540 Top 10 Post Week 5 2025
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.
Tight races, breakout performances, and last-second drama are shaking up the rankings as teams hit the midseason mark. Who’s climbing, who’s falling, and who’s just getting started?
Honorable Mention: Kettle Run suffered a narrow 14-7 loss to previously 2-2 Millbrook, snapping their winning streak. It’s a tough setback, but they’ll have a chance to regroup this weekend and prepare for a showdown with Handley next week.
THE TOP TEN
10. Massaponax Panthers (2-2)
Massaponax holds steady at #10 after a bye week, riding momentum from back to back wins over James Monroe and Chancellor. The Panthers look to make it three straight as they host Mountain View, who comes in off a tough 21-7 home loss to Stafford. This is a key game for both teams trying to build traction before the midway point of the season.
9. Stafford Indians (3-2)
Stafford jumps back into the top 10 after their defense put together its best performance of the year in a 21-7 win over Mountain View. The Indians showed grit and physicality on that side of the ball, bottling up the Wildcats’ attack to get back above .500. The challenge stiffens this week as they welcome top ranked Colonial Forge in what will be their toughest test yet.
8. Spotsylvania Knights (3-1)
Spotsylvania found themselves in a shootout but managed to outlast Culpeper in a 38-33 thriller, moving to 3-1 on the season. The Knights showed offensive firepower but will need to tighten things up on defense as the schedule continues to toughen. This week, Coach Lunsford’s old program, winless King George (0-4), rolls into town, giving Spotsy a chance to keep momentum rolling.
7. Brooke Point Black-Hawks (3-2)
The Black Hawks may have fallen 21-7 to #3 Riverbend, but they earned respect by holding a team averaging 62 points per game to just 21. The defense showed grit and toughness in what could be a turning point for the season. Now they’ll look to carry that fight into a huge matchup at home against #3 North Stafford.
6. Courtland Cougars (3-1)
The Cougars kept things rolling with a convincing 42-14 win over King George, showcasing their balance on both sides of the ball. At 3-1, Courtland has put themselves in a strong spot early in the season. With rival Chancellor limping in at 0-4, the Cougars have a golden chance to build more momentum at home this weekend.
5. Caroline Cavaliers (4-0)
Caroline continues to reach new heights, climbing to 4-0 after a controlled 34-14 win over Chancellor. The Cavaliers have been steady and physical on both sides of the ball, showing growth that’s pushed them into rare territory for the program in recent memory. They’ll face their biggest test yet when they host 3-1 James Monroe in a key district matchup that will reveal just how high their ceiling really is.
4. Louisa Lions (4-0)
Louisa did what Louisa does, steamrolling Fluvanna 56-15 to stay perfect at 4-0. With playmakers like Hiter and Carter running wild, the Lions look like a juggernaut in Class 4, leaving the question: can anyone slow them down? They’ll hit the road this week to face 1-3 Charlottesville, where the Black Knights will try to be the first to put up a real challenge.
3. North Stafford Wolverines (3-2)
It’s tough to move North down after the way they battled last week, jumping out to a 13-0 lead on Forge before falling 27-26 on the game’s final play the second time this season the Wolverines have lost in heartbreaking fashion at the buzzer. The talent and grit are there, but now it’s about finishing against elite competition. They’ll look to bounce back in a massive Commonwealth clash tonight as they host #7 Brooke Point.
2. Riverbend Bears (5-0)
Riverbend proved they’re more than just an offensive juggernaut, grinding out a physical 21-7 win over Brooke Point. The Bears leaned on their ground game to control the tempo and once again showcased a defense that’s been rock solid all year. At 5-0, they’ve shown they can win with flash or with grit — a dangerous combination heading into the heart of district play.
1. Colonial Forge Eagles (5-0)
Forge survived their biggest test of the season in a #1 vs #2 clash that lived up to the hype, pulling off a thrilling 27-26 win over North Stafford. With the game on the line, Brock Brimhall connected with Jeremiah Wise on the final play, sealing an instant classic victory for the Eagles. Now sitting at 5-0, Forge shifts focus to another tough road trip as they travel to #9 Stafford, looking to keep their momentum rolling.