Dutch Fork defensive lineman Jaden Wuerth – Photos by GoFlashwin.com
By Thomas Grant Jr.
After three straight road games to open the season, Dutch Fork gets its unofficial “Homecoming” this Friday.
The 4-time defending Class 5A champions face Sumter for their home opener. It’s the Silver Foxes’ first game at Irmo since last year’s Class 5A Division I Upper State final against Dorman.
The school will hold its official “Homecoming” Sept. 25.
Dutch Fork has won 21 consecutive home games dating back to 2023. Despite that success, head coach Tom Knotts is just as comfortable in the “road warrior” role.
“I like playing on the road,” he said. “Not as much sitting around waiting for kickoff. All the down time is hard for me and a lot of the players.”
The Silver Foxes’ performance during their latest road stretch bears out that opinion. In three wins against Ridge View, Spartanburg and Lucy Beckham, they outscored them 126-35 and allowed just four offensive touchdowns.
Dutch Fork has averaged 310.3 yards per game on offense, are 11/11 in Red Zone Scores and have outscored opponents 56-0 in the second quarter.
The defensive numbers are just as gaudy so far. Opponents have averaged only 35.6 rushing yards with most of the yardage amassed last week by Lucy Beckham.
Ridge View and Spartanburg were both held to negative rushing yards.
Dutch Fork has held opponents to 145 passing yards per game and forced seven turnovers.
“Best player in the state. Period”
Senior defensive lineman Jaden Wuerth is a major factor in that success.
The Clemson commit has accounted for six of the team’s seven sacks this season. He had three sacks against the Bengals and Knotts was not shy about making this declaration.
“Jaden Wuerth is the best player in the state Period,” Knotts said. “No discussion. He lined up over Lucy Beckham’s Georgia commit (Ty Johnson) and dominated him. His strength and desire are unmatched. He is high school’s version of Aaron Donald,”
Knotts also made this statement about Wuerth’s future college status.
“Clemson better not fire Dabo,” he said. “They might lose Wuerth!”
Irmo travels to Dorman
After a season-opening home loss to Rock Hill, the Yellow Jackets have regained their stride with three straight dominating victories.
The latest was a 60-13 rout over a Wilson team which was riding a 2-game winning streak. Quarterback Brittain Davis threw six touchdown passes and Alabama commit Tai Phillips rushed for 180 yards and three touchdowns.
This newfound momentum comes at the right time for the Yellow Jackets (3-1). On Friday, they make their first-ever regular-season visit to Roebuck to face ranked Dorman (4-0).
The Cavaliers are coming off a 24-16 over Gaffney at The Reservation. Running back Nick Means rushed for 187 yards and a touchdown in the victory.
This is just the fourth meeting between the two schools dating back to 2006. Dorman holds a 2-1 edge with both victories taking place during the playoffs.
S.C. PREP FOOTBALL MEDIA WEEK 4 POLL
(Class 5A)
1. Dutch Fork (16), 2. Northwestern (2), 3. Dorman, 4. James Island, 5. Rock Hill, 6. Summerville, 7. Byrnes, 8. Berkeley, 9. Sumter, 10. Fort Mill
Others receiving votes: Carolina Forest, Boiling Springs, Ridge View
(Class 4A)
1. South Pointe (18), 2. Gaffney, 3. TL Hanna, 4. Irmo, 5. Westside, 6. Indian Land, 7. Lugoff-Elgin, 8. Hilton Head Island, 9. Midland Valley, 10. North Augusta
Others receiving votes: Greer, Greenwood, Lancaster, South Florence, Catawba Ridge
