Columbia, South Carolina, October 2, 2025
News Summary
The South Carolina high school football season has reached its midpoint, with teams gearing up for the final games before playoffs. Dutch Fork and Hammond, two expected powerhouses, face challenges after losing long winning streaks. Meanwhile, Irmo remains undefeated, and Newberry hits a milestone with a 6-0 record. With playoff implications looming, the tension and excitement build as teams prepare for the crucial final stretch.
Columbia, South Carolina – The high school football season in South Carolina has reached its midway point, with most teams having already played five or six games. As teams prepare for the final stretch of the regular season, which concludes on October 31, excitement builds for the upcoming playoffs scheduled to begin the following week.
Two teams that were predicted to dominate, Dutch Fork and Hammond, are experiencing unexpected challenges this season. Dutch Fork recently faced a setback when they lost their 24-game winning streak to Oceanside Collegiate in a thrilling match that ended 24-20 on September 20. After a bye week, Dutch Fork is re-entering competition as they begin region play this week. Despite a rough start in 2023, where they began the season at 2-5, Dutch Fork remarkably clinched the state title last year by winning their last eight games.
Similarly, Hammond experienced a significant loss, marking an end to their 28-game winning streak following a 23-10 defeat to Northside. This loss also marked the team’s first against an SCISA opponent since October 2020. The struggles for Hammond have primarily stemmed from their offense, which has an average of just 21 points per game. Fortunately for them, their upcoming schedule appears easier, possibly leading to improvements leading into the playoffs.
Irmo, the Class 5A Division II runner-up from the previous year, remains undefeated at 5-0, despite having lost key players from the previous season. Under the leadership of quarterback Drevon Dopson, Irmo has recently been ranked No. 1 for the second consecutive week in the SC High School Media Poll.
Another team making headlines is Newberry, which boasts a 6-0 record—their best start since 2017. This success is largely attributed to quarterback Kenton Caldwell, who has also stood out this season with 1,947 all-purpose yards and 27 touchdowns. Meanwhile, Gray Collegiate showcased its strength by defeating previously unbeaten North Augusta 41-31, thanks to an impressive performance by freshman quarterback Xavier Wright.
Injury has taken a toll on Ridge View, impacting both starting quarterback Tre Howard and key receiver Khristian Jackson, limiting the team’s performance. On the bright side, Eau Claire is showing considerable improvement with a 4-2 record, their best performance in decades. Both Westwood and Pelion have also demonstrated growth under new coaching staff, standing at 4-2 and 3-2 respectively.
Conversely, Richland Northeast and Chapin are struggling, as both currently hold winless records (0-6 and 0-5). With crucial upcoming games, teams are aware that these matchups could influence playoff seeding and regional title standings. Upcoming key games include South Pointe at Camden and Ridge View at Sumter, both of which are expected to have playoff implications.
The mid-season top-10 power rankings showcase strong performances from Irmo, Dutch Fork, Ridge View, Gray Collegiate, and Newberry as some of the top teams in the state. As the regular season approaches its conclusion, anticipation builds for the playoffs, promising an exciting finish to the South Carolina high school football season.
FAQ
When does the South Carolina high school football regular season end?
The regular season will conclude on October 31, followed by the playoffs beginning the week after.
What teams had significant winning streaks that came to an end this season?
Dutch Fork’s 24-game winning streak was broken by Oceanside Collegiate on September 20, and Hammond’s 28-game winning streak ended with a loss to Northside.
Which team is currently undefeated in the season?
Irmo remains undefeated at 5-0.
What are the notable statistics for Newberry this season?
Newberry has achieved a 6-0 record, its best start since 2017, largely due to quarterback Kenton Caldwell’s impressive performance with 1,947 all-purpose yards and 27 touchdowns.
Key Features of the South Carolina High School Football Season
| Team | Record | Key Player | Notable Streaks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Irmo | 5-0 | Drevon Dopson | Undefeated |
| Dutch Fork | 2-4 | N/A | 24-game winning streak ended |
| Hammond | 3-3 | N/A | 28-game winning streak ended |
| Newberry | 6-0 | Kenton Caldwell | Best start since 2017 |
| Gray Collegiate | 5-1 | Xavier Wright | Defeated North Augusta |
| Eau Claire | 4-2 | N/A | Best performance in decades |
| Ridge View | 3-3 | Tre Howard/Khristian Jackson | Injury impact |
| Richland Northeast | 0-6 | N/A | Winless |
| Chapin | 0-5 | N/A | Winless |
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Additional Resources
- SI.com: South Carolina High School Football Top 25 Rankings
- On3: South Carolina High School Football Rankings
- Greenville Online: High School Football Scores
- Herald Online: High School Football Updates
- Wikipedia: High School Football in the United States
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
