#vthsfootball "Championship Saturday" preview

     The 2026 Vermont high school football season has come down to this.  Three games; 6 teams; 1 goal:  A chance to be called state champions.  For 2, it would cap off an undefeated season.  For 2 more, it would make back-to-back titles.  For 1, it would be revenge from the last 2 meetings and a 2nd title in 3 years.  For the last, making their 2nd title game appearance in 3 years, the end of heartaches and a long title drought.  So, what will happen on November 14th at Buck Hard Field in Burlington when state titles will be on the line?

Division 3:  Bellows Falls vs. Otter Valley (2:30PM)

    The two teams who are playing in the Division 3 state championship game have a few things in common.  Both have athletic running backs who can power through the defensive lines.  Both have 8 wins on the year (Otters playing 1 fewer with a bye week), and both defeated Mount Abraham/Vergennes in their run to the final.

    Otter Valley's win got them the #1 seed, avoiding Bellows Falls and perhaps giving the Terriers a blueprint on how to stop the Eagles, which they did with their defense in a 32-8 semifinal win in Bristol last week.

    If the Otters are going to win the title in 2026, they have to rely on Max Potter and Colby Benoit to do something special on Saturday:  make key plays on both side of the ball against the BF squad led by Bryer Barnett and Jaden Bazin.

    It's doable but the Terriers have also played a much tougher schedule with more D2 teams than D3.  While Bazin was out for part of the year with an injury, he hasn't missed a step in his return and will lead BF to a second straight D3 title.

    Prediction:  Bellows Falls 40, Otter Valley 12.

Division 2:  Fair Haven vs. Colchester (11AM)

    The talk of this year's D2 final can be summed up by the schedule of the two teams playing.  While Fair Haven has played mostly D2 opponents (MAU, MMU and D3 BF the outliers), Colchester had more D1 games based on their league (Metro).  That schedule didn't hurt the Lakers as they went 7-1 in the regular season with the 1 loss being against St. Johnsbury.

    The two teams did meet in the regular season with CHS winning 26-7, but the rematch may end up more competitive as the Slaters will be looking for revenge from not only that loss but last year's title game loss to the Lakers.

    With the 11AM start time and weather possibly playing a factor, both teams could play a more run-heavy offense.  Sam Kyhill (FH) and Conor Danaher (CHS) have had great years for their teams and likely will play a key role in the title game. 

    In the end, the Lakers' battle tested run in the Metro will play a role in this game and give them a second-straight D2 championship.

    Prediction:  Colchester 28, Fair Haven 14

Division 1:  Burr and Burton vs. St. Johnsbury (6PM)

    It was a tale of two offenses involving the two Division 1 finalists.  Burr and Burton ran it more with Owen Cassan and Sam Gilliam racking up the yards en route to a 10-0 season and their first title game appearance since winning it all in 2023.

    For St. Johnsbury, they relied on their passing game with QB Gavin Huntington-Monroe throwing for over 2,500 yards and 35 TDs in the season going into the semifinal game against Burlington/South Burlington/Winooski.  But it was near halftime of that game where Huntington-Monroe would get injured and would not return, putting his playing status in jeopardy.

    If he can't go on Saturday, SJA will rely on Maddox McFarland, their starter in 2025 who had a great run at QB but was stymied by Middlebury's defense in last year's title game.  Then again, it may be a more run-game attack from St. J in the final.  In BBA's semifinal game against Mount Anthony, the Bulldogs were able to geta 4th down stop to secure the win.  If the Bulldogs can stop the run early, similar to what they did against the Patriots, it might be a long night for the 'Toppers in Burlington.

    Prediction:  Burr and Burton 30, St. Johnsbury 20

    As we wrap up another great season of VT high school football action, I want to take this time to thank everyone who has seen my coverage through the year.  From those reading this blog to those who have listened to my discussions on X/Twitter, it was a joy to bring you coverage of the sport.  What the future holds for my coverage will depend on what the future of the sport will look like in 2027.

    Best of luck to all 6 teams on Saturday and I can't wait to see what happens at Buck Hard Field.

5 Things from #vthsfootball "Wild Card" Week

 1---One high seed wins, couple of teams with close calls.

