Virginia High School Football Rankings: Top 25 Teams - September 23
With the fourth week of the 2024 Virginia high school football season already a part of history, the Virginia On3 Massey Ratings Top 25 list as of Sept. 23 has remained relatively the same. Only two teams switched places as Matoaca takes the eighth spot while Woodberry Forest dropped to ninth.
Meanwhile, 17 of the top 25 teams remain undefeated as they proceed with a fresh slate of games over the weekend. Here’s how the state’s top teams fared after another round of football action.
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. Maury
Previous: No. 1
The Commodores’ top-ranked defense allowed only seven points to 12th-ranked Dinwiddie during their Sept. 20 showdown. In addition to their 3-0 record, the defending Class 5 state champions have allowed only 9.3 points per game. Meanwhile, the Maury offense has also done their part, increasing their per-game total from 38 against Highland Springs to 47 versus the Generals. Maury will close out their September schedule against Lake Taylor on the 27th.
2. Freedom
Previous: No. 2
The Eagles remain the second-best team in Virginia high school football despite not playing a game yet this season. Much of that ranking rests on the Class 6 state championship they won against Highland Springs last year. As they take on Gar-Field on Sept. 27, wide receiver Carleton Preston and running back Jeff Overton will be vital to their success.
3. Phoebus
Previous: No. 3
The Phantoms have enjoyed much success on defense, allowing only ten points to their first three opponents. They’ve shut down Heritage in their last game while putting up 45 points on the board. Davion Roberts had two rushing touchdowns, while Trenton Mitchell and Romeir Smith each had a scoring catch. Phoebus can improve to 4-0 by defeating Bethel on the 27th.
4. Liberty Christian Academy
Previous: No. 4
The Bulldogs improved to 3-0 after a 42-20 victory over Amherst County. Gideon Davidson was a star on both ends of the ball, tallying 178 rushing yards and two touchdowns. In addition to averaging 7.1 yards per carry, he also had an interception. Meanwhile, Justis Belford added 74 receiving yards and a touchdown. Liberty Christian will face 22nd-ranked Heritage on Friday for a shot at a 4-0 mark.
5. Oscar Smith
Previous: No. 5
The Tigers scored 35 unanswered points in the second half to defeat Nansemond River and keep their record unblemished after four games. Lonnie Andrews manifested his talent on offense by completing two touchdown passes and two rushing scores. A 5-0 record is at stake when Oscar Smith faces Grassfield on the 27th.
6. Madison
Previous: No. 6
The Warhawks have allowed only 7.25 points per game to their first four opponents. Marshall generated seven points, while Madison completed three consecutive 30-point games. Against the Statesmen, Cael Yates completed two passing touchdowns while Matthew Weiler had a rushing score. Meanwhile, the Madison defense limited Marshall to 92 total yards on offense, while Joseph Gore had two fumble recoveries. The Warhawks will remain home to welcome Chantilly in their Sept. 27 match.
7. Highland Springs
Previous: No. 7
After losing to Phoebus and Maury, the Springers bounced back from two consecutive losses by handing Freeman their first loss this season 47-7. The Springers gained 355 yards on offense, which includes 266 rushing yards. Nelson Layne had four total touchdowns (two rushing, two passing), while Daeron Ferguson added two more rushing scores. Highland Springs can have their first winning streak this year if they defeat Riverbend on the 27th.
8. Matoaca
Previous: No. 9 (+1)
While the Warriors have allowed the most points in a game this season (19), their dominant offense generated four touchdowns against Massaponax. Bryce Yates had two passing touchdowns and a scoring run, while Dillon Newton-Short had 118 yards and two touchdowns against the Panthers. Meanwhile, Matoaca’s defense joined the scoring fray, courtesy of a fumble recovery touchdown by Caljuan Tucker and an interception return for a TD by Montino Williams Jr. The Warriors can go to 4-0 with a victory over Colonial Heights on Friday.
9. Woodberry Forest
Previous: No. 8 (-1)
After surviving the challenge of Trinity Episcopal, Woodberry Forest had an easier time against the Maryland-based St. Mary’s Ryken, 31-7. The Tigers generated 372 yards on offense versus Maryland’s ninth-ranked team, including 228 rushing yards. Converting six third-down attempts and playing turnover-free football helped Woodberry Forest improve to 3-0 to start the 2024 Virginia high school football season. The Tigers can improve to 4-0 with a win over Georgetown Prep on Sept. 27.
10. William Fleming
Previous: No. 10
William Fleming’s points surrendered have increased from seven against Salem to 13 in their Sept. 20 match versus Patrick Henry. However, it’s not a problem because they scored 41 on the Patriots and generated 367 yards on offense. Conversely, the Fleming defense allowed only 106 total yards. The Colonels can earn their fifth straight victory by defeating Halifax County on Sept. 27.
Teams 11-25 in the latest Virginia High School Football Rankings
11. Battlefield
12. Dinwiddie
13. Benedictine
14. Warwick
15. King’s Fork
16. Colonial Forge
17. Glen Allen
18. Indian River
19. St. Michael
20. E.C. Glass
21. Varina
22. Heritage
23. Green Run
24. Lafayette
25. Salem