Dutch Fork’s dynasty is showing no signs of slowing down.

The Silver Foxes have won four straight state championships dating back to 2022. In total, Dutch Fork has won 10 state titles, all under head coach Tom Knotts. 

Knotts tied the state record, leading Dutch Fork to the championship last season. This year he will go for the record-breaking No 11. 

Dutch Fork can also tie its own state record of five championships in a row. 

Despite their constant winning, getting to the mountain top is never a cakewalk. 

The Silver Foxes will play a tough schedule against other 5A teams before hitting the region season. Dutch Fork will travel to play Ridge View and Spartanburg. The team will also host Sumter and Gray Collegiate. 

All of those teams could be potential playoff matchups later down the road. 

Dutch Fork was one of the few Lexington County schools to have a bye in the week zero slate. The Silver Foxes will begin their 2026 campaign on the road against Ridge View. 

Players to watch 

Dutch Fork’s team will look a bit different this year but still feature a strong core of returning players. 

For starters, Knotts’ son Jaxon Knotts is back as the team’s starting quarterback. Jaxon is a senior this year and already led the team to one state title as the starter. 

Jaxon will have two new targets this season in Irmo transfers Maleek and Corey Miller. Maleek was a regular contributor for the Yellow Jackets last season, and Corey is only a sophomore. 

The Miller brothers fill a large void at the receiver spot after the Silver Foxes graduated all five of their top pass catchers. 

Last season’s leading rusher is back for the Silver Foxes. Kyle Henry ran for over 600 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2025. 

His backfield partner, Quintin Wilson, is also back. He shared the workload with Henry last season, totaling just under 600 yards and scoring 13 touchdowns in fewer games played. 

On the offensive line, Brody Lorenzo and Niran Ford are two players to keep an eye on. 

Dutch Fork lost a good chunk of production from their defense, but still return guys like defensive tackle Jaden Wuerth and linebacker Ethan Moze. 

Kareem Dupree and Taddrick Gibson are also back after a productive year in the secondary last season. 

2026 schedule 

Week 0 - Aug. 21 - BYE

Week 1 - Aug. 28 - at Ridge View

Week 2 - Sept. 4 - at Spartanburg

Week 3 - Sept. 11 - at Lucy Beckham

Week 4 - Sept. 18 - vs. Sumter

Week 5 - Sept. 25 - vs. Gray Collegiate

Week 6 - Oct. 2 - at Lexington*

Week7 - Oct. 9 - at Chapin*

Week 8 - Oct. 16 - vs. River Bluff

Week 9 - Oct. 23 - BYE

Week 10 - Oct. 30 - vs. White Knoll

Note: (*) indicates a game against a region opponent