Best Since 2013 To Never Win State Title

[CRF4Dan]

I cannot recall what it was but earlier this week I got to thinking about the teams who have been good but have not won a state title. Specifically I was thinking the best teams since the realignment of 2013, not all-time. Here is what I came up with for Class 5.

Top 4 Without a State Final Appearance
Salem (Virginia Beach) - 72% Win Pct. with a mark of 93-35
Douglas Freeman - 68% Win Pct. with a mark of 81-37
King's Fork - 67% Win Pct. with a mark of 86-42
Frank Cox - 67% Win Pct. with a mark of 80-39

Top 4 To Appear In State Final But Not Win
Louisa - 76% Win Pct. with a mark of 94-29, 0-2 in State Finals
Massaponax - 75% Win Pct. with a mark of 97-32, 0-1 in State Finals
Hermitage - 59% Win Pct. with a mark of 86-38, 0-1 in State Finals
Nansemond River - 59% Win Pct. with a mark of 72-49, 0-1 in State Finals

So my question for fans of Class 5 is who from these two groups do you feel best about in 2024 and why?

 

[racindan4u]

but louisas was in class 4 back then

 

[BoKnowsSports]

Had Herm not had those 1-9 and 4-6 seasons they’d have the highest win percentage. If Pierre can get some stability on the staff (I like that he’s getting some older coaches to clean things up), they’ll play for a state championship really soon.

 

[Virginia HS Football Fan]

I cannot recall what it was but earlier this week I got to thinking about the teams who have been good but have not won a state title. Specifically I was thinking the best teams since the realignment of 2013, not all-time. Here is what I came up with for Class 5.

Top 4 Without a State Final Appearance
Salem (Virginia Beach) - 72% Win Pct. with a mark of 93-35
Douglas Freeman - 68% Win Pct. with a mark of 81-37
King's Fork - 67% Win Pct. with a mark of 86-42
Frank Cox - 67% Win Pct. with a mark of 80-39

Top 4 To Appear In State Final But Not Win
Louisa - 76% Win Pct. with a mark of 94-29, 0-2 in State Finals
Massaponax - 75% Win Pct. with a mark of 97-32, 0-1 in State Finals
Hermitage - 59% Win Pct. with a mark of 86-38, 0-1 in State Finals
Nansemond River - 59% Win Pct. with a mark of 72-49, 0-1 in State Finals

So my question for fans of Class 5 is who from these two groups do you feel best about in 2024 and why?

Massaponax has been the biggest disappointment. His most best recent shot came during the COVID Spring Season when they lost by a score at Oscar Smith in the semifinals. They've been close so many times, or would suffer key injuries during the season, Ludden had his chance and couldn't capitalize. Now his son runs the team.