Photos by GoFlashwin.com
By Thomas Grant Jr.
The ‘second season’ for Dutch Fork football during the Tom Knotts era has proven as rewarding as the post-season.
Since his arrival in 2010, the Silver Foxes have won 14 of the last 16 region titles. They are 49-2 since 2015 and have won 13 consecutive region games.
Dutch Fork begins its quest for another region title Friday at Lexington. The Silver Foxes have won the last 12 meetings against the Wildcats (4-2), who have won four straight games.
Last week’s 28-21 victory over Blythewood saw head coach Stewart Young pick up his 100th career victory.
Dutch Fork closed out non-region play with a 42-7 win over Gray Collegiate Academy. It was the Silver Foxes’ 14th straight overall win, 23rd consecutive home victory and 24th in a row over an in-state team.
The contest featured three Shrine Bowl selections in Dutch Fork quarterback Jaxon Knotts and defensive lineman and Clemson commit Jaden Wuerth and wide receiver Royce Williamson.
Knotts accounted for four or more touchdowns for the fifth consecutive game. Wide receiver Maleek Miller had eight receptions for 94 yards and two touchdowns, including a 50-yard scoring reception just before halftime.
Wuerth had five tackles and a sack, giving him 11 on the season. The Shrine Bowl is set for noon Dec. 19 at Spartanburg High School.
“I feel very honored to have been chosen to be 1 of 2 in the entire state,” Jaxon Knotts said. “I think we have a good number of deserving guys on our team not get selected since there can only be two.
“Winning the state title has always been the most important thing to me way beyond individual awards, but I’m glad to have the opportunity to achieve all of the above.”
“I’m honored and excited to play with Jaxon,” Wuerth said.
S.C. PREP FOOTBALL MEDIA WEEK 6 POLL
(Class 5A)
1. Dutch Fork (17), 2. Northwestern (1), 3. Dorman, 4. Rock Hill, 5. James Island, 6. Byrnes, 7. Fort Mill, 8. Boiling Springs, 9. Berkeley, 10. Sumter
Others receiver votes: River Bluff, Chapin, Carolina Forest
