Dutch Fork High School Dominates Spartanburg in Season Opener

Irmo, South Carolina, September 1, 2025

News Summary

Dutch Fork High School’s football team began their season with a decisive 54-21 win over the seventh-ranked Spartanburg. This victory not only kicks off their quest for a fourth consecutive championship but also extends their winning streak to 22 games. Key performances came from Kyle Henry and Isaac Shine, each scoring two touchdowns, while Cole Martin made an impressive debut. The team also showcased their strong rushing attack, with a total of 341 yards. Dutch Fork aims to maintain this momentum throughout the season.

Irmo, South Carolina – Dutch Fork High School’s football team kicked off their season with a commanding 54-21 victory over seventh-ranked Spartanburg in their home opener. The win not only marks the beginning of their pursuit for a fourth consecutive Class 5A Division I championship but also extends their impressive winning streak to 22 games, the longest active streak in the South Carolina High School League and the 26th longest nationwide.

This recent victory also reflects Dutch Fork’s newly established 12-game home win streak, with their last home defeat coming on September 22, 2023, against Weddington, North Carolina. The team has an overall home opener record of 13-4, showcasing their consistent performance in front of local fans.

In terms of offensive prowess, Dutch Fork demonstrated their capabilities by scoring 50 or more points for the 50th time in the history of their program. Leading the charge, Kyle Henry rushed for 102 yards and secured two touchdowns, while Isaac Shine contributed with 96 rushing yards and an additional two touchdowns. New player Cole Martin, who transferred from Chapin, also made his mark in his debut with a notable 78-yard rushing effort and one touchdown.

The game marked an important milestone for quarterback Jaxon Knotts, who is the son of head coach Tom Knotts. This was his first start, and he completed 13 of 23 passes for 122 yards and added 55 rushing yards to the team’s effort. After initially trailing 21-20, the team rallied to score 28 unanswered points, a critical point in the game facilitated by a pivotal 47-yard interception return for a touchdown by Mario Anderson.

Overall, Dutch Fork’s rushing attack was fierce, amassing a total of 341 yards during the game. This powerful performance sets a strong tone for their upcoming matches as they aim to uphold their legacy as a dominant force in South Carolina high school football.

Game Highlights

• Dutch Fork secured a 54-21 victory over Spartanburg.
• The win continues Dutch Fork’s 22-game winning streak.
• Key players included Kyle Henry, Isaac Shine, and Cole Martin.
• Jaxon Knotts made his first start as quarterback.
• Mario Anderson had a key interception return for a touchdown.
• The team rushed for a total of 341 yards throughout the game.

Background

Dutch Fork High School has established itself as a powerhouse in high school football, having won three consecutive Class 5A Division I championships. With a rich football history, their performance continues to garner attention both locally and nationally. By starting their season with such a decisive victory, they have once again proven their competitiveness and readiness to defend their title.

Next Steps

As the season progresses, fans and analysts will be closely monitoring Dutch Fork’s games to see if they can maintain their winning momentum and ultimately secure a fourth consecutive championship. Upcoming matchups will be challenging, but with their strong roster and coaching staff, they are well-positioned to continue their success.

Key Features of the Victory

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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South Carolina High School Football Rankings Released
South Carolina High School Football Week 0 Recap
Remembering James ‘Jimmy’ Christopher Bellios
USC Coach Injured in Fatal Crash in Chapin, SC
Leadership Changes at the University of South Carolina
Community Mourns the Passing of Samuel Dillard Mathias

Additional Resources

• The State
• Wikipedia: Dutch Fork High School
• Cola Daily
• Google Search: Dutch Fork High School football
• WACH
• Google Scholar: Dutch Fork High School football
• MaxPreps
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Dutch Fork High School

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.