Columbia, South Carolina, October 10, 2025
News Summary
As the regular season approaches its conclusion, several pivotal matchups in South Carolina high school football could reshape playoff standings. Highlights include Dutch Fork facing White Knoll, and Fairfield Central going up against Chester. Irmo aims to maintain its top ranking against River Bluff, while Newberry seeks a strong performance against Fox Creek. Pelion will have its work cut out against Saluda. With high stakes across the board, these games are set to be crucial for the teams involved.
Columbia, South Carolina – The eighth week of the 2025 regular season for South Carolina public high school football features several key matchups that could shake up playoff standings and determine regional champions. Among the highlights are Dutch Fork vs. White Knoll, Fairfield Central vs. Chester, Irmo vs. River Bluff, Newberry vs. Fox Creek, and Pelion vs. Saluda. Most matches are scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. on Friday night, with exceptions such as Heathwood Hall at Ben Lippen, set for a 6:30 p.m. start.
Dutch Fork vs. White Knoll
Dutch Fork, currently ranked No. 3 in Class 5A, is set to face No. 10 White Knoll. The all-time series sees Dutch Fork leading 21-3, with White Knoll’s last victory occurring on October 6, 2023, by a score of 17-14. Dutch Fork’s star defensive end, Julian Walker, a Michigan commit, has made waves this season with 29 tackles, including 8 for loss and 4 sacks. Quarterback Jaxon Knotts is on the verge of hitting 1,000 passing yards this season, needing just 50 more yards. Meanwhile, White Knoll’s defense has been solid, allowing 10 or fewer points in 4 of their last 5 games, setting up a challenging contest.
Fairfield Central vs. Chester
This matchup is anticipated to be a decisive factor for the Region 3-2A title. Fairfield Central holds a 24-10 lead in the all-time series but Chester has gained momentum, winning 5 of the last 7 encounters. Fairfield Central’s defense boasts three shutouts this season, while their quarterback, Kaden Diggs, has accumulated 776 total offensive yards and 7 touchdowns. Chester, on the other hand, dominates on the ground, averaging 298 rushing yards per game, led by running back Caleb Feaster with 788 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.
Irmo vs. River Bluff
Irmo, ranked No. 1 in Class 5A for the third consecutive week, faces River Bluff with a slight edge in their history at 5-3, including last year’s significant 35-14 win. Irmo’s prolific offense averages 42.8 points per game, propelled by quarterback Dre Dopson, who recorded 271 total offensive yards and 4 touchdowns in the previous week. River Bluff’s potential scoring threat stems from leading rusher Hayden Myers, who has accumulated 755 rushing yards, and wide receiver Darius Carter with 33 catches and 5 touchdowns.
Newberry vs. Fox Creek
This will be the second meeting between the two, with Newberry having dominated the first match 47-0 last year. Newberry is currently ranked No. 3 in Class 3A, and a win this week could match their best start since an 8-0 record in 2017. Quarterback Kenton Caldwell has racked up impressive stats with 1,294 passing yards and 840 rushing yards, totaling 29 touchdowns. Meanwhile, Fox Creek’s Bryson Crawford leads his team with 827 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, making this game one to watch.
Pelion vs. Saluda
Saluda, with a 7-2 all-time series lead, enters the contest having won 5 straight games against Pelion. Pelion, looking for their fifth victory since 2014, features standout receiver Jai Chuniesingh, who has tallied 40 catches for 829 yards and 10 touchdowns. Quarterback Alan Moore has also put up notable numbers with 1,163 passing yards and 16 touchdowns. Saluda’s running back, Tristan Daniels, recently rushed for 161 yards and 4 touchdowns, highlighting the competitive nature of this matchup.
Game Times
Most games are set to begin at 7:30 p.m. However, the game between Heathwood Hall and Ben Lippen will kick off earlier at 6:30 p.m.
Season Overview
The predictions for these games demonstrate significant excitement, particularly following last week’s stellar record of 27-1 and a season total of 178-39. With these high stakes and standout performances on the line, the outcomes of these matchups could have lasting implications for the teams involved.
FAQ Section
What is the date for South Carolina high school football Week 8?
The eighth week of the 2025 regular season for South Carolina public high school football is in October 2025.
What teams are facing off in the top matchups?
Key matchups include Dutch Fork vs. White Knoll, Fairfield Central vs. Chester, Irmo vs. River Bluff, Newberry vs. Fox Creek, and Pelion vs. Saluda.
What time do the high school football games start?
Most games start at 7:30 p.m., except for Heathwood Hall at Ben Lippen, which starts at 6:30 p.m.
Who leads the all-time series in the Dutch Fork vs. White Knoll matchup?
Dutch Fork leads the all-time series against White Knoll 21-3.
What are some key player highlights from the matchups?
Key player highlights include Julian Walker from Dutch Fork with 29 tackles and 4 sacks, Kaden Diggs from Fairfield Central with 776 total offensive yards, Dre Dopson from Irmo with 271 total offensive yards, Kenton Caldwell from Newberry with 29 total touchdowns, and Tristan Daniels from Saluda with 161 rushing yards in his last game.
Key Players and Matchup Features
| Matchup | Key Players | Team Rankings | Recent Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dutch Fork vs. White Knoll | Julian Walker, Jaxon Knotts | Dutch Fork: 3, White Knoll: 10 | White Knoll’s defense allowed 10 or fewer points in 4 of last 5 games |
| Fairfield Central vs. Chester | Kaden Diggs, Caleb Feaster | Fairfield Central: n/a, Chester: n/a | Fairfield has 3 shutouts, Chester averaging 298 rushing yards |
| Irmo vs. River Bluff | Dre Dopson, Hayden Myers | Irmo: 1, River Bluff: n/a | Irmo averages 42.8 points per game |
| Newberry vs. Fox Creek | Kenton Caldwell, Bryson Crawford | Newberry: 3, Fox Creek: n/a | Newberry looking for best start since 2017 |
| Pelion vs. Saluda | Jai Chuniesingh, Tristan Daniels | n/a | Pelion seeks 5th win since 2014, Saluda has won 5 straight |
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Additional Resources
- Sports Illustrated
- Wikipedia: South Carolina High School Football
- On3 Sports
- Google Search: South Carolina High School Football
- Greenville Online
- Google Scholar: South Carolina High School Football
- Herald Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina High School Football
- Live 5 News
- Google News: South Carolina High School Football Scores
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