With just one week remaining in the high school football season, 10 local teams are in contention for Virginia High School League playoff berths.
Six of the schools competing in the perennially tough Commonwealth District could qualify for the postseason, with four having already punched their respective tickets.
Here’s a region-by-region breakdown of where things stand entering the final weekend of the regular season.
Region 6B
Stafford (8-1), North Stafford (7-2) and Colonial Forge (7-2) have all earned spots in the eight-team regional field.
Second-ranked Stafford is still within striking distance of the region’s No. 1 seed, coming in just behind Battlefield (9-0) in the VHSL’s updated Power Point ratings, which were released Monday. The Indians (33.11) previously held the top spot, but a 35-14 loss to Riverbend two weeks ago — coupled with Battlefield’s 42-3 win over Osbourn last week — vaulted the Bobcats (33.78) into the No. 1 slot.
Stafford closes the regular season with a home contest against Mountain View (5-4) on Friday, while Battlefield travels to Patriot (7-2).
Whether they’re able to overtake the Bobcats for the No. 1 seed or not, Indians head coach Jeff Drugatz likes his squad’s chances of making a playoff run.
“I think our team needed that [Riverbend] loss,” he said. “I believe complacency snuck in a little bit. My staff and the players have regrouped, and everyone is receptive to what needs to be done moving forward.”
North Stafford (32.67) currently owns the third seed, with its chances of finishing in the top four and thereby hosting a first-round playoff game hinging heavily on multiple outcomes this weekend.
On Friday, the Wolverines will host Colonial Forge (30.89), which is currently tied with Gainesville for the No. 5 spot. A Forge victory over North could potentially give the Eagles the third seed, particularly if No. 4 Patriot (31.11) loses to Battlefield. Meanwhile, Gainesville hosts Unity Reed (3-6) in a winnable matchup.
Brooke Point (5-5) has concluded its regular season and is playing a waiting game. The Black-Hawks (27.4) are currently ninth in the region, trailing Woodbridge (28.11) for the final postseason spot. Woodbridge (6-3) plays at No. 7 Gar-Field (7-2) on Friday.
Region 5D
A home win over Massaponax (1-8) on Friday would clinch Riverbend (6-3) the top seed in the region and a first-round playoff bye.
The Bears (30.67) currently hold a solid edge over No. 2 Briar Woods (27.78). The Falcons (6-3) face a tough matchup this week with Independence (6-3), which has won five games in a row.
“This is new territory for our program,” said Riverbend head coach Ed Webb. “We’ve never been a No. 1 seed before. We’re a little banged up like almost everyone else this time of year, so having a first-round bye would help us out as far as getting some guys healthy and in position for a playoff run.”
Massaponax (22.0) is still in play for a postseason trip. The Panthers are tied with Riverside (5-4) for the sixth and final qualifying spot in the region.
Region 4B
Three Battlefield District squads have earned playoff berths, led by defending regional champion King George (7-2).
The Foxes (28.78) currently own the region’s No. 4 seed, and district rivals Courtland (28.22) and Eastern View (26.11) are fifth and sixth, respectively.
King George concludes the regular season with a winnable contest against Chancellor (2-7) at home.
Courtland (7-2) travels to Eastern View (6-3) on Friday. The Cougars could potentially overtake the Foxes for the fourth spot with a victory over the Cyclones. Should Eastern View prevail, it would still be in play for the No. 5 seed.
Region 3B
James Monroe (3-6) finds itself sitting in sixth place heading into the final week of the season.
The Yellow Jackets (18.56) still have a shot at the No. 5 seed, which is currently held by Brentsville (19.33). JM would need to win at Caroline (5-4) on Friday and have the Tigers (4-5) lose to unbeaten Kettle Run (9-0).
The VHSL playoffs kick off on Nov. 15.
