The Region 4-5A title may have been settled last week by White Knoll, which has a bye before the playoffs.
However, the stakes are very high this week in the final two games of the regular season in the region.
In one matchup, defending Class 5A champion Dutch Fork plays host to Lexington. It’s the WACH 57 Sonic Friday Night Rivals Game of the Week and can be seen on Channel 1250 on Spectrum Cable or streamed online at www.wach.com.
The winner will clinch second place in the region and will open the Upper State playoffs at home.
Dutch Fork (4-5, 2-1) has won the last nine meetings over the Wildcats (7-2, 2-1) dating back to 2012. Having not won a share of the region title for the first time under head coach Tom Knotts, the Silver Foxes also look to prevent his first-ever losing season.
Lexington first-year head coach Dustin Curtis was asked if his players will have to overcome thinking about Dutch Fork’s mystique from its past success.
“Maybe it is for the kids, but our guys need to see that they are still really, really good, but they have been beaten this season,” he said. “Our goal is to just worry about us and what we have to do to play well. Coach Knotts has the offense ticking up and their defense is as good as any in the state.”
Defense has remained a team strength for the Silver Foxes. Since allowing 85 points during the 0-3 start, the Silver Foxes have given up a total of 61 points in the past six games.
It starts upfront with sack leader defensive end Josh Smith and Touchstone Energy Cooperatives selections Dakota Jordan and Terrance Wells. Senior safety Deon Winsley leads the Silver Foxes in tackles, cornerbacks Peyton Betts and Elgin Sessions have combined for six of the team’s eight interceptions and linebackers Raleigh Salters and Bryce Nutail shore up the middle of the defense.
Dutch Fork offense had its best showing of the season in the 56-3 rout of River Bluff. Back from injury, quarterback Jon Hunt threw for 313 yards and three touchdowns and running backs Maurice Anderson and Trent Lodge each had two rushing touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Lexington rebounded from the 16-0 shutout loss to White Knoll with a decisive 48-18 win over Aiken. Matt McAulay rushed for 114 yards and quarterback Taiden Mines threw for 118 yards and two touchdowns.
On defense, senior Christian Sexton returned an interception 18 yards for a touchdown. Earlier in the week, he was selected to the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Bowl on Dec. 9 at Doug Shaw Stadium in Myrtle Beach. He will play for the South team.
The other Region 4-5A matchup is a battle for fourth place between host team Chapin (5-4, 0-3) and River Bluff (5-4, 0-3).
Both teams not only have matching records but have lost three straight games. The Eagles saw a late rally come up short against the Timberwolves in a 20-14 loss.
Quarterback Brady Albro has thrown for 2201 yards and 18 touchdowns with Jacob Nerome (46 receptions, 575 yards, one touchdown) and Maddox Floyd (35 receptions, 354 yards, five touchdowns) his main targets.
On defense, linebacker Gavin Stam leads the team in tackles and defensive ends Xavier Williams and Lamont Johnson are 1-2 in sacks.
River Bluff has managed a total of 24 points in their last three losses. Quarterback Parker Murray has thrown for 1,221 yards and 10 touchdowns and junior Stephen Collier has 41 receptions for 519 yards and five touchdowns.
Darius Caine and Jacob Pinkney both have six rushing touchdowns and linebacker Hayden Cushman leads the team in tackles.
The loser could earn an at-large berth to the post-season.
OTHER GAMES WITH
PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS
Gilbert (9-0, 4-0) at Brookland-Cayce (7-2, 4-0)
Fort Knox on the campus of Brookland-Cayce High School is the site for the Region 5-3A title matchup between the host team and undefeated Gilbert.
The home team has won all nine previous meetings. The Bearcats are riding an eight-game home winning streak.
Gilbert is seeking its second straight region title and fifth overall, all under head coach Chad Leaphart. The Indians are also seeking their second 10-0 regular season and third undefeated regular season in school history.
Fairfield Central (7-2, 4-1) at Newberry (5-4, 4-1)
The Bulldogs and Griffins will play for second place in Region 4-2A.
S.C. PREP FOOTBALL MEDIA RANKINGS
Class 5A
1. Summerville (18) (9-0)
2. TL Hanna (9-1)
3. Byrnes (2) (8-1)
4. White Knoll (10-0)
5. Hillcrest (8-1)
6. Gaffney (7-2)
7. Fort Dorchester (6-2)
8. Clover (7-2)
9. Ashley Ridge (7-2)
10. Lexington (7-2)
Others receiving votes: JL Mann, Rock Hill, Dutch Fork, Carolina Forest, Spartanburg
Class 4A
1. South Florence (15) (9-0)
2. Northwestern (5) (8-1)
3. Irmo (9-0)
4. James Island (9-0)
5. Westside (8-1)
6. Midland Valley (9-0)
7. Lucy Beckham (9-0)
8. North Augusta (7-2)
9. South Pointe (6-3)
10. Hartsville (6-3)
Others receiving votes: Greenville, Ridge View, Myrtle Beach, York
Class 3A
1. Daniel (18) (9-0)
2. Belton-Honea Path (2) (9-0)
3. Dillon (8-1)
4. Gilbert (9-0)
5. Chapman (8-1)
6. Crestwood (8-1)
7. Broome (8-1)
8. Clinton (7-2)
9. Chester (8-2)
10. Philip Simmons (8-1)
Others receiving votes: Brookland-Cayce, Pendleton, Hanahan, Loris, Beaufort, Wren, Manning, Camden
PHOTO BY LARRY JAMES – Lexington linebackers Montrell Byrd and Christian Sexton
