RVA HS Season Outlook – Class 6 Boys
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The public high school soccer season is underway in the Richmond area! As far as Class 6 goes, RVA falls in Region A, which is split between the Richmond metro area, and the beach. There are 11 schools in total…
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Continue ReadingThe public high school soccer season is underway in the Richmond area! As far as Class 6 goes, RVA falls in Region A, which is split between the Richmond metro area, and the beach. There are 11 schools in total in 6A. Both regional tournament finalists will qualify for the class 6 state tournament in June.
Last season’s region finalists were Kellam and Landstown, both from VA Beach. Kellam went undefeated for the entire season and playoffs, taking the state title. They have now moved to class 5. Landstown will be looking to make another run to the state tournament. Who from Richmond will be competing with them?
Cosby finished the 2023 regular season a perfect 16-0. They seemed destined for a match up (maybe even two) with Kellam, with both squads undefeated. But, Landstown had other plans, defeating Cosby 1-0 in a fiery contest. The Titans graduated 6 players from the 2023 team, including captain and leading goalscorer, Ka’eo Gonsalves. They are arguably more talented in ’24, with five players already committed to play in college. First team All-State selection and Gatorade VA POY finalist, Ryan Londeree Ryan Londeree M Cosby | 2024 VA , along with returning starters Evan Gaines Evan Gaines M Cosby | 2024 VA , Javi Catedral, and Jesus Hernandez, will be looking to make a deep run into the state tourney this season. Newcomers Deniss Hayes and Nikita Hayes have already made a significant impact early in the season, including Deniss’ ridiculous goal in the video below. The Titans are currently 5-0-0, with 24 goals scored and only 1 conceded. Long time head coach, Mike Anderson, has a squad full of talent, upper-classmen, and everything one would want to have in order to compete for a state title. The challenges will be getting the new players to gel in time, finding the right rotation for all of the talent, making sure not to look too far ahead, and being ready to get the best, most physical version of everyone they play. Looking forward, a matchup with Landstown at some point could very well be in the cards, and the Eagles have eliminated the Titans from the playoffs two seasons in a row. Make no mistake about it, Cosby are favorites to be playing in June, and that adds pressure that they will have to deal with.
Deep Run are one one of the schools that has made the jump to class 6 in this year’s realignment. They finished 2023 14-3-3, won the region 5C title, and lost in the state quarterfinals to Riverside. The Wildcats graduated several starters, including Region POY/All-State selection Chris Bovo, who played in all 21 matches for Lynchburg this past fall, adding an ODAC Championship to his resume. Grove Academy product Chase Prado Chase Prado M VA will look to fill in for some of the scoring with Bovo gone. Connor Leary, Jack Marshall, and Zach Casey will also take on larger roles this season and look to make some noise in class 6. Deep Run had a tough early schedule, including First Colonial, Western Albemarle, and Landstown from outside of RVA. The Wildcats are currently 3-3 and will have been tested well before the playoffs. Regardless of record, I would keep an eye on them in the regional tournament.
Manchester finished last season 6-11-1, but went 6-5 in their final eleven games of the season. They notched a playoff win before losing to Cosby in the regional quarterfinals. The Lancers will look to continue the momentum they started building at the end of last season. James Blalock James Blalock F Manchester | 2025 VA , Luis Hidalgo, and Asa Cecil will likely carry the load for Manchester in the attacking third of the field. Asa’s brother, Aiden, will anchor the defense and come forward when the opportunity arises, like on the goal he scored against Cosby (video below). James and Luis are both quick with the ball at their feet and difficult to stay in front of. Asa will provide a physical presence and target on set pieces. The Lancers are currently 2-2-1 on the season. The two losses are against Cosby and Midlothian, two of the top programs in the area.
Glen Allen is also new to class 6 this year. They finished 10-6-2 last spring, earning them the 8th seed in the region 5C playoffs. After taking care of Prince George, the Jaguars defeated the top seed in the region, Meadowbrook, and advanced to the semifinals. Glen Allen fell in the semifinals to Freeman, one game short of a state title berth. Angel Lara Martinez, among others, graduated and Glen Allen are working to replace their leadership. All Region 2nd team selection, Fallou Mbengue, returns to anchor the defense. The Jaguars are struggling so far on the season at 0-4-1, but have plenty of time to turn it around.
Meadowbrook finished last season 12-3-1 and earned the 1 seed in the region 5C tournament. It seems a lack of tougher competition in the regular season caught up to them, as the Monarchs were eliminated in the regional quarterfinals. Like Glen Allen and Deep Run, Meadowbrook have also moved up to class 6 this year. They are currently in the thick of the playoff hunt at 2-1-1, including a loss to Manchester. The Monarchs will face Glen Allen and Cosby this regular season, and will look to play spoiler in their first 6A regional tournament.
Thomas Dale went 10-6-1 last spring and made it to the region quarterfinals before losing to James River. The Knights have started this season 1-3-0, including a 5-0 loss to Manchester. Their two matchups with Meadowbrook this year could go a long way in determining the playoff hopes for both squads.
Highland Springs finished 7-8 overall last year in class 5, and went down in the regional tournament first round. They have also moved up to class 6 and will be working to pile up some wins and compete for a playoff spot. The Springers are currently 0-4-0 and on the outside looking in.