The more things change...

Dutch Fork graduated several senior players who contributed to the team’s run of success the past 4 seasons.

With the arrival of a transfer quarterback and returning players moving into starting positions, it looked like business as usual for the Silver Foxes in their opening game.

Dutch Fork rolled past White Knoll 66-0. In extending their streaks of going undefeated overall and wins against South Carolina and region teams, the Silver Foxes set a school record for most points in a season-opener, held the Timberwolves to -12 yards and allowed just 2 1st downs.

Offensively, newcomer Will Taylor put forth a performance worthy of his predecessors at the position.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK - Will Taylor (Dutch Fork)

The Ben Lippen transfer threw for 307 yards and 5 touchdowns and rushed for another score in the season-opening win.

TEAM OF THE WEEK - Chapin

Even with a new quarterback, the Eagles’ offense remained as potent as ever in the season-opener. Down 26-7 to Lower Richland, Chapin stormed back for 40 unanswered points for the 47-26 win.

GRIDIRON GIANTS

Immanuel Bovain (Airport) - 132 yards, TD

Will Way (Brookland-Cayce) - 4 TDs (3 rushing, 1 receiving)

Hunter Sheppard (Chapin) - 160 passing yards, 2 TDs

Bennett Galloway (Chapin) - 170 rushing yards, 39 receiving yards, 2 TDs

Matthew Becker (Chapin) - 8 receptions, 88 yards, TD Zavier Short (Chapin) - 7

Zavier Short (Chapin) - 7 receptions, 77 yards, TD Sam Greer (Chapin) - 15 tackles

Sam Greer (Chapin) - 15 tackles

Elliott Spencer (Dutch Fork) - 3 receptions, 116 yards, 2 TDs

Antonio Williams (Dutch Fork) - 3 receptions, 99 yards, 2 TDs; 72-yard punt return TD

Jarvis Green (Dutch Fork) - 90 total yards, 2 TDs

Colton Mason (Gilbert) - 166 rushing yards, TD

Izayah Whiteside (Gilbert) - 115 passing yards, 2 TDs

LP Snelling (Gilbert) - 10 tackles, sack

KZ Adams (Gray Collegiate) - 280 yards, 2 TDs

Jayon Chambers (Irmo) - 214 yards, 3 TDs

Dylan Williams (Irmo) - 3 TDs (2 rushing, 1 passing)

Azwan James (Pelion) - 121 rushing yards, TD

BY THE NUMBERS

Dutch Fork has posted a 56-1-1 record since 2016 and have posted 12 shutout victories during that span. It has gone 41 straight games without a loss, won 40 straight against South Carolina teams and have defeated 24 consecutive region teams...Gilbert has won its last 7 region games...Irmo scored its most points (63) since a 63-21 win over Lexington on Oct. 26, 2007.

SCHEDULE UPDATE

Swansea will make its 2020 season debut at 7 pm Thursday at home against Orangeburg-Wilkinson. Meanwhile, Lexington, River Bluff and White Knoll are all idled this week as it deals with fallback from covid-19 cases.

The Gators will open the season Oct. 9 at home against Dutch Fork and the Timberwolves travel to Chapin.

The Wildcats will make their 2020 debut Oct. 16 also against Dutch Fork and will play a 4-game regularseason schedule.

STADIUM RULES

Fans will have to follow different protocols in attending games this season:

•Stadium capacity for Lexington District 1 will be at 20%. This means 1,000 fans maximum at Lexington, River Bluff and White Knoll and 800 for Gilbert and Pelion. Lexington-Richland District 5 was approved for 250 spectators or 50 percent stadium capacity.

•Social distancing will be enforced and fans will be asked to wear masks near others and at the concession stands. •Fans are asked to pre-purchase

•Fans are asked to pre-purchase tickets at their schools. If paying at the booth, fans are asked to bring exact change.

CHRONICLE COUNTRY ALUMNI IN ACTION

It was a notable weekend for former local players on the college and NFL level.

On Saturday, kicker Paxton Brooks of Airport and safety Bryce Thompson of Dutch Fork played significant roles in Tennessee’s 31-27 win over the University of South Carolina. In his return to the Palmetto State, Brooks had 6 punts averaging 40.2 yards, 5 of which were downed inside the 20-yard line. His final 1 was muffed by the Gamecocks with 1:29 left to insure the victory.

On defense, Thompson tied Kenneth George Jr. with a team-high 8 tackles. Former Dutch Fork wide receiver Jalin Hyatt was on the sidelines, but did not see action.

On Sunday, Batesburg-Leesville graduate Dontrelle Inman had 2 touchdown receptions for the Washington football team.

It was his 1st scores of the season and 1st since the 2018 season.

In Buffalo, former Dutch Fork placekicker Tyler Bass connected on all 5 PATs in the 35-32 win over the Los Angeles Rams.

The Georgia Southern graduate is a perfect 12-12 on extra points and 3-5 on field goals for the 3-0 Bills.

NOTE TO COACHES

Send your game statistics to chroniclesports@yahoo.com by Monday evening. Your information helps us recognize your top players’ achievements each week in Thursday Morning Quarterback.

CHRONICLE COUNTRY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Thursday’s Game

Orangeburg-Wilkinson at Swansea 7 pm

Friday’s Games (All starting times are 7:30 pm)

North Augusta at Airport

Eau Claire at Batesburg-Leesville

Strom Thurmond at B-C Chapin at Dutch Fork

Chapin at Dutch Fork Fox Creek at Gilbert

Fox Creek at Gilbert

Columbia vs. Gray Collegiate (at Midlands Sports Complex in West Columbia)

Dreher at Irmo

Northside Christian at WW King Academy

Pelion at Silver Bluff