By Thomas Grant Jr.
Even in separate classifications, Dutch Fork and Irmo are once again 1 and 2 in the preseason polls.
The Silver Foxes once again sit atop the reunited Class 5A rankings by the S.C. Prep Football Media. They enter the new season looking to make more history with a second unprecedented ‘5-peat’ and state-record 11th state title for head coach Tom Knotts.
Dutch Fork scrimmaged Mallard Creek (N.C.) Monday at Gaffney High School in the McDonald’s Kickoff Classic. It opens the season Aug. 28 at Ridge View in the inaugural Bojangles Ridge View Kickoff Classic.
After back-to-back state runner-up finishes in Class 5A Division II, the Yellow Jackets return to Class 4A. They are ranked second behind defending champion South Pointe as they look to continue their success from the past three seasons.
Irmo opens the regular season Aug. 21 at W.C. Hawkins Stadium against Rock Hill.
S.C. PREP FOOTBALL MEDIA PRESEASON POLL
Class 5A
1. Dutch Fork (12), 2. Northwestern (3), 3. J.F. Byrnes, 4. Dorman, 5. Summerville, 6. James Island, 7. Ridge View, 8. Sumter, 9. Gray Collegiate,10. Spartanburg
Others receiving votes: White Knoll, Berkeley, Carolina Forest, River Bluff, Rock Hill, Hillcrest, Lexington
Class 4A
1. South Pointe (9), 2. Irmo (5), 3. Gaffney (1), 4. South Florence, 5. Westside, 6. Indian Land, 7. T.L. Hanna, 8. North Augusta, 9. Greenwood, 10. Hilton Head Island
Others receiving votes: AC Flora, Fountain Inn, Lugoff-Elgin, Catawba Ridge, Lucy Beckham, Myrtle Beach, Wilson; May River
Photo by GoFlashwin.com
