Columbia, South Carolina, October 10, 2025
News Summary
The Midlands region is set for a thrilling week of South Carolina public high school football, featuring key games like Dutch Fork vs. White Knoll and more. Dutch Fork, currently ranked No. 3 in Class 5A, leads the all-time series over White Knoll. Other notable games include Fairfield Central against Chester and Irmo facing River Bluff. Players to watch include Julian Walker, Kaden Diggs, and Dre Dopson, as teams compete for crucial victories in the eighth week of the season.
Columbia, South Carolina – The eighth week of the 2025 regular season for South Carolina public high school football brings exciting matchups in the Midlands region this Thursday and Friday. Among the highlights are intriguing confrontations like Dutch Fork visiting White Knoll, Fairfield Central at Chester, and Irmo at River Bluff, all kickoff times set for 7:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted.
In the highly anticipated game between Dutch Fork and White Knoll, Dutch Fork holds a commanding 21-3 advantage in their all-time series and currently ranks No. 3 in Class 5A. The team will feature standout players like defensive end Julian Walker, a Michigan commit and Navy All-American Bowl selection, who has recorded 29 tackles, four sacks, and eight tackles for loss. Fellow defensive end Jaden Wuerth leads the team with eight sacks this season. Quarterback Jaxon Knotts is on the verge of surpassing 1,000 passing yards, needing just 50 yards to reach the milestone. On the other side, White Knoll, ranked No. 10 in Class 5A, will rely on key players such as wide receiver/defensive back Caleb Geronomi and running back Tiyon Fanning as they aim to upset their rivals.
Another significant matchup features Fairfield Central taking on Chester in what could determine the Region 3-2A title. Fairfield holds a historical series lead against Chester at 24-10, although Chester has recently won five of the last seven meetings. Fairfield Central’s quarterback Kaden Diggs has tallied 776 total yards and seven touchdowns this season, while linebacker/defensive back Chantz Hamphill is expected to make considerable contributions on defense. Chester counters with running back Caleb Feaster, who has accumulated 788 rushing yards and ten touchdowns, alongside defensive lineman Terry Radford, who has made 61 tackles and nine sacks this season. Notably, Fairfield’s defense has registered three shutouts so far.
In a clash between Irmo and River Bluff, Irmo commands the all-time series 5-3 and currently stands as the No. 1-ranked team in Class 5A for the third consecutive week. Irmo boasts an impressive average of 42.8 points per game, led by quarterback Dre Dopson, who achieved 271 total yards and four touchdowns last week. Key players to watch include defensive end Jaiden Bryant and athlete Maleek Miller. River Bluff counters with wide receiver Darius Carter, who has 33 catches for 503 yards and five touchdowns, and running back Hayden Myers with 755 rushing yards this season.
Newberry, ranked No. 3 in Class 3A, is poised to maintain momentum against Fox Creek as it seeks its best start since 2017 at 8-0. Last year, Newberry dominated Fox Creek, winning 47-0. Quarterback Kenton Caldwell has put up impressive numbers, totaling 1,294 passing yards and 840 rushing yards with 29 total touchdowns. The team also showcases wide receiver Jamere Crooks with 38 catches for 571 yards and eight touchdowns. Conversely, Fox Creek features running back Bryson Crawford, who has gained 827 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns this season.
The game between Pelion and Saluda will add another layer of intrigue as Saluda leads the series 7-2. Saluda has won five consecutive matchups against Pelion, while Pelion looks to achieve its fifth win for the first time since 2014. Pelion’s wide receiver Jai Chuniesingh has made a name for himself with 40 catches for 829 yards and ten touchdowns, while running back Tre Jackson provides additional support. Saluda will count on running back Tristan Daniels, who rushed for 161 yards and four touchdowns last week, with quarterback Brayden Williams under center.
The final notable matchup features Ridge View against Lugoff-Elgin. Ridge View is riding high on six straight wins against Lugoff-Elgin and has only allowed seven points per game over its last three contests. The team boasts running back Spencer Bobian, who has rushed for 718 yards and nine touchdowns, and defensive back Jordyn Best.
Important Matchup Schedule
The notable games will take place this Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Key Player Stats
| Team | Player | Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch Fork | Julian Walker | 29 tackles, 4 sacks, 8 tackles for loss |
| White Knoll | Caleb Geronomi | Key WR/DB |
| Fairfield Central | Kaden Diggs | 776 total yards, 7 touchdowns |
| Chester | Caleb Feaster | 788 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns |
| Irmo | Dre Dopson | 271 total yards, 4 TDs last week |
| Newberry | Kenton Caldwell | 1,294 passing yards, 29 total touchdowns |
| Pelion | Jai Chuniesingh | 40 catches, 829 yards, 10 TDs |
| Ridge View | Spencer Bobian | 718 rushing yards, 9 touchdowns |
FAQ
What games are featured in the eighth week of South Carolina high school football?
This week features top games in the Midlands with predictions for winners including Dutch Fork at White Knoll, Fairfield Central at Chester, and Irmo at River Bluff.
Who are the key players to watch in these matchups?
Key players include Julian Walker and Jaxon Knotts from Dutch Fork, Kaden Diggs from Fairfield Central, and Dre Dopson from Irmo.
What is the historical context of the Dutch Fork vs. White Knoll matchup?
Dutch Fork leads the all-time series against White Knoll, 21-3, with White Knoll’s last win on Oct. 6, 2023 (17-14).
What teams are ranked in these matchups?
Dutch Fork is ranked No. 3 in Class 5A, and White Knoll is ranked No. 10. Fairfield Central leads the series against Chester, 24-10.
When are the games scheduled?
Games are scheduled for Thursday and Friday, starting at 7:30 p.m. unless noted.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- SI: South Carolina High School Football Rankings
- WLTX: South Carolina High School Football Scores
- Herald: South Carolina High School Football Schedule
- Greenville Online: SC High School Football Schedule
- Live 5 News: Lowcountry High School Football
- Wikipedia: South Carolina High School Football
- Google Search: South Carolina High School Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Education
- Google News: South Carolina High School Football
Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
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