The latest update lists Mount Mansfield at 3-1, with the team scoring 11 goals across its three victories. Its 3-0 win over Colchester on September 8 reportedly strengthened the case for the promotion, combining controlled possession with effective finishing.
That rise does not make the race settled. Champlain Valley’s opening stretch has also been competitive, with the update listing the reigning champion at 2-1-1. Three of its matches were decided by a single goal, while another went to a tie after extra time.
Harwood Union is listed third and remains unbeaten after four matches. The ranking update credits the Division II contender with 19 goals scored and one conceded, a record that explains its climb from the preseason projection.
South Burlington also features prominently in the early picture. The team is listed fourth after four matches decided by one-goal margins, including victories over Mount Mansfield and Burlington. That makes its position difficult to dismiss, even with an even split of wins and defeats.
Two fixtures stand out on September 15, when Harwood Union faces Burlington and Rice visits South Burlington. Both are scheduled for 4 p.m., according to the update.
Harwood’s defensive record will face a direct test against Burlington, while South Burlington will meet Rice, the defending Division II champion. Results from those games could either reinforce the current hierarchy or compress the rankings further.
For now, Mount Mansfield has the momentum, but the next round of fixtures should reveal whether its rise marks a lasting change or simply the first twist in a tightly contested Vermont season.