The Vermont high school football season got started with some surprising results and early-season contenders proving their worth. While I couldn't be at any of the games this week (probably allergies), I was able to watch most of them on NSN and can give you 5 things I learned from week 1 of the new season.
1---Knoth, Seawolves surprise Mount Anthony
The MAU Patriots were one of many people's dark horse going into the 2026 season as they brought back some key skill players and had some very close calls against the best in the state. Meanwhile, Burlington/South Burlington played game 1 with a new head coach and starting QB in Kyle Knoth, leading to most experts predicting a Patriots win.
I probably should say "experts" as Knoth ran through the MAU defense, gaining 191 yards and scoring 4 TDs, including an 82 yarder in the 4th quarter to give the Seawolves a lead they wouldn't give up. Knoth's 4th touchdown gave Mount Anthony 1 last hope but were stopped just inside the red zone and couldn't get another play off, falling 26-18.
Seawolves travel to St. Albans on Thursday looking to keep the momentum going from a huge week 1 victory.
2---MAV shows off lights; Gagnon shows off vs. Milton
A new year means major changes to school venues. At Rice, they added bleachers that were used for the first time Saturday in their win against Fairfax/Lamoille. At Mount Abraham, lights got added to their field and for the first time, Friday night football was played at Bristol.
Cole Gagnon wasted no time showing off under the lights, running for 181 yards and 2 TDs as the Eagles defeated D3 newcomer Milton 28-7. MAV have been a dark horse for the last 3 years in D3 with tough tests coming up this year with the Bullets and Woodstock making trips to Bristol in 2026.
3---Terriers, Falcons shoot out in 105-point opener
Good news for Bellows Falls fans: Jaden Bazin has return for his junior season and didn't miss a step. Unfortunately, the defense didn't show up week 1, leading to a high-scoring contest in Westminster on Friday night.
Bazin ran for 253 yards and 3 TDs while Saul James ran for 4 TDs and threw for another in BF's 56-49 win over North Country.
4---Unsung heroes for Week 1
Jackson Wells (LYN): 3 TD Runs and a TD Pass in 34-12 win vs. Spaulding
Parker Walker (COL): 6 completions, 4 for TDs in 48-13 win vs. Mount Mansfield
Gavin Huntington-Monroe (SJA): 21-29, 310 yards, 3 TDs in 42-13 win vs. Essex
Colby Benoit (OV): 238 rushing yards and a TD in 26-14 win vs. Mill River
Rice Defense: 2 INTs (Lambert, Matarazzo) and TD (Talbert) in 27-18 win vs. Fairfax/Lamoille
5---Games to watch in Week 2
Bellows Falls @ Fair Haven (Friday @ 7PM)--Terriers and Slaters had great contests as D2 opponents, especially in the playoffs. Another high-scoring affair upcoming?
Hartford @ Rutland (Friday @ 7PM)--Legendary rivalry continues despite Hurricanes in D2
Mount Abraham/Vergennes @ Windsor (Saturday @ 1PM)--YellowJackets trying to keep momentum going from MSQ win against MAV
Essex @ Colchester (Thursday @ 7PM)--Hornets looking to rebound after ugly loss at SJA against defending D2 champions.
North Country @ Woodstock (Friday @ 7PM)--Falcons return south for week 2 while Wasps play first game against VT school (lost to Newport, NH, on Saturday).
