Virginia High School Football Rankings: Top 25 Teams – Sept. 11
While the 2024 Virginia high school football season is already in full swing, the best teams in the state are still up in the air. The Virginia On3 Massey Ratings Top 25 list as of Sept. 11 reflects that volatility, as 15 teams switched spots after another round of games.
Of that number, six teams improved their standing, including a squad that jumped four spots in the rankings. Conversely, nine teams went down, including three that finished two places lower. As another round of games could alter the board, here’s how Virginia’s best fare against their contemporaries.
The On3 Massey Ratings, officially used during the BCS era, is a model that ranks sports teams by analyzing game outcomes, strength of schedule, and margin of victory.
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1. Freedom
Previous: No. 1
The Eagles will start their season on Sept. 27 against the Gar-Field Red Wolves. Even then, the Massey Ratings regard them as the state’s best team because of players like wide receiver Carleton Preston, running back Jeff Overton, and linebacker Devin Reeves. On3 ranks Freedom first in offense and second on defense.
2. Phoebus
Previous: No. 2
The Phantoms opened their season with a 23-7 victory over sixth-ranked Highland Springs. They shut down the Springers in all but one-quarter and generated 281 yards on offense. The Massey Ratings predict that Phoebus can maintain this momentum by scoring victories against Woodside (Sept. 12), Heritage (Sept. 20), and Bethel (Sept. 28).
3. Maury
Previous: No. 3
The Commodores opened their 2024 Virginia high school football season with a six-point win against the Wise Pumas. Scoring 13 second-quarter points proved the winning margin as the Maryland-based squad failed to complete a comeback. Likewise, limiting their opponents to 14 points could be the norm all year, thanks to defensive stalwarts Ari Watford, Isaiah Simmons, Kendall Daniels, and CJ Smith.
4. Liberty Christian Academy
Previous: No. 5 (+1)
The Bulldogs were victorious during their season-opener against Salem 35-21. Head coach Frank Rocco’s crew, led by running back Gideon Davidson, willed Liberty Christian to victory. If Massey Ratings predictions hold, the Bulldogs should have no concerns about stretching their winning streak to five games after potentially defeating Franklin County, Amherst County, Heritage, and Rustburg.
5. Madison
Previous: No. 4 (-1)
The Warhawks went down by one spot despite winning their first two games. After a 17-0 shutout of Stone Bridge, Madison dominated the Lake Braddock Bruins by scoring 28 points in the second and third quarters. Scoring 53 points in two games makes Madison the fifth-best offense in the state. They could display more of their scoring prowess in their upcoming matchups versus Robinson Secondary (Sept. 13) and Marshall (Sept. 20).
6. Highland Springs
Previous: No. 6
While the Springers lost their last game against Phoebus, they did dominate Manchester in their season opener 42-8. The Massey Ratings have them as Virginia’s best defense after allowing an average of 11.5 points in their first two matches. Highland Springs can bounce back with a gritty win against third-ranked Maury.
7. Oscar Smith
Previous: No. 7
The Tigers have demolished their opponents to start the 2024 Virginia high school football season. After a 44-6 masterpiece against Hermitage, they completed a 54-16 domination of I.C. Norcom. Against the Greyhounds, Oscar Smith generated 416 yards on offense, including 307 rushing yards. Conversely, defensive backs Jahmari DeLoatch, Jayden Covil, and Jacoby Marshall helped limit Norcom to 102 passing yards. The Tigers could make it 3-0 with a victory against Great Bridge on Sept. 13.
8. E. C. Glass
Previous: No. 12 (+4)
The Hilltoppers made the most significant jump on the list after defeating Patrick Henry 35-21. Max Calloway led the way with 14 completions for 175 yards and two touchdowns while adding two rushing touchdowns from 12 yards. Kymani Mosby and Ace Thornton had a touchdown reception each. Glass also finished with three interceptions, highlighted by Rayquann Rucker’s 50-yard interception return for a touchdown. Glass could keep their winning streak going with a victory over George Washington on Sept. 13.
9. Dinwiddie
Previous: No. 8 (-1)
Scoring 90 points in two games has the Generals ranked third in offense. That number breaks down to 55 points against George Washington and 35 in their latest victory over North Stafford. Scoring 21 third-quarter points was enough to propel Dinwiddie to a 2-0 record early in their 2024 campaign. However, they will face a formidable challenge in third-ranked Maury on Sept. 20.
10. Battlefield
Previous: No. 9 (-1)
Not only did the Bobcats earn two victories in as many games. Instead, they turned heads by hanging 63 points on C.D. Hylton and 56 on Potomac. Battlefield’s ground game was too much for the Panthers as Bryce Banning, Calum O’Shea, Hayden Loveless, and Ethan Stowell combined for 121 rushing yards and six touchdowns. Massey Ratings has the Bobcats earning a convincing win over Gar-Field on Sept. 13.
Teams 11-25 in the latest Virginia High School Football Rankings
11. Trinity Episcopal School (+2)
12. Matoaca (-2)
13. Salem (-2)
14. Patriot
15. Benedictine (+3)
16. Thomas Dale (-1)
17. Warwick
18. Indian River (-2)
19. Colonial Forge
20. Woodberry Forest (+1)
21. Lafayette (-1)
22. King’s Fork
23. Stone Bridge
24. St. Michael (+1)
25. Glen Allen (-1)