    While most of the Quarterfinal matchups were mainly one-sided, a couple of games were too close for the higher seeds, including top seeds Colchester and Otter Valley.  The Lakers had a high-scoring affair with Hartford (54-38) while the Otters hung on 22-13 against Woodstock after losing their starting QB to injury.

    Then there was the Seawolves of Burlington/South Burlington/Winooski who got their revenge from a buzzer-beating TD a few weeks back at Essex, knocking off the Hornets 15-7 and eliminating the #4 seed in the D1 tournament.  BSBW now heads to St. Johnsbury, the other top seed in the state who defeated CVU in the first round.

2---"Helmet Stickers"

Bazin & Barnett (BF):  Each ran for 166 yards and a combined 5 TDs in Terriers win vs. Milton.

Easton Adams (FH):  4 TD Passes (2 to Sam Kyhill; 2 to Derek Webb), TD run in Slaters' win vs. U-32.

Maddox McFarland (SJA):  Rushing TD, KO return for a TD and a safety in Hilltoppers' win vs. CVU.

Kyle Knoth (BSBW):  Rushing TD, Passing TD to Colton Bramhall in Seawolves' win at Essex.

Jackson O'Dell (CHS):  3 Rushing TDs, TD Catch in Lakers' win vs. Hartford.

Cole Gagnon (MAV):  343 Rushing yards, 6 TDs in Eagles' win vs. Mill River.

3---Semifinal matchups (predictions in bold)

Division 1:  BSBW @ SJA (Saturday); MAU @ BBA (Friday)

Division 2:  LYN @ FH; NCU @ CHS (Both games Friday)

Division 3:  SPR @ OV (Saturday); BF @ MAV (Friday)

4---Honoring a legendary official...

    As the 2026 Vermont High School football year comes to an end, it also means some key members of the crew are heading off into the sunset.  Among them, official George Lucia is hanging up the whistle after a very long run.

    Our "colleague" Devin Rhodes was lucky enough to join George during this week's games while the Rutland Herald's Tom Haley talked about Mr. Lucia and how he got into the role.  Check it out if you have time (note:  may need a subscription to read).

    

5---...and a legendary broadcaster.

    Another name to honor before the season ends is Jack Healey, a longtime Rutland broadcasting icon who has seen some exciting finishes during the year.  From the Otter Valley-Springfield finish to Middlebury-Rutland in week 8, his calls confirmed that he still got it after all these years.

    While I'm at it, congratulations are also in order for the folks at Northeast Sports Network who did a phenomenal job getting to every game, finding broadcasters who were able to call the games (and maybe even do more than just PxP).  It's because of them that we can look back at this 2026 season and relive every moment that makes this such a great experience for all of us.

Finals Schedule & Predictions for Soccer, Field Hockey, Volleyball

    It is championship time in Vermont high school sports and, after a grueling Tuesday and Wednesday, the finals are set.  Here is the schedule and my predictions for all 14 titles to be determined this weekend (all games on NFHS; predictions are bolded; * equals approximate time)

Boys Soccer (2-1)

D1:  Essex vs. Champlain Valley (Sunday, *7:30PM at Rutland High School)

D2:  Milton vs. Rice (Saturday, *2PM @ South Burlington High School)

D3:  Winooski vs. Peoples Academy (Friday, 5PM @ South Burlington High School)

D4:  Arlington vs Mill River (Sunday, Noon @ Rutland High School)

Girls Soccer (2-2)

D1:  Mount Mansfield vs. Burr and Burton (Sunday, 5PM @ Rutland High School)

D2:  Green Mountain Valley vs. Springfield (Saturday, Noon @ South Burlington High School)

D3:  Stowe vs. Vergennes (Friday, *7PM @ South Burlington High School)

D4:  West Rutland vs. Richford (Sunday, *2:30PM @ Rutland High School)

Field Hockey (2-1)

D1:  Essex vs. Rice (Saturday, 10AM @ UVM)

D2:  Bellows Falls vs. U-32 (Sunday, *1:30PM @ Burr and Burton)

D3:  Mount Abraham vs. Woodstock (Sunday, 11AM @ Burr and Burton)

