Columbia, South Carolina, October 3, 2025
News Summary
The South Carolina high school football season reaches its midpoint with intriguing developments. Dutch Fork’s 24-game winning streak ended, while Hammond faced its first loss since 2020. Meanwhile, Irmo remains undefeated and Newberry shines with a perfect start. Major matchups loom as teams gear up for the playoffs, and other teams like Richland Northeast and Chapin struggle to find their footing. The SC High School Media Poll reveals the top teams as the regular season approaches its end.
Columbia, South Carolina — The South Carolina high school football season is officially halfway through, with most teams having completed five or six games. The regular season is set to conclude on October 31, after which the playoffs will commence the following week.
Both Dutch Fork and Hammond, who were expected to continue their championship legacies, are now encountering significant challenges. Dutch Fork’s impressive 24-game winning streak was halted on September 20 when they suffered a narrow 24-20 loss to Oceanside Collegiate. Currently, Dutch Fork is regrouping after a bye week in preparation for the competitive region play ahead.
Rocky starts this season have been familiar for Dutch Fork, who began the 2023 season with a surprising record of 2-5 but ultimately went on to win the state title. Meanwhile, Hammond faced its first loss against a SCISA team since 2020, falling 23-10 to Northside and ending their streak of 28 consecutive wins. The setback has placed additional pressure on Hammond’s offense, which is struggling, averaging only 21 points per game, despite their strong defensive lineup.
The Irmo team, last year’s 5A Division II runner-up, is currently undefeated with a record of 5-0 and is ranked No. 1 in the SC High School Media Poll. Their star quarterback, Drevon Dopson, has successfully stepped in, contributing to a strong roster that boasts playmakers on both offense and defense.
Newberry has made a remarkable start with a perfect 6-0 record, marking their best beginning since 2017. Quarterback Kenton Caldwell is key to their success, amassing 1,947 all-purpose yards and 27 touchdowns.
Gray Collegiate secured its most significant win of the season by overcoming previously unbeaten North Augusta with a score of 41-31, highlighted by freshman quarterback Xavier Wright, who threw for 376 yards and five touchdowns in that contest.
In the face of injuries, Ridge View has been competing commendably with a 3-2 record, despite junior quarterback Tre Howard being sidelined due to a foot dislocation. On the other side, Swansea is thriving with a strong 6-0 start and aims to exceed last season’s total wins under coach Willie Fox.
Additionally, Eau Claire is also showing signs of improvement with a 4-2 record after previously winning only two games over the past four seasons. The North Central squad is starting strong at 5-1 after a challenging season last year.
Looking ahead, the second half of the season features major matchups such as South Pointe at Camden, Ridge View at Sumter, and Dutch Fork at Irmo, all crucial for playoff positioning as the season winds down.
According to the mid-season top-10 rankings from the SC High School Media Poll, the standings are as follows:
- 1. Irmo (5-0)
- 2. Dutch Fork (3-1)
- 3. Ridge View (3-2)
- 4. Gray Collegiate (3-2)
- 5. Newberry (6-0)
- 6. AC Flora (5-1)
- 7. Camden (5-1)
- 8. White Knoll (4-1)
- 9. Hammond (5-1)
- 10. Fairfield Central (4-2)
Yet not all teams are experiencing success this season; both Richland Northeast and Chapin are struggling, remaining winless with records of 0-6 and 0-5 respectively, facing challenging schedules as the season progresses.
FAQ
What is the current status of the South Carolina high school football season?
The South Carolina high school football season is halfway through, with most teams having played five or six games. The regular season ends on October 31, with playoffs starting the following week.
What notable streaks have been snapped this season?
Dutch Fork’s 24-game winning streak was snapped by Oceanside Collegiate, who defeated them 24-20 on September 20. Hammond suffered its first loss to a SCISA team since 2020, losing 23-10 to Northside, ending their 28-game winning streak.
Who are the top teams according to the SC High School Media Poll?
The top teams according to the SC High School Media Poll’s mid-season rankings include Irmo (5-0), Dutch Fork (3-1), Ridge View (3-2), Gray Collegiate (3-2), and Newberry (6-0).
Which teams are struggling this season?
Richland Northeast and Chapin are struggling without wins, both sitting at 0-6 and 0-5 respectively, as they face tough schedules ahead.
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Additional Resources
- Sports Illustrated: SC High School Football Rankings
- On3: SC High School Football Rankings
- WYFF4: SC High School Football Live Scores
- The State: SC High School Football News
- Greenville Online: SC High School Football Scores
- Wikipedia: South Carolina High School Football
- Google Search: South Carolina High School Football 2025
- Google Scholar: South Carolina High School Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Football
- Google News: South Carolina High School Football News
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