8-30-2026 1:45am

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: High School Football In Spotsylvania

John Williams Editor

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: SPOTSYLVANIA FOOTBALL OPENS WITH THREE BIG STORIES

Massaponax rallies past Courtland; Riverbend shuts out Chancellor; Fluvanna edges Spotsylvania

The 2026 high school football season officially arrived Friday night — and Spotsylvania County produced three very different stories.

MASSAPONAX 30, COURTLAND 26

The Massaponax Panthers opened the season with a dramatic 30-26 victory over defending Battlefield District champion Courtland.

Massaponax improved to 1-0, while Courtland fell to 0-1. The Panthers will travel to Spotsylvania next Friday, while Courtland will host Louisa County. (MaxPreps.com⁠)

RIVERBEND 49, CHANCELLOR 0

Riverbend dominated Chancellor in its season opener, winning 49-0.

The Bears opened the season 1-0, while Chancellor fell to 0-1. Riverbend will travel to Forest Park next Thursday; Chancellor’s next game is Sept. 10 at Fluvanna County. (MaxPreps.com⁠)

FLUVANNA 44, SPOTSYLVANIA 36

The Spotsylvania Knights fell in a high-scoring season opener at Fluvanna County, 44-36.

The Knights return home next Friday to face Massaponax in their first home game of the season. (MaxPreps.com⁠)

NEXT FRIDAY

Massaponax at Spotsylvania — 7 p.m.
Louisa County at Courtland — 7 p.m.

Chancellor returns to action Sept. 10 at Fluvanna County. (MaxPreps.com⁠)