The Patrick Henry football team has spent the majority of the season on the outside of the playoff picture, falling in danger of missing the postseason for the first time in 13 years.
But thanks to a four-game winning streak following a 2-3 start, the Patriots have surged into playoff position, climbing from No. 9 to No. 7 in the Region 5C rankings heading into their regular season finale. PH will host winless Hidden Valley (0-9) this week.
Elsewhere, in a hotly contested Region 3D, Bassett's win over Martinsville has moved it into a playoff spot, climbing from No. 9, the first position out, to No. 8. The previous occupier of the No. 8 seed, Northside, propelled itself to No. 5 with an upset win over Lord Botetourt, pushing Carroll County to No. 7.
A win over William Byrd would've significantly helped Staunton River's chance at the postseason, but after a heartbreaking overtime loss, the Golden Eagles fell back out of contention with a drop from No. 7 to No. 9. They'll need a stunning victory over undefeated William Fleming to have a chance now.
Christiansburg was unmoved from No. 6, but after finishing its regular season slate last week and being off this week, its final ranking is no longer in its own hands, as is the case with Bassett.
Lord Botetourt's upset loss resulted in a drop from No. 2 to No. 3, causing Magna Vista to ascend to No. 2. Abingdon kept its top spot.
In Region 4D, Salem moved up just one spot, but it's a valuable spot as it's now sitting at No. 4, currently in position for a first-round home playoff game.
And in Region 1C, Galax, which by the grace of it's other opponents entered Week 10 in the eighth and final playoff spot despite being winless. The Maroon Tide's forfeited loss to Fort Chiswell, however, caused them to drop to No. 9, swapping spots with the Pioneers, who are now in the playoffs for the moment.
Full region rankings can be found below.
Contact Matt Case at [email protected]
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