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Highland Springs Today
By the People, for the People
Longtime High School Football Rivalries Fading Away
Realignment and shifting school classifications have led to the end of several storied matchups in the Central Virginia region.
Published on Feb. 25, 2026
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The author reflects on the loss of several longstanding high school football rivalries in the Central Virginia region, including Varina vs. L.C. Bird, Huguenot vs. Highland Springs, Monacan vs. Mills Godwin, and Deep Run vs. Hanover. These rivalries were fueled by frequent playoff matchups over the years, but changes in school classifications and the 2013 realignment have made it difficult for these teams to continue facing off on a regular basis.
Why it matters
High school sports rivalries are an important part of the community fabric, fostering school pride and creating memorable experiences for players and fans alike. The loss of these rivalries means fewer opportunities for schools and towns to come together around their teams and the excitement of close, competitive matchups.
The details
The author highlights several examples of once-fierce rivalries that have faded away in recent years. Varina and L.C. Bird met 10 times in the playoffs from 1995 to 2017, with the Skyhawks winning 6 of those games. But since 2017, the two schools have not faced off due to being in different classifications. Similarly, Huguenot and Highland Springs met 15 times from 1994 to 2010, with the Springers holding an 11-5 advantage, before that rivalry ended. Monacan and Mills Godwin played each other 18 times from 1998 to 2014, splitting the series 9-9, while Deep Run and Hanover met 10 times from 2003 to 2012, with the Hawks winning 6-4.
- From 1995 to 2017, Varina and L.C. Bird met 10 times in the playoffs.
- From 1994 to 2010, Huguenot and Highland Springs met 15 times.
- From 1998 to 2014, Monacan and Mills Godwin met 18 times.
- From 2003 to 2012, Deep Run and Hanover met 10 times.
The players
Varina High School
A high school located in Varina, Virginia that has a long history of competitive football.
L.C. Bird High School
A high school located in Chesterfield County, Virginia that has also had a strong football program over the years.
Huguenot High School
A high school located in Richmond, Virginia that has had a football program.
Highland Springs High School
A high school located in Highland Springs, Virginia that has developed into a state championship caliber football program.
Monacan High School
A high school located in Chesterfield County, Virginia that has had a football team.
Mills Godwin High School
A high school located in Henrico County, Virginia that has also fielded a football team.
Deep Run High School
A high school located in Henrico County, Virginia that has a football program.
Hanover High School
A high school located in Hanover County, Virginia that has a football team.
The takeaway
The loss of these longstanding high school football rivalries is a bittersweet development, as the excitement and community spirit they generated will be missed. However, the realignment of school classifications has created new matchups and opportunities for schools to develop fresh rivalries. While the past rivalries may be gone, the future holds the potential for new traditions and memorable games to emerge.
