Winning isn't just a habit at Highland Springs. It is the atmosphere. If you drive through Henrico County on a Friday night in October, you’ll feel the shift in the air before you even see the stadium lights. There is this specific kind of electricity that follows Highland Springs high school football, a program that has basically become the gold standard for public school athletics in the Commonwealth.
They win. A lot.
But it isn't just about the trophies, though the hardware in the case is getting crowded. It’s about a culture that head coach Loren Johnson has cultivated since he took over in 2008. Before Johnson arrived, the Springers were good, sure. But he turned them into a machine. We are talking about a program that went from being a tough local opponent to a national powerhouse that regularly sends kids to the ACC, SEC, and Big Ten.
The Loren Johnson Era and the Culture of "Springernation"
You can't talk about Highland Springs high school football without talking about Coach Johnson. He’s the architect. When he first showed up, he didn't just focus on the X’s and O’s; he focused on the mentality of the East End. He understood that these kids were playing for more than a scholarship. They were playing for a community that identifies itself through the grit of its football team.
The consistency is honestly staggering. Since 2015, the Springers have been virtually untouchable in Class 5. They pulled off the legendary "four-peat," winning state titles in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. Most schools are lucky to get one "generational" group of athletes. Highland Springs just reloads. They don't rebuild.
People always ask, "What’s the secret sauce?" It isn't some high-tech facility or a secret playbook. It’s the depth. You’ll see a sophomore sitting on the bench at Highland Springs who would be a first-team all-state selection at 90% of the other schools in Virginia. They compete harder in Tuesday practices than most teams do on game day. That internal competition creates a roster that is battle-hardened before they even hit the playoffs.
Navigating the Class 5 Minefield
Virginia High School League (VHSL) football is a grind, especially in Class 5. You have to deal with the likes of Maury, Stone Bridge, and Freedom. These aren't easy outs. Yet, Highland Springs high school football always seems to find a way to peak in November.
Take the 2022 season, for example. The Springers went 15-0. They didn't just win; they dominated. They capped it off with a 33-19 victory over Maury to secure another state title. It was a masterclass in physical football. If you watch their film, you notice something immediately: they are faster than everyone else. It’s not just straight-line speed; it’s closing speed on defense. It's the way their offensive line gets to the second level.
🔗 Read more: Caitlin Clark GPA Iowa: The Truth About Her Tippie College Grades
Why the "Public vs. Private" Debate Matters Here
There is this ongoing conversation in Virginia sports about public schools versus private powerhouses like Benedictine or St. Christopher’s. Highland Springs is the public school response to that debate. They play a schedule that would make most coaches quit. They seek out the best competition because they know that blowing out a weak opponent 50-0 doesn't help you win in December.
The Springers frequently travel. They'll go up to Maryland, down to North Carolina, or face off against top-tier 6A schools in Northern Virginia. This willingness to "play anyone, anywhere" is why college recruiters live at Highland Springs.
The Pipeline to the Pros and Power Five
If you want to see where the talent goes, just look at the rosters of major college programs. We've seen guys like Greg Cuffee, Juwan Burgess, and Mekhi Becton—who went on to be a first-round NFL draft pick out of Louisville—come through this system.
Becton is a great example. At 6'7" and over 350 pounds, he was a mountain, but Highland Springs refined that raw size into elite technique. That’s the hallmark of the program. They don't just rely on being bigger or faster; they are technically sound. You don't see the Springers beating themselves with dumb penalties or missed assignments in big games.
The 2023 Setback and the 2024 Resurgence
Even the best have off years. Well, "off" by Highland Springs standards. In 2023, the Springers suffered a rare early-ish exit in the playoffs, falling to a powerhouse Maury team in a game that many considered the "real" state championship. It was a physical, grueling game that showed even the kings of Henrico are human.
But here is the thing about Highland Springs high school football: they use losses as fuel.
