By Thomas Grant Jr.
Throughout Tom Knotts’ legendary head coaching career, he’s always remained fixated on finishing a season strong.
That approach was put to the test this season as Dutch Fork found itself in an atypical position. Not only would the Silver Foxes have any share of the Region 4-5A but face the real prospect of their first losing season under Knotts.
Three straight double-digit victories later, Dutch Fork (5-5) has seemingly righted its ship in time for another championship run. The Silver Foxes open defense of the Class 5A title against Boiling Springs (4-6).
“It’ll be the greatest story ever,” said Knotts, regarding his team’s quest to win a state title after losing five or more games.
Coach Tom Knotts
The key to the turnaround is the improved play of the offense. Starting quarterback Jon Hunt has settled back into his position after missing several weeks following a Week 0 injury.
The backfield with Trenton Lodge and Maurice Anderson has developed into game-breakers to go with improved blocking upfront.
Then there’s the defense which has played the most consistent of any side of the football this season. The Silver Foxes are holding teams to 16.3 points per game, an average which is lower subtracting the 48 points allowed in the season-opening loss to Colquitt County.
Safety Deon Winsley leads the team in tackles and defensive end Josh Smith leads the team with 10 sacks. He had the momentum-changing blocked field goal attempt by Lexington’s Tyler Chavis and Robert Holliday returned it 70 yards for a touchdown.
The Silver Foxes went on to win 38-14.
Dutch Fork will begin its title defense at home against Boiling Springs. The two teams met in the 2016 Class 5A final won by Dutch Fork.
“We started playing a little better as a group,” said Knotts following last Friday’s win. “Our O-line’s started to play a little better. Our defense knows what they can do. They just know what they can do. They do it, we’re pretty darn gone good. Our special teams are good. Our kickers are excellent. So we feel like we’ve got a typical Dutch Fork team. So all we’ve got to do is our job and everything will be fine in November guys.”
This is the seventh meeting between the two schools and the third in the post-season. The Bulldogs won the first meeting in 2011 which is the only road playoff loss suffered by Dutch Fork under Knotts.
Dutch Fork has gone 19-1 on the road in the post-season since and won the last six meetings against Boiling Springs. This included a 28-21 win in the first Class 5A final.
The winner faces T.L. Hanna or Fort Mill in the second round.
Photo by GoFlashwin.com
