Friday night brought a whirlwind of action across the high school sports landscape, with volleyball and football teams alike making headlines and etching their names into local history. From dominant shutouts on the gridiron to thrilling comebacks and dynastic volleyball streaks, fans were treated to a showcase of grit, talent, and the kind of drama that only high school sports can deliver.
Let’s start in Virginia, where the Glenvar Highlanders continued their reign atop the Football Friday Top 13 Poll. After analyzing all the games from this past Friday, Glenvar’s 35-0 shutout of Radford not only marked their fifth shutout of the year but also cemented their position at number one. It’s no small feat to blank an opponent, let alone accomplish it five times in a single season. The Highlanders’ defense has been nothing short of suffocating, and their consistency week after week has kept them at the summit of the poll for yet another round.
The upper echelons of the poll saw little movement, with spots one through six holding steady. Liberty Christian Academy (LCA) stayed firm at number two after dismantling Rustburg 65-0, a statement win that showcased their offensive firepower. Heritage remained at number three, defeating Amherst 49-14, while GW-Danville held on to the fourth spot thanks to a 42-0 shutout of Halifax—their second consecutive week keeping opponents scoreless. Patrick Henry rounded out the top five, blanking Cave Spring 35-0, and Jefferson Forest (JF) stayed at number six after a commanding 56-0 victory over Glass.
But the real shakeup began at spot seven. Magna Vista jumped two spots after a convincing 42-17 win over Bassett, signaling their upward momentum as the season intensifies. Lord Botetourt held steady at number eight, eking out a close 28-21 win over Staunton River. Alleghany, however, slipped two places to ninth after a tough 17-3 loss to Wilson Memorial. Gretna soared three spots to tenth, riding high after dispatching Dan River 56-28.
Newcomers made their mark, too. Craig County burst into the poll at number eleven, remaining undefeated after a 33-6 victory over Parry McCluer. Northside entered at twelve, boasting a 5-2 record after a nail-biting 24-23 overtime win against Franklin County. And Appomattox rounded out the top thirteen, improving to 4-3 and staying perfect in District play with a 13-0 shutout of Altavista. The poll’s latest update, published on October 19, 2025, reflects a season where every week brings new contenders and shifting fortunes.
Meanwhile, in California, the San Marin Mustangs volleyball team delivered a performance for the ages. On October 17, 2025, they faced off against the Archie Williams Peregrine Falcons—a team that had historically been their nemesis, with San Marin winning just two of the previous nine encounters. But the Mustangs weren’t about to let history dictate their fate. In a tense, seesaw battle on the road, San Marin rallied from a 2-1 deficit to snatch victory in five sets: 25-22, 28-30, 21-25, 25-15, 15-10.
This win was more than just another tally in the win column. It marked San Marin’s first victory over Archie Williams on the Falcons’ home court since October 5, 2018. The Mustangs showed real heart, clawing back when it mattered most, and the result gave them a significant boost—now winners of ten of their last thirteen matches, they improved their season record to 16-15. Archie Williams, on the other hand, found themselves in a slump, their six-game losing streak dropping their record to 11-9.
Both teams wasted no time getting back on the court. San Marin’s next outing was a tough one, as they fell 3-0 to Marin Catholic on October 15. Archie Williams also suffered a 3-0 defeat, this time at the hands of Branson. But the story of San Marin’s comeback win will surely serve as a rallying point as they look to finish the season strong. After all, breaking a seven-year drought on enemy territory is no small accomplishment!
Now, let’s head to Texas, where the Bushland Lady Falcons left no doubt about their dominance during "Pink Out Night" at the Falcons Gym. On October 17, 2025, Bushland swept the Dalhart Golden Wolves in straight sets—25-13, 25-19, 25-16—completing the season sweep and clinching their 13th consecutive District 1-3A title. The Lady Falcons’ victory also extended their jaw-dropping league win streak to 103 games, a testament to the program’s enduring excellence.
Head coach Jason Culpepper was effusive in his praise for the team’s effort and focus. “We always set goals at the beginning of the year and then during the year,” Culpepper said. “We have preseason goals, then district goals. Winning a district title is a part of that and now it’s on to the playoffs. We just want to keep getting better and carrying the momentum we have.”
The Lady Falcons’ performance was a true team effort. Sophomore sensation Berklee Billington led the way with a double-double—17 kills and 17 digs—while outside hitter Laynee Adams added 14 kills. Setters Morgan Eberly and Jaida Scott orchestrated the offense beautifully, combining for 45 assists—Eberly with 24 and Scott with 21. On defense, libero Ava Permenter was everywhere, racking up 22 digs.
Coach Culpepper highlighted the team’s chemistry and growth, noting, “I think our setters Morgan Eberly and Jaida Scott have really come on of late. They are connecting well and feeding the hitters and everything is working really well right now. Ava Permenter has really stepped up in that libero role and Laynee Adams is playing great on the outside as is Berklee. I just keep seeing this young team grow up and get better each week and we want to carry this into the playoffs and see what kind of run we can make.”
Dalhart, who had pushed Bushland to the brink earlier in the season, couldn’t find the same spark this time around. Outside hitter Kammi Maddox still managed to shine, recording 13 kills and 3 blocks—surpassing the 1,100 career kills milestone. Addison Ramirez and Kirsten Foust each contributed 10 digs, while Reese Jenkins and Remi Johnson added four kills and six blocks, respectively. Dalhart’s record now stands at 29-7-2, with a solid 5-2 mark in district play.
As the regular season winds down, Bushland’s eyes are fixed on the playoffs, where their league win streak and championship pedigree will be put to the test. With momentum on their side and a roster firing on all cylinders, the Lady Falcons look poised for another deep postseason run.
Whether it’s the gridiron or the volleyball court, these teams are proving that tradition, teamwork, and a little bit of tenacity can lead to unforgettable moments. With playoffs looming and poll positions on the line, expect the intensity—and the surprises—to keep coming.
