Falcons ranked No. 3 in Richmond Times-Dispatch Preseason Top 10

RTD Preseason Top 10 Poll

RICHMOND, Va. – Expectations continue to build around Huguenot Football entering the 2026 season as the Falcons have been ranked No. 3 in the Richmond Times-Dispatch Preseason Top 10, recognizing the program as one of the Richmond area’s premier teams heading into the fall.

The ranking follows an outstanding 2025 campaign in which Huguenot finished 11-2, captured its second consecutive Dominion District championship and advanced to the Region 4B Championship Game. Entering the fourth season under head coach Charles Scott Sr., the Falcons return one of the area’s most experienced and talented rosters while looking to take the next step in the postseason.

Times-Dispatch Executive Sports Editor Matthew Kiewiet talks to the audience at 804 Media Day.

Huguenot trails only Varina and Benedictine in the preseason rankings. Both programs enter the year after winning state championships in 2025, with Varina capturing the VHSL Class 4 State Championship and Benedictine winning the VISAA State Championship. The Falcons will also have an early opportunity to test themselves against another highly regarded opponent when they open the season on September 4 against No. 4 Highland Springs, the reigning Class 5 state runner-up, in the renewed Southeast Classic.

The Falcons return one of the Commonwealth’s most talented collections of players, led by Alabama quarterback commit Charles Scott Jr., South Carolina wide receivers Iveon Lewis and Jhamari Cain, Virginia defensive back Zayvon Miller, Marshall linebacker Romelo Perry, North Carolina Central linebacker Jayce Bigelow, and a veteran roster that features experience and depth throughout the lineup.

Richmond Times-Dispatch banner in the headquarters.

While preseason rankings generate conversation throughout the Richmond area, they carry no impact on district standings, region standings or postseason seeding. Instead, the annual Richmond Times-Dispatch preseason poll has been a longtime tradition that recognizes many of the area’s top programs while helping build excitement and interest in high school football across Central Virginia before the season begins.

For Huguenot, the recognition reflects the respect the program has earned over the past three seasons, but the focus inside the locker room remains unchanged. The Falcons understand that preseason recognition must be backed up on Friday nights, beginning with one of the Commonwealth’s marquee opening-week matchups against Highland Springs.

As the 2026 season approaches, the goal remains the same: continue building on the program’s recent success, compete for another Dominion District championship, capture the Region 4B title, and pursue the first VHSL Class 4 state championship in school history.