Volleyball (@ Saint Michael's College) (1-0)

Boys:  Burlington vs. Essex (3PM)

D1 Girls:  BFA-St. Albans vs. Essex (*5PM)

D2 Girls:  Middlebury vs. Enosburg (*7PM)

Vermont High School Playoffs "Champ Week" Schedule

     We are in the final week for the Vermont high school fall sports (excluding football) and the schedule of events has been finalized.  Here's where your favorite teams will be playing and streaming info for all of them (if available).  Of course, all of this is subject to change via VPA or school ADs and most will include a fee to enter (VPA payments=$10 for adults, $5 for students & seniors).

D1 Soccer (All semifinals at 3PM, unless noted; Finals Sunday at Rutland starting @ 5PM)

Girls SF (Wednesday):  St. Johnsbury @ Burr and Burton (NFHS); CVU @ MMU

Boys SF (Tuesday):  Essex @ Burr and Burton (NFHS); CVU @ South Burlington (6PM on NFHS)

D2 Soccer (Finals Saturday at South Burlington starting @ 12PM)

Girls SF (Tuesday on NFHS):  GMVS @ Harwood (4PM); Milton @ Springfield (6PM)

Boys SF (Wednesday, 3PM on NFHS):  Milton @ Hartford; U-32 @ Rice

D3 Soccer (Finals Friday at South Burlington starting @ 5PM)

Girls SF (Wednesday @ 3PM on NFHS):  Peoples Academy @ Stowe; Fair Haven @ Vergennes

Boys SF (Tuesday @ 3PM on NFHS):  Winooski @ Stowe; Fair Haven @ Peoples Academy

D4 Soccer (Finals Sunday at Rutland starting @ Noon)

Girls SF (Tuesday):  Arlington @ Richford (3PM); West Rutland @ Twin Valley (6PM)

Boys SF (Wednesday):  Leland & Gray @ Mill River (3PM); Arlington @ Twin Valley (6PM)

Field Hockey Semifinals (D1 Final:  Saturday, 10AM @ UVM; D2 and D3 Sunday @ BBA)

D1 Semifinals (on NFHS):  MMU @ Rice (Tuesday @ 3PM); Essex @ SB (Wednesday @ 4PM)

D2 Semifinals:  Hartford @ U-32 (Tuesday @ 3PM); Otter Valley @ Bellows Falls (Wednesday @ 3PM)

D3 Semifinals (Wednesday @ 3PM):  Stowe @ Woodstock; Montpelier @ Mount Abe

Volleyball Semifinals (Finals @ St. Michael's College Sunday starting at 3PM)

Boys:  SB @ Essex (Tuesday @ 7PM on HUDL); BHS @ CVU (Wednesday @ 6PM on NFHS)

D1 Girls (Tuesday on HUDL):  MMU @ Essex (5PM); CVU @ BFA-St. Albans (6PM)

D2 Girls (Wednesday @ 6PM):  Montpelier @ Enosburg (NFHS); Harwood @ Middlebury (HUDL)

5 Things from #vthsfootball Week 8

     The final day of the regular season has wrapped up and the playoffs get underway this week.  5 teams (BFA, MMU, MSQ, FAX and BRAT) have been eliminated and after Halloween night, 12 more will join them.  Before we get to "Wild Card Week," let's look back at week 8 and find 5 things we learned from these last 2 days.

1---Middle of D1 shakes up thanks to Spalleri and Galiano.

    In week 8, Burr and Burton and St. Johnsbury did their part to head into the postseason undefeated.  CVU held off BFA to clinch the last spot.  After the Seawolves lost to Colchester, Essex was on the brink of losing their home playoff game and having to travel back to Doc Collins Field for the 4-5 matchup.

    Then Gio Spalleri and Aden Galiano connected with less than a minute remaining in the fourth quarter to propel Rutland to a 22-21 win at home vs. Middlebury, securing the Hornets the #4 seed and a matchup with Burlington/South Burlington in the first round.  The loss sent the Tigers to #6 and has them traveling to Mount Anthony while Rutland will head to Manchester and face the Bulldogs.  SJA and CVU is the 1v8 game after the Hilltoppers won "The Game" at Lyndon.

