I think the D is pretty good but what about their O gameplan of "give it to Basham 35 times a game and pray he falls forward" will get them their usual one-and-done come playoffs. Just not diverse enough and the first team with any semblance of a D will do exactly what Salem did and hold him to 3-4ypc.
I think Byrd has already separated from that group.They're closer to the Salem,Woodgrove and Amherst group than to the 2nd group of teams.they're only loss injuries or not to Salem in OT is impressive.The qb Watson has good speed, and at least gives the Terriers another option in the running game. I agree their offensive attack is not very diverse, but that's not atypical of many good high school teams. Byrd's defense is good, especially against the run. Salem had a couple of guys out and made a few key mistakes, but the fact remains: Byrd did hold the Spartans to fourteen points in regulation.
I think Byrd has an excellent chance to get past the first round this season. Lord Botetourt seems to be all that stands between Byrd and a 9-1 finish, and the Terriers should have a pretty good chance against LB. If they do indeed go 9-1, Byrd would likely get a seed in the five through eight range, giving them a first-round home game. I could see the Terriers using that defense and running game to win fairly comfortably against one of the bottom four seeds. Even if Byrd loses to LB to go 8-2, I don't think they would be at a big disadvantage on the road against any of the schools currently in that five through twelve logjam. Of course, then life would get a lot tougher on the road against one of the top four seeds in the second round (regional quarterfinals).
IMHO, the West's top three teams, in no order, seem to be Salem, Woodgrove, and Amherst. After that, there appears to be a small gap. No one currently jumps out to me as the fourth-best team. Champe, Dominion, Millbrook, Charlottesville, Glass, and Pulaski (still) are all in the mix. Can William Byrd separate themselves from that group?
Impressive win by WB last night. IMO I would say they made strides to get into the top tier of teams. Where does LCA fit in the mix? Also JF had an impressive win last night to make a claim for the 2nd spot in the Seminole with a showdown against Amherst coming up soon. There are a lot of games left to play still. I predict Glass will fall out of top 12, Charlottesville will struggle to stay in and Woodcrove will continue to roll. October should be a great month for football fans. As for WB's ground game, to play late in the year you will need a good, consistent running game in case of bad November/December weather.
Roster shows just 30 players. They have always done so much with so little. I think that's Jeff Highfill's credo.I think it is incredible what Byrd has done with such a SMALL number of players. Do they even dress 30 players?
VirginiaPreps
Virginia High School Football Scores - 10-15-26 through 10-17-26 (WEEK 8 of 2026 Season)
VirginiaPreps Football
Hermitage Dominates Jags 41-7!
VirginiaPreps Football
Benedictine Defeats Roanoke Catholic
VirginiaPreps
Hatfield vs. Massey Fearless VHSL Friday Picks for 10-16-26 (WEEK 8)
VirginiaPreps
Private School Predictions Week 8