Playoff chase: Staunton, Riverheads climb in latest high school football ratings
Staunton's big come-from-behind win over Stuarts Draft Friday night helped the Storm make a jump in the latest high school football ratings released Monday by the Virginia High School League.
Staunton rose from fourth to third in Region 3C, gaining almost a full point in the ratings. The Storm are now at 23.3, trailing Liberty Christian (29.0) and Heritage-Lynchburg (26.67). Staunton has won its first six games of the season and will look to remain unbeaten Friday night at Fort Defiance.
Wilson Memorial (5-1) remained sixth in Region 3C with a rating of 22.17, in between the Valley District's Spotswood (22.83) and Turner Ashby (20.17). Fort Defiance is 10th and Waynesboro 15th in the region. Only eight teams get in the Region 3C playoffs.
In Region 1B, Riverheads (4-1) overtook Buffalo Gap after beating the Bison Friday night 27-7. Riverheads is now second in the region with a rating of 20.2, trailing Central Lunenburg (21.14) by less than a point. Buffalo Gap is in third with a rating of 18.0. Six teams qualify for the Region 1B playoffs.
In Region 2B, Stuarts Draft remained in sixth despite its loss to Staunton Friday. The Cougars have a rating of 19.0. Unbeaten Luray is first in the region with a rating of 26.67.
The ratings, calculated with a formula that takes into consideration opponents and their classifications, determines who qualifies for postseason play in each region. Regional champions then meet in the state semifinals to determine the state championship game in December.
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Patrick Hite is The News Leader's education reporter. Story ideas and tips always welcome. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) at phite@newsleader.com and follow him on Twitter @Patrick_Hite. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com.
This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: High school football ratings: Riverheads, Staunton jump in rankings