Coming into the most recent seasons, there was a shift. The focus returned to that "nobody beats us twice" mentality. The defense, led by blue-chip recruits and coached with a professional intensity, started pitching shutouts again. The community support didn't waver either. Go to a home game at "The Springs" and you'll see three generations of families in the stands. It’s a legacy thing.
💡 You might also like: Barry Sanders Shoes Nike: What Most People Get Wrong
What Most People Get Wrong About the Springers
A lot of folks from outside the Richmond area think Highland Springs just out-athletes people. They think it's all "go routes" and "tackling by committee."
That's wrong.
The complexity of their defensive schemes is something you'd usually see at the collegiate level. Coach Johnson and his staff run a sophisticated system that requires high football IQ. Their players are tasked with making pre-snap reads and adjustments that most high schoolers wouldn't understand. This is why their defensive backs transition so easily to the next level—they've already been playing in a pro-style secondary.
Impact on the East End Community
You cannot separate the school from the neighborhood. In Highland Springs, football is a stabilizer. It provides a path for young men to reach higher education and beyond. The program emphasizes academics just as much as weight room PRs.
- Youth programs in the area (like the Highland Springs Saints) run the same systems.
- Kids grow up dreaming of wearing the black and gold.
- The "Springer Pride" motto isn't just a hashtag; it's a code of conduct in the hallways.
When the team wins, the whole East End feels like it wins. It's a source of immense pride in an area that sometimes gets overlooked by the wealthier suburbs of West End Richmond.
Detailed Breakdown: What Makes the Defense So Deadly?
If you're scouting the Springers, you start with the defensive line. They typically rotate eight or nine players deep. This means in the fourth quarter, while the opposing offensive line is gasping for air, Highland Springs is sending in fresh pass-rushers who are just as talented as the starters.
They play a "bend but don't break" style that relies on elite speed in the secondary to erase mistakes. If a quarterback makes a slightly late throw over the middle, it’s usually going the other way for six points. Their ability to turn defense into offense is probably their most dangerous trait.
📖 Related: Arizona Cardinals Depth Chart: Why the Roster Flip is More Than Just Kyler Murray
Actionable Insights for Fans and Aspiring Players
If you are a parent or a student-athlete looking at the Highland Springs model, or just a fan trying to keep up, here is the reality of the situation.
First, attendance at home games is a must, but get there early. The stadium fills up fast, and the atmosphere is more like a small college game than a typical high school outing. The "Springer Spirit" is loud, proud, and very much a part of the home-field advantage.
For players wanting to join the ranks, understand that the off-season program is where the championships are actually won. The Springers' weight room culture is legendary. They don't just lift; they train for explosive movement. If you aren't prepared to work from January to August, you won't see the field in September.
- Watch the film: If you're a student of the game, pay attention to their special teams. It’s the most underrated part of their success. They often win the field position battle by huge margins.
- Follow the recruiters: Keep an eye on the 247Sports and Rivals rankings for the Richmond area. Usually, at least three or four Springers are in the top 20 for the state of Virginia.
- Respect the rivalry: The games against Varina or Maury are high-level football. If you only see one game a year, make it one of those.
Highland Springs high school football isn't going anywhere. While other programs have "up" years and "down" years, the Springers have created a self-sustaining ecosystem of excellence. They have the coaching, the community backing, and the raw talent to remain the "team to beat" in Virginia for the foreseeable future.
Whether you love them or you're tired of seeing them in the state finals, you have to respect the work. They've earned every bit of their reputation. The Springers don't just play football; they define what high school football should look like in the modern era.
To stay updated on the program, keep a close watch on the VHSL regional brackets and the local Richmond Times-Dispatch sports section. The rankings move fast, but Highland Springs is usually right at the top, exactly where they expect to be. If you're looking to catch a game, check the official Henrico County Public Schools athletics calendar, as kickoff times can occasionally shift for televised "Games of the Week." Support the local boosters if you can, as they are the ones funding the travel that allows these players to get national exposure.