What? No Greater Lynchburg Team Playing for a State Championship?

LCA Surrenders a 19-point lead to Kettle Run while Varina doesn't allow JF to make it a contest.

A Two-Decade Streak Ends

With Saturday’s state semifinal losses by Liberty Christian Academy and Jefferson Forest, a remarkable 22-year streak quietly ended. Since 2002, at least one Greater Lynchburg high school football team has reached a VHSL state championship game every season—winning 20 titles along the way. This year, however, the run stopped as LCA’s bid for a three-peat fell short against Kettle Run, and Jefferson Forest’s memorable postseason surge ended against a powerful Varina squad. LCA surrendered a 19-point halftime lead in a 29–28 loss to Kettle Run, while Varina kept Jefferson Forest at arm’s length throughout, rolling to a 49–21 victory.

Greater Lynchburg programs have been fixtures on championship weekend, appearing in 57 title games over the last two decades and cementing the region as one of Virginia’s most consistent football producers.

Jefferson Forest closes the year with one of the most successful senior classes in school history. The Cavaliers won 30 games over the past three seasons and broke a decade-long barrier by advancing beyond the region semifinals. Their postseason includes a dominant win over #1 seed GW-Danville. This year’s senior class passes the keys to a talented junior class assuring expectations are still high heading into 2026.

LCA also turns the page after seeing its 13-game postseason win streak snapped. The Bulldogs’ seniors capped a three-year stretch of 38 wins, three region titles, and back-to-back state championships. With a deep junior class LCA is still positioned for another title push.

As the lights go out on another football season in Greater Lynchburg, the results may not include a state finalist—but the legacy of excellence, the rising young talent, and the culture built across these programs signal that Greater Lynchburg football will remain a force for years to come.