With the 2023 football season on the horizon, the preseason media polls have finally been released. The Top 10 were voted on in each, crystallizing the hype for teams expected to compete for South Carolina High School Sports League championships.

Chronicle Country has four schools that are ranked in their respective classifications, while two others received votes.

5A
1. Dutch Fork
2. Gaffney
3. Summerville
4. Fort Dorchester
5. Byrnes
6. Sumter
7. TL Hanna
8. Spartanburg
9. Lexington
10. Dorman

Others receiving votes: Blythewood, Hillcrest, JL Mann

It’s a different year, but the expectations remain the same. Perennial powerhouse Dutch Fork is once again picked to win the state title. The Silver Foxes have won six of the last seven 5A state championships and under head coach Tom Knotts, they’ve won seven state titles since 2013.
The team that is expected to give them the toughest test in the region and in the county is Lexington. The Wildcats return star quarterback Taiden Mines and welcome new head coach and Wildcat alum Dustin Curtis. Last season, Dutch Fork won their meeting in 2022 by a score of 63-7.

4A
1. Northwestern
2. Greenville
3. South Florence
4. South Pointe
5. Hartsville
6. AC Flora
7. James Island
8. Catawba Ridge
9. West Side
10. West Florence

Others receiving votes: Irmo, Myrtle Beach, Greenwood, Ridge View, Indian Land

In 4A, Irmo is the only Lexington County School receiving a vote but didn’t receive enough to crack the Top 10. The Yellow Jackets have tons of talent but are still a little young. Offensively, the return of offensive lineman (and Georgia State commit) Elijah Williams will be a huge help to star quarterback A.J. Brand, as will the addition of transfer wide receiver Donovan Murph, a highly touted sophomore who is already receiving the attention of division one college football programs. If Irmo can play beyond their years and to their talent level, it won’t be long before they break through into the top ten.

3A
1. Dillon
2. Beaufort
3. Daniel
4. Clinton
5. Camden
6. Chester
7. Belton Honea Path
8. Powdersville
9. Gilbert
10. Manning

Others receiving votes: Broome, Chapman, Brookland-Cayce, Crestwood, Phillip Simmons, Seneca, Hanahan

Gilbert cracks the Top 10 going into this season as the Indians look to win their fifth consecutive region title. Head coach Chad Leaphart has been complimented by coaches all summer for the program he’s built, king of the Region V-3A castle until proven otherwise.
Brookland-Cayce, which didn’t quite receive enough votes to get into the preseason poll, looks like the team in the region best equipped to knock off the Indians.

2A
1. Abbeville
2. Gray Collegiate
3. Oceanside Collegiate
4. Fairfield Central
5. Marion
6. Andrew Jackson
7. Hampton County
8. Silver Bluff
9. Strom Thurmond
10. Barnwell and Saluda (tie)

Others receiving votes: Woodland, Buford, Ninety-Six, Timberland

In 2A, traditional powerhouse and defending state champion Abbeville sits at No. 1 to start the season, but Gray Collegiate isn’t far behind, receiving four first place votes.
The War Eagles are determined to get back on top, and according to head coach Adam Holmes, the off-season motto is “R.O.T( “Regain Our Title”). With the amount of production they have returning and with Appalachian State offensive line commit JT Sowell commanding the trenches, Gray Collegiate will certainly be in the mix to do just that.

1A
1. Christ Church
2. Lewisville
3. Bamberg-Ehrhardt
4. Lamar
5. Southside Christian
6. Johnsonville
7. St. Joseph’s (tie)
7. Lakeview (tie)
7. Cross (tie)
10. Whale Branch

Others receiving votes: Latta, Carvers Bay, Wagener-Salley, Baptist Hill, Great Falls