Things have moved around some in the latest batch of Virginia High School League Class 3, Region D football rankings. Strength of schedule and key wins are starting to mean more as the final games of the season are played out.
Pulaski County has jumped to the number seven spot in the latest VHSL rankings. After their convincing 69-13 win over Class 4, Region D Blacksburg this week, the Cougars now have a record of 2-5, but due to their strength of schedule, they now have a rating of 18.14.
Magna Vista (7-0) holds the top spot with a rating of 26.00. Christiansburg (7-1) is second at 24.50. William Byrd (6-1) is third at 24.42. Each of those three teams has now secured a spot in the VHSL State Playoffs.
Lord Botetourt fell to 5-2 this week after their surprising 16-0 loss to William Byrd. Bassett (4-4) is in the fifth spot with a 19.50 rating. Abingdon (4-3) is in the sixth spot at 18.85.
After Pulaski County at the seventh spot, Cave Spring (3-5) is eighth at 17.00. Northside and Staunton River have identical records, 2-5, and ratings 16.57, to tie for ninth. Carroll County (2-6) is 11th at 16.00. Hidden Valley (0-7) is 12th at 13.57. Tunstall (1-7) sits in 13th at 13.37.
The Cougars will host the Graham G-Men (6-1) this week.