Key Takeaways
| Redhawks hold a 2-2 record after mixed results in September 2026. |
| Junior quarterback Luca D’Agostino continues to lead the offense following an injury to D’Marcus Riggs. |
| The team faced a challenging loss to unbeaten St. Johnsbury with a final score of 42-7. |
| Coach Frank Parisi remains optimistic about playoff contention with four regular-season games remaining. |
The CVU football rollercoaster continues to define the 2026 season for the Champlain Valley Redhawks, who currently sit at a precarious 2-2 record. You are watching a team that oscillates between dominant defensive displays and moments of profound vulnerability as they navigate a challenging schedule in Vermont high school football.
The season has been a test of resilience for a squad forced to adapt to personnel changes and on-field disruptions. From a gritty win against the Burlington-South Burlington SeaWolves to a sobering defeat by the St. Johnsbury Hilltoppers, the path ahead requires immediate adjustments if the Redhawks hope to secure their postseason aspirations.
Analyzing the CVU Football Rollercoaster Results
The recent trajectory of the CVU football rollercoaster reveals a team in transition. After securing a 20-6 victory against the SeaWolves on September 18, the team struggled to maintain that momentum against a high-powered St. Johnsbury offense. This inconsistency has become the hallmark of their mid-season performance, keeping fans and coaches alike on edge.

Key players like junior quarterback Luca D’Agostino have stepped into the spotlight following the injury to senior starter D’Marcus Riggs. D’Agostino’s growth, marked by improved accuracy and pocket presence, is a silver lining for a program focused on long-term development. The ability to pivot during injury crises is often what separates championship-caliber teams from the rest of the pack in competitive Vermont high school sports reporting.
Offensive Adaptations Under Pressure
The offensive strategy, spearheaded by coordinator Jordan Goodrich, centers on the philosophy of “next play” resilience. Even when faced with bizarre distractions—such as an on-field laser pointer incident during the SeaWolves game—the team showed a high level of mental fortitude. Players like Alex Jovell continue to provide tactical versatility, contributing as a receiver, defensive back, and specialist kicker.
However, the lack of depth caused by injuries to starters such as Jayden Miller and Kofi Spencer has placed an undue burden on the remaining roster. To bounce back, the Redhawks must improve their consistency in the backfield and reduce turnover rates, which hampered their offensive flow during the latter half of September.
2026 Season Performance Metrics
| Opponent | Result | Key Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Burlington/South Burlington | Win (20-6) | Solid defensive effort |
| St. Johnsbury | Loss (7-42) | Defensive lineup struggles |
Context and Coaching Strategy
Coach Frank Parisi understands the weight of these results. By his estimation, winning two of the four remaining regular-season games will be enough to punch a ticket to the state playoffs. His focus now shifts to the mental health of his squad, emphasizing that while they are currently dejected, the path to redemption lies in their upcoming battle with the Essex Hornets.

The coaching staff’s reliance on athletic parity in the 3rd through 8th rankings suggests that the Redhawks remain very much in control of their own destiny. This belief is reflected in the team’s training, which currently prioritizes communication and tactical discipline. The latest updates on local team dynamics show that Parisi is not just a coach but a mentor attempting to stabilize a team enduring the physical tolls of a contact sport.
Expert Take: The Defensive Deficit
By the numbers, the defensive decline against St. Johnsbury was a statistical outlier caused by key personnel absences. When a defense loses two primary starters on the line, the domino effect is felt in the secondary and the linebacker corps. To return to their early-season form, the Redhawks require immediate injury management and a return to the fundamentals of gap integrity that allowed them to dominate earlier opponents.
People Also Ask
What happened with the CVU football team during the September 18 game?
The game against the SeaWolves was interrupted by multiple penalties and a 10-minute delay caused by someone shining a laser pointer onto the field. Despite these distractions, CVU emerged with a 20-6 victory.
Why is the CVU football team currently 2-2?
The team has experienced a mixture of wins and losses, characterized by inconsistent offensive performance and significant injuries to key players like D’Marcus Riggs, Jayden Miller, and Kofi Spencer.
How does the injury to D’Marcus Riggs affect the team?
The senior quarterback’s shoulder injury forced junior Luca D’Agostino into the starting role. While D’Agostino has shown growth, his transition required the team to adjust its offensive rhythm during the mid-season period.
What is the path to the playoffs for CVU?
Coach Frank Parisi has stated that the team needs to win two of their final four regular-season games to secure a spot in the postseason bracket.
The Future Outlook for the Redhawks
As the season progresses, the ability to close out games remains the primary hurdle for the Champlain Valley program. You can see the evolution of this team as they prepare for the Essex matchup, an event that will likely dictate the tone for the remainder of their fall campaign. Whether they continue the CVU football rollercoaster or find a steady incline toward victory will depend on their discipline and collective health.
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