GameDay Preview: No. 4 Huguenot Opens 2026 at No. 3 Highland Springs

RICHMOND, Va. – Game day has arrived.

Huguenot opens the 2026 season tonight with one of the biggest matchups on the Richmond-area schedule, traveling to Victor W. Kreiter Stadium for a 7 p.m. meeting with Highland Springs.

The game brings together two of the area’s highest-ranked teams in the latest Richmond Times-Dispatch poll, with Highland Springs ranked No. 3 and Huguenot No. 4.

It also gives Huguenot an immediate opportunity to answer the question that has followed the Falcons throughout the offseason: how well will they hold up in the trenches against one of the area’s most physical programs?

Highland Springs Enters 1-0

The Springers already have one regular-season game behind them after defeating Hopewell 35-6 on Aug. 27 at Merner Field.

Highland Springs showed a clear identity in that opener, leaning heavily on the run game and getting rushing touchdowns from Jonathan Carter, Rodney Hicks and quarterback Dashaun Chisem.

Chisem, a transfer from Meadowbrook, has taken over the Highland Springs offense and looked comfortable in his debut. His ability to contribute as a runner adds another layer to an offense that already showed it is willing to control the game on the ground.

That makes Huguenot’s defensive front one of the biggest areas to watch tonight.

Senior Carease Boykins, sophomore Tyler Croxton, Jason Mosby, Hayden Anderson and the rest of the defensive line will be asked to handle a physical rushing attack and keep Highland Springs from consistently creating favorable down-and-distance situations.

Behind them, Huguenot has one of the more experienced linebacker groups in the area with Romelo Perry, Jayce Bigelow and Chris Green.

The Line of Scrimmage Could Decide It

Huguenot’s athletes have been one of the biggest talking points surrounding the program. The Falcons have high-end talent at quarterback, receiver, running back, linebacker and in the secondary.

The larger question has been whether Huguenot can consistently control games up front.

Tonight provides an immediate answer opportunity.

Senior center Andrew “AJ” Gary Jr. will be central to that challenge. Gary enters his second season as a starter and was named one of Huguenot’s four team captains alongside Charles Scott Jr., Iveon Lewis and Romelo Perry.

Gary’s role goes beyond snapping the football. He will help organize protections and provide stability for an offense with the ability to attack defenses in multiple ways.

Senior linemen Benjamin Thompson and Romel Bradley bring additional experience, while Clyde Neblett, Josiah Lloyd, Jason Mosby, Mykel Coleman and Hayden Anderson have all been part of the competition up front.

If Huguenot can give Scott Jr. time in the pocket and create running lanes for Randal Robinson Jr., the Falcons will be able to lean into one of their biggest strengths: the number of playmakers they can put on the field at once.

Huguenot’s Skill Talent vs. Highland Springs’ Secondary

That matchup becomes even more interesting because Highland Springs’ secondary already made a major impact in Week 1.

Defensive back Treyvon Turner returned an interception approximately 70 yards for a touchdown against Hopewell, while Marquise Bullock recorded two interceptions.

Three interceptions in one game immediately puts ball security and decision-making at the center of Huguenot’s offensive approach.

Scott Jr. enters his junior season after throwing for 3,585 yards and 41 touchdowns as a sophomore. He will again have one of the deepest receiving groups in the Richmond area at his disposal.

Iveon Lewis begins his senior season as Huguenot’s career leader in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. Jhamari Cain gives the Falcons another high-level outside target, while Najarn Bostic brings proven production and versatility.

The battle between Huguenot’s receivers and Highland Springs’ defensive backs could become one of the defining matchups of the night, especially if the Falcons are able to protect Scott Jr. and keep him out of obvious passing situations.

Different Paths Into Game Day

The two teams arrive at tonight’s matchup from very different paths.

Highland Springs has already experienced a full regular-season game, while Huguenot has not played four complete quarters since last season.

The Falcons’ final preseason scrimmage against Indian River was stopped after one quarter because of lightning, and Huguenot followed with a scheduled bye week.

That gave the Falcons additional preparation time, but Highland Springs enters with the advantage of already having gone through a full game-day routine and four quarters of meaningful football.

Whether Huguenot’s extra preparation or Highland Springs’ early game experience proves more valuable will be another factor to watch.

Weather Could Add Another Element

Weather may also become part of tonight’s story.

Rain and thunderstorms have remained possibilities around the Highland Springs area, which could affect the passing game, ball security and field conditions if weather moves through around kickoff.

If conditions become wet, the emphasis on the trenches could become even greater. Both teams may be forced to rely more heavily on the run game, field position and protecting the football.

A Major Test From the Opening Kick

There is no easy opener for Huguenot in 2026.

The Falcons begin against a Highland Springs team that is already 1-0, already creating turnovers and already showing a physical identity on offense.

Huguenot enters with the athletes to match up with almost anyone in the state. Tonight, the focus turns to whether the Falcons can combine that talent with physical play at the line of scrimmage.

If Huguenot can protect Scott Jr., establish Robinson, slow Highland Springs’ rushing attack and avoid giving away possessions, the Falcons will put themselves in position to make their skill talent the difference.

That is the challenge tonight.

No. 4 Huguenot at No. 3 Highland Springs

Friday, Sept. 4, 2026

7:00 p.m.

Victor W. Kreiter Stadium