As the days grow colder and colder varsity football comes closer and closer to the end of regular season play.

By now all local teams basically know their fates when it comes to making the playoffs — whether it be the team is a shoe-in or that they no longer have a chance for playoff contention. However, Fuqua School still does not know whether it will advance to the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association’s Division IV playoffs. That answer lies in Fuqua’s last game on Saturday against Broadwater Academy.

Fuqua (4-4) vs. Broadwater (5-4)

The Fuqua Falcons are praying for a win on Saturday so that they can continue their season and do well in the playoffs.

But, sticking through the season has taken its toll on Fuqua. With many injury-ridden players and losing four straight games, the Falcons will need a comeback win to make the final four heading to the playoffs.

Isle of Wight has secured the No. 1 position in VISAA’ s Division IV, and Roanoke Catholic and Richmond Christian have secured playoff spots (either could finish as No. 2 and No. 3).  If Fuqua does win against Broadwater, it will have to overcome adversity in seeking the state championship title since both Roanoke Catholic and Isle of Wight have defeated the team this season.

Roanoke Catholic is also the team that defeated Fuqua at home in the state championship game last season.

Buckingham (8-1) vs. Prince Edward (3-5)

The Eagles are coming straight off a Monday night loss against Goochland.

Although Prince Edward is in the top 20 ranks in the VHSL 2A East region, it is unlikely that the Eagles will make the playoffs unless several teams lose  in their Friday games and the Eagles defeat the Knights, who have won eight consecutive games.

Buckingham, who is ranked fifth in the VHSL 2A West region, will look to win its Senior Night game against the Eagles in hopes of securing a home playoff game. Buckingham standout Leon Ragland and Eagles leader Delquan Bigelow will be persistent in leading their teams to their last regular season win of the season.

Cumberland (2-5) vs. Central Lunenburg (6-3)

The Cumberland Dukes will travel to Central Lunenburg on Friday and will try their best to improve to 3-5 overall.

Central holds the No. 7 rank in the VHSL 1A East standings and will not easily give away a win on its home turf. Cumberland will have to play flawlessly to take down the Chargers.