By Thomas Grant Jr.
Photo by Thomas Grant Jr.
The past two years have seen Dutch Fork and Irmo take divergent paths to reach the S.C. High School League football championships.
To reach Orangeburg this year, the two teams find themselves competing in different classifications.
While the Silver Foxes will seek a second straight ‘5-peat’ in the reunified Class 5A, realignment has the Yellow Jackets back in Class 4A to seek its first title since 1979.
Dutch Fork
Another season, more history awaits the Silver Foxes under head coach Tom Knotts.
Currently tied with Summerville’s John McKissick and Woodruff’s Willie Varner with 10 state titles, Knotts can claim first place all alone this season. An 11th title, to go with seven won in North Carolina, would move him nationally into 11th place all-time.
This year’s roster is arguably one of Knotts’ most talented given the combination of top returning players and standout transfers.
Wide receiving newcomers Corey and Maleek Miller only traveled seven miles from Irmo to become top targets for returning starting quarterback Jake Knotts.
The senior Maleek led the Yellow Jackets with 55 receptions for 918 yards. He received good news last week when the SCHSL revised its first-time transfer rules, making him immediately eligible rather than sitting out the first three games.
Junior Brody Lorenzo and Niran Ford lead the offensive line and will look to open holes for running backs Quintin Wilson and Kyle Henry.
Another high-profile transfer for the Silver Foxes is defensive lineman Peyton Bishop of A.C. Flora. He looks to replace University of South Carolina freshman Julian Walker in providing another potent upfront duo for Dutch Fork with returning All-State senior Jadan Wuerth.
The Silver Foxes did lose linebackers Raleigh Salters and Mario Anderson to graduation and sophomore defensive back T.J. Gibson to a knee injury. Interception leader K.J. Dupree will look to lead the secondary.
With the graduation of Bradley O’Leary, Dutch Fork should have a new placekicker for the August 28 season-opener at Ridge View. It’s the first of three straight road games to open the season
2026 schedule
August 28 – at Ridge View
September 4 – at Spartanburg
September 11 – at Lucy Beckham
September 18 – Sumter
September 25 – Gray Collegiate
October 2 – at Lexington
October 9 – at Chapin
October 16 – River Bluff
October 23 – Bye
October 30 – White Knoll
Christmas arrived early this year in Irmo, according to Yellow Jackets’ head coach Aaron Brand.
The early holiday present apparently arrived in the form of former Cape Fear senior transfer running back Tai Phillips. The 5-foot 11 tailback rushed for 919 yards in just seven games in Fayetteville, N.C., including a 302-yard, 6-TD performance against Terry Sanford.
Phillips, a University of Alabama commit, is expected to help fill the offensive void left by the Millers. Others expected to increase their contribution levels are Jay Eaddy and East Carolina commit Ethan Singletary.
For the third straight year, Irmo will have a different starting quarterback. Junior Britton Davis takes the reins and takes confidence from absorbing the knowledge he’s picked up watching first A.J. Brand then Dre’Von Dopson.
“He’s got one of the best arms I’ve ever been able to coach and if we can simplify for Britt and let him play without doing a whole, whole heck of a lot of thinking, sky’s the limit for that guy,” Brand said. “He’s got a Division I arm. He’s got Division I qualities and characteristics and he’ll be one of the next ones to come out of here.”
Offensive lineman and University of South Carolina commit Nate Carson is well on his way to the next level. He’s also expected to lead a mostly young group upfront on offense.
The defensive line is loaded with proven experience with Miami commit Jaiden Bryant and tackle Tyrone Jennings. Appalachian State commitment Jamar Grissett led the Yellow Jackets in interceptions and leads a motivated side of the football anxious to get over the championship hump.
Irmo opens the season August 21 at home against Rock Hill. Social media has seen back and forth from both sides with Brand providing his input last Monday.
“We want to make a statement,” he said. “Listen, Rock Hill has been popping off all summer. We understand. They have a really good football team. I think they have won the transfer portal this summer and we look forward to knocking them off their sandbox.”
2026 Schedule
August 21 – Rock Hill
August 28 – at Spring Valley
September 4 – at Lower Richland
September 11 – Wilson
September 18 – at Dorman
October 2 – North Augusta
October 9 – at South Aiken
October 16 – at Midland Valley
October 23 – Aiken
October 30 – Fox Creek
