As a new school year kicks off, so does the exciting beginning of new classes, an approaching autumn, and most importantly, football season. The Black Knights have not historically been very successful in their seasons, but the CHS community never fails to show their support.
Football has been a sport CHS has funded for decades, even before the building was constructed. Burley High School, the school for African-American students before integration, and the all-White Lane High School both had strong and successful football teams, according to CVille Weekly. Burley’s football program began under the leadership of Robert Smith, who coached the team from 1955-1960. Under Coach Smith, according to the Daily Progress, the team compiled a 41-12-5 record and won a total of five district championships. His 1956 team not only won the VIA state title, but didn’t concede a point the entire season.
After the integration of Lane and Burley, Charlottesville High School continued to have a strong and growing football team that characterized a huge part of the sports community. Today, the students and staff of CHS, as well as many in the Charlottesville community, continue to show their support at the home games. Jayla Turner, the 2026 class president for the past three years, says she thinks football games are so popular because “students just want to have fun. From Monday to Friday, we work hard all week, so it’s nice to have something to look forward to at the end of the week! You get to hang out with your friends, cheer on the football team, and watch the band perform, so it’s always a good time!”
Themes are also a big reason for the school’s enthusiastic participation for students. From BKN, the CHS spirited black-and-orange theme, to rave, a colorful showcase of neon, the student section is always in support of our school’s elaborate themes involved in our sports games. Hunter Scherer, an avid student section member, spoke on a theme she hopes to see this fall. “I think we should do a pink-out theme for breast cancer awareness this year. With October being one of the prime months of football season, I feel like it would be a good theme to have.”
The excitement around CHS football brings students, staff, and the Charlottesville community together with a tradition that dates all the way back. From spirited student sections to historic accomplishments, Charlottesville High School’s football season is more to the school than just a sport; it’s a celebration of pride, school spirit, and unity.
