District championships have all but been decided.
Poquoson (Bay Rivers), Green Run (Beach), Maury (Eastern), Warwick (Peninsula) and Oscar Smith (Southeastern) are poised currently to win their districts outright, but, at worst, will share those titles should they suffer an upset loss.
So, attention is shifting to the upcoming Virginia High School League playoffs for the six regions covering Hampton Roads. Below, we take our first look at the ratings, with an eye toward jockeying for seeding and qualifying.
Note that unlike most other VHSL sports, only the region champion moves on to the (four-team) football state playoffs.
Class 6 Region A
(Top six qualify, top two receive first-round byes)
Looking good: Oscar Smith is first with a 5-1 record and a 34.0 power points rating, putting the Tigers ahead of Manchester (7-0, 32.0), Thomas Dale (6-0, 32.0), Western Branch (3-3, 24.5) and L.C. Bird (3-4, 23.86). Oscar Smith’s out-of-state loss to Gonzaga does not affect its points rating, so it is in good shape to earn the No. 1 seed if it wins out. Western Branch will play its first-round game at home if it remains No. 4
On the bubble: Landstown (2-5, 21.71) currently leads for the sixth and final playoff spot, but just by a fraction over Cosby (2-4, 21.67).
Class 5 Region A
(Top eight qualify)
Looking good: Green Run, at 7-0 with a 30.0 rating, is well ahead in the chase for the top seed and home-field advantage. Indian River (5-1, 27.50) and Bayside (5-1, 26.67) are in a battle for second, while the fight for the fourth seed and a quarterfinal home game is tight between Beach schools Salem (4-2, 25.67), Kempsville (4-2, 25.17) and Cox (4-2, 25.0).
On the bubble: Kellam (3-3, 22.50) is positioned well in seventh and should stay there with Princess Anne on the schedule Friday. Tallwood (3-3, 21.33) faces a tough schedule down the stretch in its closely fought race with Hickory (3-3, 21.33) for the eighth and final playoff spot.
Class 5 Region B
(Top eight qualify)
Looking good: Maury, 5-1 with a 28.67 rating, is rolling toward the top seed and home-field advantage in defense of the region crown. King’s Fork (5-1, 27.5), Nansemond River (5-1, 25.5) and Warwick (25.43) are all in solid position to earn quarterfinal home games, while Norview (4-3, 23.0), Bethel (4-3, 22.71) and Woodside (3-3, 21.33) are in good shape to join the field.
On the bubble: Improving Granby (2-5, 19.86) has moved into the eighth playoff spot, but Kecoughtan (2-5, 18.57) can buoy its playoff hopes with a win next week against Menchville (0-6, 16.33).
Class 4 Region A
(Top eight qualify)
Looking good: Although Hampton, 5-1 with a 26.83 rating, leads currently, the Crabbers face consecutive difficult tests against Phoebus (on Thursday) and Warwick. Lafayette (6-1, 26.57) is close on the Crabbers’ heels and unlikely to lose again, so the Rams could finish No. 1. Phoebus (3-2, 24.2) and Churchland (5-2, 24.14) will likely open the playoffs at home, while Warhill (4-2, 21.16), Smithfield (2-3, 20.33) and Denbigh (3-4, 19.42) are well-positioned to make the playoffs.
On the bubble: Injury-decimated Jamestown (2-4, 18.0) could put itself in great position to reach the playoffs if it beats Grafton (1-5, 15.43) on Friday. If it loses and Manor (2-5, 17.14) beats winless Booker T. Washington, the Mustangs move up to No. 8.
Class 3 Region A
(Top eight qualify)
Looking good: Lake Taylor, 6-1 with a 23.3 rating, leads, but isn’t home free for the top seed. It faces challenges in consecutive weeks against Churchland and Maury, while New Kent (4-2, 22.5) can make a move if it defeats Warhill (Oct. 24) in what is likely its only challenging game down the stretch. Tabb (5-2, 21.6), Petersburg (4-2, 20.2), Norcom (2-4, 18.3), Hopewell (2-4, 18.0) and York (2-4, 16.7) will remain in the top seven.
On the bubble: Colonial Heights (1-6, 16.0) is currently eighth, but Heritage (1-5, 15.2) can put itself in great position to nab that spot for good with a win on Thursday over Menchville.
Class 2 Region A
(Top eight qualify)
Looking good: Barring an upset loss in its final three regular-season games, Poquoson (7-0, 26.86) should fend off Armstrong (7-0, 24.0) in a fight for the top spot. Central-Lunenburg (6-0, 22.0), Nottoway (6-1, 19.86), Greensville County (3-3, 19.83), King William (4-3, 19.29) and Thomas Jefferson (4-3, 19.29) should join them in the bracket.
On the bubble: Southampton (4-2, 18.17) and Windsor (5-2, 17.86) — enjoying its best season in years — are neck-and-neck for the eighth playoff spot.
Thursday’s games
Bay Rivers District
Bruton at New Kent, 7 p.m.
Larry Rubama: New Kent 20-10. Marty O’Brien: New Kent 39-7.
Peninsula District
#12 Hampton vs. #7 Phoebus at Darling Stadium, 7 p.m.
Larry: Phoebus 26-20. Marty: Phoebus 24-21.
Heritage vs. Menchville at Todd Stadium, 7 p.m.
Larry: Heritage 13-12. Marty: Menchville 20-13.
Private schools
Atlantic Shores Christian at Hancock Middle-Senior, 7 p.m.
Norfolk Christian at Isle of Wight, 6 p.m.