2---Division change, DiMario sends a D2 playoff game to Newport.

    It was such a rough 2025 for North Country that if you told me before week 1 that they would host a playoff game in 2026, I wouldn't believe it.

    A high scoring game at Bellows Falls changed a lot of people's thoughts and a win in week 8 against D1 newcomer Mount Mansfield gave the Falcons enough points to be in line for the 4 seed in D2.

    Then Sawyer DiMario put together an encore performance from week 7, including a game-winning TD pass to Aden Cota to help the Yellow Jackets knock off Rice 32-28 on Friday night.  The Knights loss was enough to put North Country to the fourth spot and a home playoff game against Rice.

    The only other change saw Fair Haven move to #2 with their win at Hartford coupled with Lyndon's loss to St. Jay.  Spaulding fell to U-32 35-31 but kept the #6 spot with Mill River's win at Fairfax.

3---A Saturday of change in D3

    Milton's win over Rice on Friday was the only game involving a D3 school that night.  Everyone else played on Saturday, including a Windsor squad coming off a bye and a couple of extra days to focus on their rivalry with Woodstock.

    On the day, the Yellowjackets hung on for a 32-18 win at the Wasps, clinching #5 and putting Woodstock at #8, while MRU's win did little to move up with the Other Jackets' win Friday (Milton #6, Mill River #7).

    On Saturday night, the top 4 would be decided pretty handedly with Bellows Falls defeating Springfield in their trophy game while Otter Valley pulled away from Mount Abe/Vergennes in the 2nd half.

    Those results have OV at 1, MAV at 2, BF at 3 and Springfield at 4.  The Cosmos and Windsor will rematch from their thriller 3 weeks ago while the Terriers host Milton, MAV face Mill River and OV host Woodstock.

4---"Helmet Stickers"

Spalleri & Galiano (RUT):  Connected on GW TD for Rutland vs. Middlebury (Galiano also had game-sealing INT)

Kyle Knoth (BSBW):  Threw 2 TD passes in return from injury in Seawolves' loss to CHS

Cormiac Farrell (U32):  3 TD runs in Raiders' 35-31 win vs. Spaulding in Central Vermont Bowl

DeMarcus Riggs (CVU):  2 TD passes & 2 TD runs in RedHawks' 42-20 win at BFA

DiMario & Cota (MIL):  connected on GW TD for Yellowjackets vs. Rice

Quenneville & Benoit (OV):  Combined for all 3 Otters TDs in win vs. MAV.

Jaden Bazin (BF):  218 rushing yards & 4 TDs in Terriers' win @ Springfield.

5---Wild Card Predictions

D1:  BBA, SJA, MIDD, EHS

D2:  CHS, FH, LYN, RICE

D3:  OV, MAV, BF, WIND

5 Things from #vthsfootball week 7

1---Hornets beat buzzer, Seawolves to keep top 4 hopes alive.

    The Essex Hornets and Burlington/South Burlington Seawolves came into Friday night's matchup 1 of 4 teams at 3-3.  With the top 3 spots all but guaranteed going in (BBA, SJA at 7-0; MAU 5-2 with Brattleboro in the finale), this one ultimately became a must win to keep a top 4 seed and first round playoff game in D1.

    Enter Benjamin Hotaling, who made key plays against Rutland in week 4 and did the same in week 7, including pushing in from 3 yards out as the horn sounded for the Hornets to come away with a 25-19 win against BSB.  The Seawolves and Hornets traded TDs in the 4th with Levi Bent scoring to give EHS the lead before Henry Dodge scored to tie it at 19 (PAT block for Essex, 2-pt no good for BSB).

    Hornets will travel to Burr and Burton to end the regular season while the Seawolves host Colchester at Munson Field.

2---Cosmos shock Otters in last seconds, hand OV first loss of season.

    1 week ago, Springfield hosted Windsor and, after fumbling the ball deep in their own end, gave up the game-winning score late in the 4th quarter, suffering their first loss in state this season.  Friday night, the Cosmos would pull off the same result albeit in a much different form.

