By Thomas Grant Jr.
The arrival of the postseason has not just seen the Dutch Fork football team emerge as state champions.
The Silver Foxes become “Road Warriors” who enjoy playing in other domains as much as their friendly confines in Irmo.
Since head coach Tom Knotts’ arrival in 2011, Dutch Fork has posted a 17-2 road playoff record. The Silver Foxes have won 17 straight dating back to 2013 and look to extend the streak at T.L. Hanna in the second round of the Class 5A Upper State playoffs.
“Dutch Fork football lives for November,” said Knotts following the 55-7 win over Boiling Springs in the first round I don’t think anybody wants to play Dutch Fork now.”
The Silver Foxes (6-5) have won four straight since having their 32-game region win streak snapped by White Knoll. Quarterback Jon Hunt’s return has coincided with the team’s improved record as the offense has scored as many points during the four-game winning streak (191) as they did during the 2-5 start (234).
He threw for 208 yards and three touchdowns, all in the first half, against Boiling Springs.
Running backs Maurice Anderson and Trenton Lodge have continued to improve and the Dutch Fork wideouts are starting to make more plays.
The Silver Foxes’ defense has remained a mainstay for the program. They are holding opponents to 15.5 points per game and holding opponents to 118 yards per game.
Safety Deon Winsley leads the team in tackles (81) and defensive end Josh Smith is tops in sacks (14). He had three sacks and a forced fumble recovered and returned for a touchdown by Bryce Nutail.
This is the third postseason meeting in six seasons between the Silver Foxes and Yellow Jackets. Both occurred in the Class 5A finals and were won by Dutch Fork in 2018 (59-20) and 2020 (28-6).
The Yellow Jackets (10-1) enter the game on a winning streak as well. They have won eight straight since a 42-30 loss to Westside on Sept. 1.
The winner will face Gaffney or Clover in the third round.
Photo by Goflashwin.com – Dutch Fork running back Maurice Anderson
