Loudoun County, Va. — As the high school football postseason heats up in Loudoun County, a few local teams have continued to stand out from the crowd, while several others are potential contenders. In a four-region county, we wanted a way to put things into perspective. Enter: the LoCo Top 5.
Of course, if you’re into hard numbers, check out the full Region 6B, Region 5C, Region 4C, and Region 3B standings.
[adrotate banner=”38″]1. Tuscarora (12-1, 31.000) +2
Without a doubt, Tuscarora is the hottest team in Loudoun County. The Huskies have rolled out twelve wins in a row thanks in part to a stout defense and an electric backfield. Led by defensive linemen Matei Fitz and Noah Gick, the Tuscarora defense is allowing just 10.6 points per game. On offense, the Huskies feature the backfield duo of senior quarterback Ethan Gick and sophomore running back Bryce Duke, who have combined for 1,973 all-purpose yards and 28 touchdowns in the month of November alone. Most recently, Gick tossed four touchdown passes in a VHSL Region 4C championship game win over No. 3 Broad Run.
Next up: Region 4C Champ Tuscarora travels to Region 4D Champ Salem on December 7
2. Stone Bridge (11-1, 31.600) –
While No. 1 Tuscarora has the most well-rounded backfield in Loudoun, the Stone Bridge rushing attack is second to none. The Bulldogs feature three different running backs who scored a combined EIGHT touchdowns in their VHSL Region 5C championship win over No. 4 Woodgrove on November 29. Stone Bridge senior running back Jared Cole scored four touchdowns, senior running back Zakias Moore scored twice, and sophomore running back Eli Mason added another two. Familiar foe North Stafford stands in Stone Bridge’s way of returning to yet another VHSL 5A State championship, a team the Bulldogs beat handily in last year’s state semifinal.
Next up: Region 5C Champ Stone Bridge hosts Region 5D Champ North Stafford on December 7
3. Broad Run (12-1, 32.800) -2
After starting its season 12-0, Broad Run’s incredible season came to an end at the hand’s of rival Tuscarora in the VHSL Region 4C Championship game. Led by a flurry of seniors – including quarterback Mitch Griffis; linebackers Chaz Allison Kesean Dyson, and Jayden Thornhill; athletes Bennett Millar and Romy Miner; and linemen Jack Fielding and Robbie Lalayan – this Spartan class turned in a record of 43-7 in their four seasons.
4. Woodgrove (7-5, 27.100) –
The Woodgrove football team knew they would have their hands full when they traveled to No. 2 Stone Bridge for the VHSL Region 5C Championship game on November 29, and even with a full cast of characters, the Wolverines’ effort fell short. Injuries plagued Woodgrove throughout the fall, but in their first season in Class 5, the Wolverines held their own with the big dogs of Loudoun.
5. John Champe (6-5, 28.100) –
By way of a convincing Woodgrove win over previous No. 4 Briar Woods, John Champe falls to No. 5 on the list.
On the bubble: Briar Woods (6-6, 26.000)