    After being denied on the 2-point play for the win, Springfield's Dmitri Jasinski recovered an onside kick, and the Cosmos scored the game-winning TD as Jace Beamon found JP Stanger with 8 seconds left to hand Otter Valley their first loss of the season 19-14 in Brandon.  Beamon started in place of Senior Maddox Wilson.

    The win by Springfield coupled with Mount Abe/Vergennes' win at Spaulding all but clinched the #1 seed for the Eagles in the Division 3 playoffs, though they'll have to travel to Murkowski Field for a matchup with Otter Valley next week.  As for the Cosmos, they host Bellows Falls in their rivalry game.  Both games take place Saturday night.

3---Notable playoff scenarios

D1

SJA and BBA are 7-0.  Bulldogs host Essex and Hilltoppers host Lyndon.  SJA win likely gives them the top seed.

Mount Anthony has all but locked up #3 seed with win at Fair Haven on Thursday.  At Brattleboro in Week 8.

Middlebury could get #4 with win and Essex loss.  Could be a 4-way tie for #4 if Rutland and Seawolves win.

CVU @ BFA could determine 8 if MMU wins.  Seawolves & Hartford win could help RedHawks.  MMU likely eliminated regardless of week 8 result.

D2

Colchester likely #1 seed.  Lyndon win vs. SJA gets them #2; loss and Fair Haven gets it with win vs. HART.  Rice and Spaulding battle for home field in round 1.  North Country could also get into 4/5 with win vs. MMU and help.

D3

MAV is #1; OV, SPR, BF battle for #2 (Cosmos get it with win & Otter's loss; Terriers could also move up with win in Springfield); Bottom 4 seeds is complete cluster with WIND 3-3 and 3 teams 2-4 (MRU, WOOD, MIL).

4---"Helmet Stickers"

Sawyer DiMario (MIL):  190 Passing yards, 5 TDs in Yellow Jackets' 36-22 win vs. FAX

Owen Fox (LYN):  148 rushing yards, 3 TDs including game-winner in Vikings' 30-26 win @ HART

Jeremy Glodgett (NCU):  170 Rushing Yards, 3 TDs in Falcons' 26-22 win vs. U-32

Tim Bacon, Benjamin Hotaling (EHS):  Bacon INT sets up Hotaling's GW TD for Hornets in 25-19 win vs. BSB

Jaden Bazin (BF):  8 carries, 335 yards, 5 TDs in Terriers' 60-28 win vs. MMU

Brady Lloyd (MIDD):  Passing TD, KO & Punt return TDs, INT on defense in Tigers' 42-6 win vs. BRAT.

Jace Beamont & JP Stagner (SPR):  Connected on GW TD in Cosmos' 19-14 win @ Otter Valley

Cole Gagnon & Clark Crary (MAV):  combined for 482 rushing yards and 6 Total TDs in Eagles' 49-6 win @ Spaulding.

Gavin Huntington-Monroe (SJA):  320 Passing yards & 4 TDs in Hilltoppers' 46-23 win vs. BFA

5---"Rivalry Week" games in Week 8

Mount Anthony @ Brattleboro (Friday @ 7PM):  A trophy is on the line, but both teams are heading in different directions to end the season.

Windsor @ Woodstock (Thursday @ 7PM):  While not a noteworthy rivalry, the two schools have history in D3, especially in recent memory.

Spaulding @ U-32 (Friday @ 7PM):  The Barre-Montpelier rivalry game may have more than just bragging rights on the line.

St. Johnsbury @ Lyndon (Saturday @ 1PM):  It's the game in VT, but it's the Hilltoppers game in recent years.  Can LI end the drought in 2026?

Bellows Falls @ Springfield (Saturday @ 7PM):  Another rivalry dating back to the 1890s with a lot more on the line this year.

5 Things from #vthsfootball Week 6

1---Movement Friday:  massive results change standings in all 3 Divisions

    The week 6 slate of games saw what I considered sneaky-good games across the state.  Thursday's 2 games went as expected as St. Johnsbury rolled over the Seawolves and Rutland got past Brattleboro.  Friday's games were much different as 4 results saw massive moves for each of the 3 divisions.

