A Delta Dental‑powered poll is now open for fans to choose the greatest single‑season performance in Vermont high school football history. The contest features 13 teams that have achieved undefeated records, dominant margins of victory, or historic championship runs since 1970, with voting continuing through August 6.
A legacy of perfection
The earliest entry dates to 1971, when Bellows Falls Union High School edged Montpelier 14‑13 for the title. Linebacker Kent "Grumpy" Haskell sealed the win with a game‑changing interception, a moment still recounted in local lore.
Four years later, Mount St. Joseph Academy turned dominance into a statement, outscoring opponents 394‑77 and capping the season with a 50‑7 triumph in the Division I championship. The team surrendered just 7.0 points per game, a benchmark for defensive excellence.
South Burlington High School entered the record books in 1982 with a flawless 9‑0 campaign. The Wolves beat Mount St. Joseph 19‑7 in the Division final, holding their opponents to a mere 13 points in the second half while building a reputation for clutch performances.
Mount Anthony Union High School posted a perfect 1994 season, shutting out Middlebury 28‑0 in the semifinals despite the absence of star receiver Ryan LaCasse. The defense’s 28‑0 margin underscored the team’s depth and resilience.
Rutland High School captured its second straight title in 1997, driven by quarterback Jake Eaton, who threw for 232 yards and three touchdowns in a 24‑14 victory over Middlebury. Eaton’s poise under pressure became a model for future signal‑callers.
The 1999 championship saw Mount St. Joseph repeat as champions with an undefeated run that averaged 39.4 points per game. A 26‑6 win over Middlebury in the final highlighted the team’s balanced attack and stifling defense.
Rice Memorial High School’s 2004 D‑III title story is one of redemption. After a winless 2001 season, the squad outscored opponents 548‑124 and defeated Woodstock 37‑14, turning a program’s fortunes around in spectacular fashion.
Essex High School’s 2009 team introduced a no‑huddle spread offense that produced 45.5 points per game. Max Librizzi threw for 3,335 yards and 45 touchdowns, guiding the team to a 48‑14 victory over Rutland in the Division I final.
Hartford High School’s three‑peat from 2011 began with an 11‑0 record and a 508‑112 scoring margin. Player of the year Troy Bell anchored the offense, earning statewide accolades that still echo in Vermont football circles.
Middlebury Union High School completed back‑to‑back undefeated seasons in 2014, winning the Division I title 28‑7 over St. Johnsbury while allowing only 13 points after Week 5. The defensive consistency defined the era.
Otter Valley Union High School captured the 2015 D‑III crown behind Gatorade Player of the Year Carson Leary, who rushed for 2,484 yards and 39 touchdowns in an 11‑0 campaign that cemented the school’s rising prominence.
Burr and Burton Academy set a championship record for points in 2018, posting a 63‑14 victory in the D‑II final. The 10‑1 team averaged 48.6 points per game, a testament to its high‑octane offense.
Most recently, Champlain Valley Union High School finished the 2024 season undefeated at 11‑0, outscoring opponents 462‑62 and allowing just two touchdowns in two games. The team’s dominance has kept the conversation alive heading into the next voting cycle.
Fans can now cast their vote for the greatest season in Vermont high school football history. The poll, sponsored by Delta Dental, will remain open until August 6, giving the community a final chance to honor the teams and players that have shaped the state’s gridiron legacy.