By Thomas Grant Jr.
The more things change, the more they remain the same at Dutch Fork.
Heading into Year 16 with the Silver Foxes, head coach Tom Knotts is seeking a second “three-peat” during his tenure. He returns a roster with 41 seniors, with some transfers at key positions.
Thursday’s 4-way scrimmage at Blythewood was an opportunity to see the new and returning components in action against live opponents. Overall, Knotts came away generally pleased with his team’s play against the Bengals, Catawba Ridge, and North Augusta.
“We were a little bit rusty,” he said. “There were some ups and downs. But there were some really good things. There were a couple of things that were a little bit iffy, but for the most part, I’m pretty pleased about it.”
Knotts’ son, Jaxon, excelled at throwing the deep ball to newcomers Chapin transfer wide receiver Stone Furrey and tight end Wyatt Warner. At 6 feet and a solid 200 pounds, Knotts believes the junior can develop into a dual threat.
Meanwhile, another former Eagle Cole Martin rushed for three touchdowns running behind an offensive line led by sophomore center Brody Lorenzo.
“He can be dominant,” said Knotts about Lorenzo. “He’s special. He loves it. He’s a road raider. He’ll play snap to whistle. He’ll probably get a couple of penalties driving somebody into the ground. But I can’t curb his enthusiasm. I want him to play with the insides that God gave him. God gave him just a drive and a desire, and he’s just maximizing it, and I’m proud of him.”
On defense, Michigan commit Julian Walker and fellow end Jaden Wurth were equally dominant upfront. While Knotts expressed concern about his secondary with the graduation of All-State Elgin Sessions, he did see potential in the play of seniors Sebastian Lake and Tyler Brown.
Safeties sophomore Kareem Dupree, junior Jakai Malloy, and senior Jalen Neals also made plays in the secondary.
The scrimmage closed out with senior Bradley O’Leary making two 30-plus yard field goals. He and junior Gabriel Medina are vying to replace Justin Welch.
Up next for Dutch Fork is a visit to The Reservation for a scrimmage with Gaffney. Ironically, Furrey was a freshman on the Indians’ team that fell at home to Dutch Fork in the 2022 Class 5A Upper State final.
DUTCH FORK 2025 SCHEDULE
(All Games Start at 7:30 p.m.)
AUG. 29 – at Spartanburg
SEPT. 5 – at Ridge View
SEPT. 12 – GRAY COLLEGIATE
SEPT. 19 – OCEANSIDE COLLEGIATE
OCT. 3 – at Chapin
OCT. 10 – WHITE KNOLL
OCT. 17 – at Lexington
OCT. 24 – at River Bluff
OCT. 31 – IRMO
Photos by Thomas Grant Jr.