    In D1, Middlebury knocked off Essex 7-0 to send both teams to 3-3, joining Rutland and BSB at that mark.  D2 saw Lyndon come back to beat Bellows Falls 26-20 in Overtime while U-32 upended Rice 21-6 for their first win of the season.  D3 had an exciting finish in Springfield as Windsor recovered a fumble and scored late in the 4th to knock off the Cosmos 15-12.

    Heading down the stretch, results like these become more valuable to teams gunning for playoff berths.  Look at the games to watch for week 7 to see what I mean.

2---Colchester dominates at the line in D2 title game rematch

    It was a rematch from last year's D2 title game between Colchester and Fair Haven.  Unfortunately for the Slaters, it was the Lakers' seniors (especially those on the line) who took control of the matchup on Laker Lane, helping them prevail 27-6 and improve to 5-1 on the year.

    With 2 D1 opponents (CVU, BSB) left in the season, Colchester may have locked the #1 seed in the division with the win.  Fair Haven does have Mount Anthony next week so a win there could keep the Slaters in position for the top spot.

3---Is it time for 8-man football in VT?

    If you have followed my X/Twitter spaces during the season (or even in the last few years) you'll know that 1 discussion point is whether or not it is time for Vermont to add a new 11-man division or make an 8-man division for schools who may not have enough players to field a team (Oxbow and Poultney are example of those who have had to cancel seasons in recent years).

    The concern has continued as most JV programs have gone to the 8-man format this year due to low numbers.  While the 8-man option might not be for everyone, it may be one of the only ways to keep the sport thriving in the state even with other sports like Soccer and Cross Country seeing an uptick in numbers.

    My question to those reading is this:  How would you change Vermont high school football if you had the opportunity?  Would you add an 8-man division for programs who would have more chances to thrive?  Should the lower-tier programs combine to make its own division?  Let me know in the comments.

4---"Helmet Stickers" (stats via Burlington Free Press)

Micah Perez (RUT):  274 rushing yards and a TD in Rutland's 28-14 win over Brattleboro

David Gilbert (BRAT):  112 rushing yards, 2 TDs in Bears' 28-14 loss at Rutland

Conor Danaher (CHS):  170 rushing yards, 2 TDs (and a TD catch) in Lakers' 26-7 win vs. FH

Middlebury Defense:  Held Essex scoreless in 7-0 win at home

Jack Burke (WIND):  2 TD runs including game-winner in Yellow Jackets' 15-12 win at Springfield

Cormiac Farrell (U32):  TD runs of 46, 87 and 13 yards in Raiders' 21-6 against Rice (Win 1 for U-32)

Talin Bartholdi (MAU):  3 TD runs in Patriots' 34-26 win against Hartford

Owen Fox (LYN):  Game-tying TD pass to Grant Newland; Game-winning TD in overtime vs. BF

Sam Dowd (BBA):  5 Total TDs (4 Passing, 1 Rushing) in Bulldogs' 53-7 win @ CVU

BFA RBs Davion Jones, Porter Sweeney, Hayden Sweeney combined for all 5 TDs (Jones with 3) as the Bobwhites defeated MMU 35-28 for first win of the year.

Eli Hoar (SPA):  2 rushing TDs on 91 yards; 132 passing yards and a TD in Tide's 33-13 win at FAX

5---Games to watch in Week 7

Mount Anthony at Fair Haven (Thursday @ 7PM):  Patriots last 2 games are against D2 opponents, but a win here likely solidifies a home playoff game.

Burlington/South Burlington at Essex (Friday @ 7PM):  Hornets looking to bounce back against Seawolves as a potential home playoff game is on the line (BSB host Colchester in week 8; Hornets at BBA).

Lyndon @ Hartford (Thursday @ 7PM):  Vikings looking for #2 and a home semifinal game but cannot overlook Hurricanes with SJA next.

Mount Abraham/Vergennes at Spaulding (Friday @ 7PM):  MAV could solidify D3 top seed with win in Barre; Tide looking for a home playoff game in D2.

Springfield at Otter Valley (Friday @ 7PM):  After loss to Windsor, Cosmos may need to win to keep hopes of a home playoff game alive (host BF in week 8)