540 Top 10 Post Week 1
Disclaimer: This is a list for PUBLIC school teams in the area not private that way we avoid as many Strength of Schedule debates as possible.
Week 1 was a show! We saw who was for real and who may have a way to go! Here is our top 10!
THE TOP TEN
10. Courtland Cougars
Courtland made a statement to start the season with a convincing 35-6 win over Massaponax, led by QB Cheiftan Watson’s efficient play and command of the offense. The Cougars’ defense was equally sharp, shutting down a traditionally tough Panther ground game and setting the tone early. With confidence riding high, Courtland now turns its attention to a huge showdown at Louisa, where they’ll need to be at their best against one of the area’s perennial powerhouses. A win there would cement their status as a true contender.
9. Spotsylvania Knights
Spotsylvania opened the Vern Lunsford era with an impressive 28-8 victory over Fluvanna, showing balance and physicality on both sides of the ball. Two-way standout Braylon Puller made an impact at running back and corner, while Jaiden Young contributed in the secondary and at receiver. In the trenches, Ace Walcott helped control the line of scrimmage, giving the Knights a steady foundation. With momentum on their side, Spotsy looks like a team ready to surprise people this fall.
8. Caroline Cavaliers
Caroline made a loud statement with an 83-12 thrashing of JR Tucker, leaving no doubt about their firepower. Blake Morris showed off his versatility at both quarterback and wide receiver, while Tre Coles gashed Tucker’s defense with explosive runs. In the trenches, Tronte Ballard anchored both sides, setting the tone physically. With this kind of balance and depth, the Cavaliers look poised to be one of the area’s most dangerous teams.
7. Brooke Point Black-Hawks
Brooke Point made one of the biggest statements of Week 1 with a 65-0 demolition of King George, showcasing just how explosive they can be. New QB Malachi Redfearn wasted no time proving he’s the real deal, spreading the ball around and keeping the offense in rhythm all night. The Black-Hawks’ defense was just as dominant, completely shutting down King George and never letting them breathe. If this opener is any sign, Brooke Point could be a real problem in the Commonwealth this fall.
6. Kettle Run Cougars
Kettle Run continues to showcase their machine like consistency, this time cruising past county rival Liberty 35-0. QB Dycen Tapscott was razor sharp, going 8-for-10 with three touchdown passes to keep the Cougars in control from start to finish. The defense was equally dominant, never letting Liberty get into a rhythm and pitching a shutout. Kettle Run may not always grab headlines, but they keep proving they’re one of the most well-rounded teams in the region.
5. Mountain View Wildcats
Mountain View made a major statement in their 28-0 shutout of Gainesville, a team many expected to be one of Northern Virginia’s tougher outs this season. The Wildcats leaned on their physical run game with Amari Collier and Darnell Crockett pounding away while also flashing playmaking ability on defense. Adding to the spark, junior QB Gus Sigler stepped in and looked poised, tossing a touchdown to Chris Gordon to help seal the win. After a disappointing 3-7 campaign last year, Mountain View looks like a team ready to re-enter the district spotlight in a big way.
4. Louisa Lions
Louisa handled Mills Godwin 42-26, leaning once again on their stars to set the tone. Dyzier Carter delivered as expected, showcasing the firepower that makes the Lions one of the area’s most dangerous squads. Savion Hiter missed with an injury but It was a businesslike win on the road, the kind that reinforces Louisa’s status as a consistent contender year after year. With Courtland up next, the Lions get an early chance to prove just how strong they are in 2025.
#3 North Stafford Wolverines
North Stafford may have taken a 14-13 loss to Battlefield, but the Wolverines showed they can go toe-to-toe with anyone. They dominated for three quarters, building a 13-0 lead with big plays from Kenaz Sullivan and Chase Sullivan before the late-game swing. Even in defeat, their defense and energy turned heads, and they won’t stay down for long. With Osbourn up next, North has a real chance to bounce back strong.
2. Riverbend Bears
Riverbend opened the season with authority, rolling past Chancellor 68-7 in a statement win. The Bears’ offense was firing on all cylinders, while the defense stifled any attempts by the Changers to get back in the game. With nearly everyone returning from last season, Riverbend looks poised to be a major player once again. Next up, they host Forest Park, another chance to flex their depth and talent.
1. Colonial Forge Eagles
Colonial Forge kicked off the season in dominant fashion, beating South County 34-14 and showing why they’re the team to beat in the Commonwealth. The Eagles built a 34-0 lead before resting their starters in the fourth, with Brock Brimhall and Torie Martin leading the charge offensively. Special teams also made an impact, highlighted by Jeremiah Wise’s punt return touchdown. With this kind of balance and firepower, Forge looks ready to chase another regional title in 2025.