fought all the way through overtime, falling two yards short in their quest to avenge their loss last year in North Carolina to Grimsley. Now, a week to rest up before returning to action at Hanover next Friday.

2) HIGHLAND SPRINGS (5-1, was #3, bye week): A command performance by the Springers on Wall of Fame Night, destroying Phoebus. Now a break before a quirk in scheduling. You'll recall two different schools scheduled, then dropped, Highland Springs for a mid-October game. But thanks to a no-contest between John Marshall and Petersburg, the Wave became available, so Highland Springs heads down I-295 next Tuesday night for their next action.

3) THOMAS DALE (5-0, was #2, at Matoaca, Thursday 7pm): A rare move down for an undefeated team, and it is definitely no disrespect to the Knights, whose defense did it again in a 7-3 win over Meadowbrook. But the dominance of the Highland Springs victory had to be noted. For Thomas Dale, the top seed in Class 6, Region A is theirs for the taking, but battles with Petersburg and Hopewell loom in the second half of the regular season.

4) TRINITY EPISCOPAL (4-1, was #5, vs North Cross, Saturday 1pm): The Titans just keep rolling. A big second half gave them a fourth consecutive win Saturday at Blue Ridge, now they come home to host North Cross.

5) MIDLOTHIAN (5-1, was #6, at Clover Hill, Friday 7pm): The Trojans have vanquished two unbeatens in Huguenot and Manchester in successive weeks, and will be favored this Friday. Get the victory here, then worry about a Cosby team whose defense raises eyebrows, and surprising 5-1 James River in two weeks.

6) PETERSBURG (4-0, was #7, vs. Dinwiddie, Friday 7pm): The Wave have a brutal next eleven days. First, they'll host depleted Dinwiddie, then host Highland Springs next Tuesday, then go to Meadowbrook next Friday. They spent a couple of weeks on the sideline in September with a bye and the John Marshall no-contest. They'll be no rest for the weary in October.

7) MANCHESTER (5-1, was #4, vs. L.C. Bird, Friday 7pm): This one could get tricky. The Lancers come off an emotional first loss of the season at Midlothian, a game they could have won in the final minute. Now they get a Skyhawks team who scrapped and clawed before falling 24-20 to Huguenot, and, at 3-3, in good shape for a postseason berth in Class 6, Region A, but in desperate need of a win here for a shot at a top two seed and the quarterfinal round bye that comes with it. Of course, Manchester is fighting for that, too.

8) ARMSTRONG (5-0, was #8, vs. Thomas Jefferson Monday (conclusion of game) 6pm): There's a trip to Greensville coming for Jeremy Pruitt's Wildcats on Friday, but first they finally get to settle things with their arch rivals in Class 2, Region A and within the city limits. The Wildcats led the Vikings 17-14 at the half when the game was suspended September 3rd due to heat issues.

9) HUGUENOT (4-1, was #9, vs. Monacan, Friday 7pm): A good night for Charles Scott Jr. in the win at L.C. Bird. They'll be favored in their next three games before facing James River and Manchester to conclude the regular season. Win out, and they make their best case for a top seed in Class 4, Region B. They wouldn't mind a Louisa loss down the stretch, either, and they'll definitely be rooting for Highland Springs to knock off Varina October 30th.

10) HERMITAGE (4-2, was #10, bye week): The Panthers best Mills Godwin 32-13 to hit their break with a 4-2 mark. Also 4-2 are the Glen Allen Jaguars. They're both fighting for playoff position in Class 5, Region C, and they'll face each other next Friday night.

11) DOUGLAS FREEMAN (5-1, was #11, at Thomas Jefferson, Friday 7pm, Hovey Field): One of the best games on paper for week seven pits the Mavericks and the TeeJay Vikings at Virginia Union. The Mavs do have one big advantage here. They rested some starters in their 58-0 win over J.R. Tucker Friday, while the Vikings have to play the second half of their Armstrong game on the road Monday night before turning their attention to Douglas Freeman.

12) HOPEWELL (4-1, NEW, vs. Colonial Heights, Friday 7pm): Again, this is a case of impressive performances, and no disrespect to last week's #12 team, the Hanover Hawks, who are also 4-1. But Ar'King Holloway's offense has rung up 183 points in four straight wins, including defeats of Dinwiddie and Thomas Jefferson by 33 and 40 points respectively. Their defense is making noise, too.

DROPPING OUT (kinda): Hanover (was #12)

CHASING THE DOZEN: Hanover, Collegiate, James River, Mechanicsville, Thomas Jefferson, Glen Allen'

Posted by robwitham at 5:30 PM