Sumter – AAAAA football in South Carolina is the domain of Dutch Fork High School. The Silver Foxes are the defending state champions and have won six of the seven state championships since the addition of the AAAAA classification.
That’s why there is so much intrigue in this year’s AAAAA playoffs. Dutch Fork got off to a 2-5 start, but has now reeled off four straight wins to advance to the second round.
So are the Silver Foxes back? Did they even go anywhere? It has been said by more than one person, “Until Dutch Fork loses in November it’s hard to pick anyone else.”
There are a bunch of old favorites among the 16 teams left along with some newcomers who are trying to move into that elite group.
Let’s took a look at the eight second-round matchups;
Upper State
(2) Dutch Fork (6-5) at (1) T.L. Hanna (10-1)
By finishing second in Region 4, Dutch Fork fell into the upper state this season. That’s why you have a showdown against a school in T.L. Hanna the Silver Foxes have beaten a couple of times in the state championship contest.
The Yellow Jackets are 10-1 and rely on a dominating running game. Duthch Fork is 6-5 and have had a stellar defense even when it got off to the slow start.
So does it come to an end here for Dutch Fork? No.
Winner: Dutch Fork
(2) Gaffney (8-3) at (1) Clover (9-2)
Gaffney is the other school to win a AAAAA state title, beating Dutch Fork in 2021. The Indians will be traveling to York County, but it will be with a big crowd and a lot of swagger.
Clover lost its first two games of the season, but has since reeled off nine straight victories. This could easily be a shootout.
Winner: Gaffney
(4) Spartanburg (5-6) at (2) J.L. Mann (9-2)
Spartanburg is an old school upper state power while J.L. Mann has been making srides to move into that upper echelon. A win in this game could help the Patriots make that move.
Winner: J.L. Mann
(3) Hillcrest (9-2) at (1) Byrnes (1)
Hillcrest will have a chance to gain some revenge from last season. That’s when Byrnes, the fourth seed from Region 2, knocked off Reigon 1 champion Hillcrst.
Hillcrest is the No. 3 seed from Region 1 this year, while the Rebels are the Region 2 champions. Both teams can put up points in bunches.
Winner: Byrnes
Lower State
(2) Fort Dorchester (7-3) at (1) White Knoll (10-0)
This game pits the defending state champion, Fort Dorchester, against the upstart, undefeated White Knoll.
The Wolves have allowed just 64 points in 10 games. The offense has been efficient, and that will be the case once again.
Winner: White Knoll
(2) Sumter (8-3) at (1) Stratford (5-6)
Stratford is only 5-6 but it has won four games in a row and earned the No. 1 seed from Region 6. The Knights advanced with a 28-27 win over Chapin in the first round.
Sumter advanced with a dominating 56-13 victory over Ashley Ridge, easily its best game of the season.
Winner: Sumter
(3) Berkeley(6-5) at (1) Summerville (11-0)
These are two old lower state foes that have done battle against each other for decades. Berkeley has bounced back from a terrible 2022 campaign.
The Green Wave is one of two AAAAA teams still unidefeated along with White Knoll. They are led by wide receiver Yannick Smith.
Winner: Summerville
(4) West Ashley (6-5) at (1) Carolina Forest (8-3)
West Ashley went on the road and beat Goose Creek 30-21 in the first round. It won’t be as lucky against Carolina Foret.
After a 1-3 start, Carolina has reeled off seven straight victories. Eight is on the way on Friday.
Winner: Carolina Forest
If the predictions hold true, these are your third-round matchups: Gaffney at Dutch Fork, J.L. Mann at Byrnes, Sumter at White Knoll, Summerville at Carolina Forest
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