High school football rankings: Highland Springs headlines Virginia Preseason MaxPreps Top 25

Virginia Tech pledge Noah Jenkins and Maryland commitment Khristian Martin hope to lead Springers to another state title.

By
Aug 10, 2023, 3:30pm
The 2023 high school football season in Virginia kicks off later this month and MaxPreps has your look at the state's top teams. Defending Class 5 state champion Highland Springs owns the No. 1 spot in the Preseason MaxPreps Top 25.

Under head coach Loren Johnson, Highland Springs won its fifth state title since 2015 last season. The Springers averaged nearly 44 points per game while holding 11 of 15 opponents to seven points or less. Back to lead the offense will be quarterback Khristian Martin (committed to Maryland) and wide receiver Noah Jenkins (Virginia Tech).

Not to be outdone at No. 2 is Freedom (Woodbridge), which piled up a staggering 63.4 points per game last fall en route to the Class 6 state championship. MaxPreps Virginia Player of the Year Tristan Evans is back after throwing 3,653 yards and a state record 61 touchdowns (against just six interceptions) while running for another 873 yards and 13 scores.

In addition to Highland Springs and Freedom, other VHSL defending state champions include Dinwiddie in Class 4, Phoebus (Hampton) in Class 3, Graham (Bluefield) in Class 2 and Riverheads (Staunton) in Class 1. In the VISAA, reigning champs include Trinity Episcopal (Richmond) in Division I and North Cross (Roanoke) in Division II.

Rankings are computer-generated, factoring in past results and adjustments such as returners and statistical data when available.
Highland Springs head coach Loren Johnson, center, and future Maryland Terrapin Khristian Martin are favored to win their sixth state title since 2015. (Photo: Danny La)
Highland Springs head coach Loren Johnson, center, and future Maryland Terrapin Khristian Martin are favored to win their sixth state title since 2015. (Photo: Danny La)
Virginia Preseason MaxPreps Top 25

1. Highland Springs, 15-0 record in 2022
2. Freedom (Woodbridge), 15-0
3. Dinwiddie, 15-0
4. Phoebus (Hampton), 15-0
5. Trinity Episcopal (Richmond), 11-0
6. Maury (Norfolk), 10-2
7. Stone Bridge (Ashburn), 12-2
8. Green Run (Virginia Beach), 13-1
9. King George, 11-1
10. Mountain View (Stafford), 11-2
11. Warwick (Newport News), 12-2
12. Fairfax, 13-1
13. Varina (Richmond), 10-2
14. Kettle Run (Nokesville), 14-1
15. Lake Taylor (Norfolk), 11-2
16. Heritage (Lynchburg), 12-3
17. Patriot (Nokesville), 11-2
18. Salem, 10-3
19. Graham (Bluefield), 15-0
20. Liberty Christian (Lynchburg), 11-2
21. Lafayette (Williamsburg), 10-2
22. Life Christian Academy (Chester), 3-6
23. Western Branch (Chesapeake), 11-3
24. St. Michael the Archangel (Fredericksburg), 6-3
25. Centreville (Clifton),10-3

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