By Thomas Grant Jr.
Week 7 might go down as a changing of the guard in Region 4-5A.
Since Tom Knotts took over the Dutch Fork football program in 2010, the school has won or shared the region title every year. The Silver Foxes also entered this season with a 32-game region win streak dating back to 2015.
For the first time in eight years, two different teams have the inside track on the region title. Seventh-ranked Lexington will play host to undefeated and sixth-ranked White Knoll Friday for sole ownership of first place.
The Timberwolves earned their place with a 17-14 win over Dutch Fork. It snapped a 13-game losing streak to the Silver Foxes and helped White Knoll set a school record with a 7-0 start.
Quarterback Landon Sharpe threw two touchdowns, including the go-ahead score from 25 yards to Tiyon Fanning to open the fourth quarter.
“The dude is Landon (Sharpe),” White Knoll head coach Nick Pelham said. “He’s the dude. He’s the best quarterback in South Carolina. People can argue. It’s not always pretty but he’s the best quarterback in South Carolina. Our offense led us to get back in the game.”
White Knoll’s defense also held Dutch Fork to 141 yards of total offense and forced three turnovers.
Lexington was involved in a rivalry matchup last week with River Bluff in The Swamp. The Wildcats came away with a 35-21 victory over the Gators.
Senior linebacker Christian Sexton rushed for two touchdowns, Matt McAuley rushed for 101 yards and a touchdown and quarterback Taiden Mines had 196 yards and a score to lead the Wildcats (6-1, 2-0).
White Knoll faces another opponent with which it has not faired well in school history. Lexington has won 17 of the last 21 meetings and six straight starting in 2017.
Last year’s 36-33 overtime loss saw the Timberwolves rally from 16 points down in the fourth quarter to tie the game. A missed field goal by Aiden Brown for White Knoll opened the door for Tyler Chavis to win the game with a 22-yard field goal.
The game is available for streaming on the Lexington High School athletics page on Facebook.
Gilbert still undefeated
The fourth-ranked Indians improved to 7-0 for the third time under head coach Chad Leaphart with a 60-0 win over Swansea.
Drake Braddock threw for 237 yards and three touchdowns and freshman Trevon Williamson rushed for 101 yards and three touchdowns and had a scoring reception. Krew Morris, Matt Edwards and Ethan Coleman all caught touchdowns and Wynn Meetze had two interceptions for Gilbert (7-0, 2-0).
Gilbert (7-0, 2-0) plays host to Orangeburg-Wilkinson.
WEEK 7 GRIDIRON GIANTS
Amadre Wooten (Batesburg-Leesville) – 69 total yards, 2 TDs
Duncan Skehan (Cardinal Newman) – 240 passing yards, two TDs
Manny Johnson (Hammond School) – 150 rushing yards, three TDs
Kinson Holland (Hammond School) – 118 rushing yards, TD
Will McQueen (Hammond) – 5 ½ sacks
Taiden Mines (Lexington) – 196 total yards
Parker Murray (River Bluff) – 206 passing yards, TD
Stephen Collier (River Bluff) – 10 receptions, 113 yads
Jaydon Pinkney (River Bluff) – two TDs
Hayden Cushman (River Bluff) – 10 ½ tackles
Devon Geronomi (White Knoll) – 8 tackles
S.C PREP FOOTBALL MEDIA POLLS
Class 5A
1. Summerville (18) (6-0)
2. Hillcrest (6-0)
3. Byrnes (1) (6-1)
4. TL Hanna (6-1)
5. Gaffney (4-2)
6. White Knoll (7-0)
7. Lexington (5-1)
8. Fort Dorchester (3-2)
9. Sumter (5-2)
10. JL Mann (6-1)
Others receiving votes: Spartanburg, Clover, Ashley Ridge
Class 4A
1. South Florence (15) (6-0)
2. Northwestern (4) (5-1)
3. Irmo (6-0)
4. James Island (6-0)
5. Westside (5-1)
6. South Pointe (4-2)
7. Midland Valley (6-0)
8. Hartsville (4-2)
9. Lucy Beckham (5-0)
10. Ridge View (5-1)
Others receiving votes: Myrtle Beach, York, North Augusta, Catawba Ridge, Greenville
Class 3A
1. Daniel (18) (6-0)
2. Belton Honea Path (1) (6-0)
3. Dillon (5-1)
4. Gilbert (6-0)
5. Chapman (6-1)
6. Crestwood (5-1)
7. Chester (6-1)
8. Broome (6-1)
9. Philip Simmons (7-0)
10. Manning (6-0)
Others receiving votes: Camden, Clinton, Seneca
Class 2A
1. Gray Collegiate (17) (8-1)
2. Abbeville (2) (5-1)
3. Oceanside Collegiate (4-2)
4. Silver Bluff (5-1)
5. Hampton County (6-1)
6. Fairfield Central (5-1)
7. Woodland (5-0)
8. Marion (6-1)
9. Saluda (5-1)
10. Strom Thurmond (4-2)
Others receiving votes: Ninety-Six, Landrum
Photo by Lexingtonwildcats.com – Lexington wide receiver Zareth Owens
