The Private School opening weekend featured a battle between my #2-ranked Trinity Episcopal and my #4-ranked Roanoke Catholic that affected the current rankings.
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1. Benedictine Cadets (1-0)
Benedictine opened the defense of its 3rd straight championship with an easy 46-0 home win over Blue Ridge. The Cadets led 32-0 at halftime and cruised to the win. They will face rival Trinity Episcopal at home on Friday.
2. Roanoke Catholic (1-0)
I moved Roanoke Catholic to #2 after a statement 43-37 road win over Trinity Episcopal. Junior Zhiy Steelman rushed for 262 yards with three rushing touchdowns. The defense picked off three passes, including a pick-six by Demarcus Brown. The Celtics are the clear favorites for the VISAA DII title.
3. Woodberry Forest Tigers (0-0)
Woodberry Forest opens their season this weekend on the road at Norfolk Academy
4. Trinity Episcopal Titans (0-1)
Trinity Episcopal lost in overtime to a revamped Roanoke Catholic team despite scoring 37 points. KJ Harris had 243 total yards and a touchdown. The Titans face Benedictine in a rematch of last year’s State championship.
5. St. Anne’s-Belfield Saints (0-0)
St Anne’s-Belfield opened its season against Virginia Episcopal School. The Saints started the season 8-0 a year ago.
6. St. Michael Warriors (1-0)
Saint Michael defeated Bell 57-8 in their season opener. Sophomore Aiden Fulton, who has an offer from Old Dominion, passed for 306 yards and four touchdown passes. Sophomore Khristian Carruthers added 121 yards rushing and three touchdowns.
7. Episcopal Maroon (0-0)
Episcopal opens the season on the road at Paul VI before starting IAC play later in the year. They remained #7 in my Private School Top Ten.
8. St. Christopher’s Saints (0-0)
St. Christopher’s travels to South Carolina to face Christ Church Episcopal, who have started the season 0-2. The Saints may hang around to watch South Carolina commit Darius Gray, who was a 4-year All-State performer.
9. North Cross Raiders (1-0)
Defending State champion North Cross defeated Hargrave Military Academy 23-6 to give Head Coach Kevon Bagot his 1st win with the Raiders.
10. Blue Ridge Barons (0-1)
Blue Ridge remains in my Top 10 but falls from #7 to #10 after losing to Benedictine. They should have a more competitive showing against Covenant…