By Thomas Grant Jr.
Another region title is within reach for Dutch Fork football.
A home win Friday over River Bluff would clinch the 15th region title under head coach Tom Knotts. Based on the numbers, the odds would seemingly favor the Silver Foxes:
– 11-0 all-time versus the Gators
– 17 straight wins overall
– 19 consecutive region wins
– 22 straight home victories
– A 52-2 record in region play since 2015
Despite the record of success, Dutch Fork (7-0, 2-0) enters the game coming off back-to-back tough region road wins. A week after defeating Lexington 28-7, the Silver Foxes found themselves holding just a 7-0 halftime lead at Chapin.
The lone points scored in the first half occurred on a blocked punt by K.J. Dupree that he recovered and returned 45 yards for a touchdown. This marked the first time since the 2023 Class 5A Division I final against White Knoll that Dutch Fork was held without an offensive score in the first half.
A pair of touchdown passes by quarterback Jaxon Knotts to Corey Miller of 4 and 81 yards and the defense holding the Eagles to 168 total yards secured the 21-8 win.
Even head coach Tom Knotts acknowledged the recent abnormally “inconsistent” team of his team. At the same time, he trusts the players know that “intense physical and mental practice” are the key to getting back to championship form.
“Always concerned,” he said. “We’re just not hitting on all cylinders. Almost every play offensively and defensively, we have an error and our punting and field goal kicking is poor.
“But we have found a way to make plays and that’s a positive. We have good players and a great kicker – hopefully we’ll practice a little better and put it all together this Friday.”
River Bluff (6-1, 2-0) enters the game coming off a bye and riding a 5-game winning streak. The Gators were also involved in a back-and-forth contest with Chapin before securing the 34-25 win in The Swamp.
Second-year head coach Perry Parks does own one of the two victories over Dutch Fork in region play. He led Ridge View to a 28-21 win over the Silver Foxes during the 2015 season.
S.C. PREP FOOTBALL WEEK 7 CLASS 5A POLL
1. Dutch Fork, 2. Northwestern (6-1), 3. Dorman, 4. James Island, 5. Rock Hill, 6. Berkeley, 7. Byrnes (5-2), 8. River Bluff, 9. Fort Mill, 10. Boiling Springs
Irmo loses running back
It’s “next man up” time for Irmo football.
The 38-14 victory over South Aiken came with a price for the Yellow Jackets. Senior transfer running back Tai Phillips went down with an undisclosed injury and did not return.
On social media, the University of Alabama confirmed the worst fears of the team.
“Unfortunately, I’ve suffered an injury that will be putting me out for the remainder of the season,” Phillips tweeted. “Thank you to all my coaches, brothers and everyone in my support system! I will recover and can’t wait to get back and running in Tuscaloosa in January! Roll tide!”
In six games for Irmo, Phillips rushed for 394 yards and five touchdowns. Despite his absence, the Yellow Jackets managed to pull away from the Thoroughbreds as quarterback Brittain Davis rushed for two touchdowns and Zay Crew had a running TD.
Irmo also got a 33-yard interception return TD by Jayden Arrington and a 55-yard punt return TD.
The Yellow Jackets (4-3, 1-1) head back on the road to face Midland Valley (4-3, 1-1). They are two of the four teams locked in a 4-way tie for second place behind North Augusta.
S.C. PREP FOOTBALL WEEK 7 CLASS 5A POLL
1. Westside, 2. Gaffney, 3. Indian Land, 4. North Augusta, 5. TL Hanna, 6. Hilton Head Island, 7. South Pointe, 8. Lugoff-Elgin, 9. Irmo, 10. South Florence
