Three Vermont high school football state champions will be crowned Saturday when the Vermont Principals’ Association (VPA) holds its 2026 championship tripleheader at Burlington High School.
The championship action begins at 11 a.m. Eastern with top-seeded Colchester taking on No. 2 Fair Haven in Division II. The Division III championship follows at 2:30 p.m., with No. 1 Otter Valley battling No. 3 Bellows Falls.
The day concludes with a showdown between undefeated teams when No. 1 St. Johnsbury Academy (10-0) meets No. 2 Burr & Burton Academy (10-0) for the Division I championship at 6 p.m.
Saturday’s championship lineup features several compelling storylines, including a battle of unbeaten teams in the state’s largest classification, a Division II championship rematch and a Division III matchup between two programs looking to finish their seasons with a state title.
Division I: Unbeaten St. Johnsbury and Burr and Burton collide for championship
The final game of Vermont’s championship tripleheader will feature a battle of undefeated teams when St. Johnsbury Academy (10-0) takes on Burr & Burton Academy (10-0).
Both programs have been perfect through 10 games, but only one will finish the season undefeated.
Top-seeded St. Johnsbury advanced to the championship game after opening the postseason with a 42-19 victory over No. 8 Champlain Valley.
The Hilltoppers have demonstrated an ability to produce points throughout the season, but Saturday’s championship will provide their biggest challenge.
Burr & Burton, meanwhile, earned its championship opportunity by surviving a hard-fought semifinal against No. 3 Mount Anthony.
The Bulldogs escaped with a 24-21 victory after opening the postseason with a dominating 54-13 win over Rutland.
The three-point semifinal victory demonstrated B&B’s ability to win a close game when the stakes are highest.
Saturday’s championship matchup guarantees that one of Vermont’s two undefeated Division I teams will complete a perfect season.
With both teams entering the contest at 10-0, the Division I championship has all the ingredients for a memorable conclusion to the 2026 season.
Division II: Colchester and Fair Haven renew championship rivalry
Saturday’s opening championship game features a familiar matchup when No. 1 Colchester (9-1) faces No. 2 Fair Haven (8-2).
The two programs met in last year’s Division II championship, with Colchester earning a 27-20 victory.
The Lakers also defeated Fair Haven 26-7 during the 2026 regular season, giving the Slaters added motivation heading into Saturday’s rematch.
Colchester has been impressive during the postseason, scoring 102 points in two playoff victories.
The Lakers opened with a 54-38 victory over Hartford before defeating North Country 48-27 in the semifinals.
Fair Haven has relied on an outstanding defense to reach the championship game for the third consecutive season.
The Slaters opened the playoffs with a 42-0 shutout of U-32 before defeating Lyndon Institute 35-7 in the semifinals.
Fair Haven has outscored its two postseason opponents 77-7, setting up an intriguing matchup against Colchester’s high-powered offense.
The Slaters will be looking to reverse last year’s championship result, while Colchester hopes to finish another title run with a victory over its familiar rival.
Division III: Otter Valley faces Bellows Falls for state championship
The Division III championship features top-seeded Otter Valley (8-1) against No. 3 Bellows Falls (7-2).
Otter Valley enters the championship game with the tournament’s top seed and an opportunity to complete its season with a state title.
The Otters opened the postseason with a hard-fought 22-13 victory over Woodstock before advancing past Springfield in the semifinals.
Bellows Falls has been particularly impressive on both sides of the football during its postseason run.
The Terriers opened the playoffs with a 52-12 victory over Milton before delivering one of the biggest surprises of the semifinals.
Bellows Falls defeated No. 2 Mount Abraham 32-8 to earn its championship opportunity.
The Terriers have outscored their first two playoff opponents 84-20, demonstrating an ability to produce points while limiting opposing offenses.
Saturday’s championship will feature Otter Valley’s top-seeded squad against a Bellows Falls team that has gained momentum throughout the postseason.
All games will be played Saturday, November 14, at Burlington High School. All times Eastern.
| Time | Division | Championship matchup |
|---|---|---|
| 11 a.m. | Division II | No. 2 Fair Haven (8-2) vs. No. 1 Colchester (9-1) |
| 2:30 p.m. | Division III | No. 3 Bellows Falls (7-2) vs. No. 1 Otter Valley (8-1) |
| 6 p.m. | Division I | No. 2 Burr and Burton (10-0) vs. No. 1 St. Johnsbury (10-0) |
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