High School football is entering its final weeks with the semifinal round set to begin this Friday across all classifications. 

Of the six Lexington County teams still competing last week, just three advanced. All three teams represent 5A Region 4 and were in the semifinal round last season. 

Dutch Fork, White Knoll and Irmo will play for a shot in the championship game this week. With this being the first year of two separate 5A tournaments, it is possible both state champions come from the same conference. 

At least one Lexington County team is guaranteed a spot in the 5A Division II title match. Irmo and White Knoll will meet for the second time this season and battle for the Lower State championship. 

In their last meeting, Irmo went on the road and defeated the Timberwolves 35-21. This time, the Yellow Jackets will host the game after earning a top seed in this postseason. 

The game against White Knoll will be the second time Irmo has gone against a region opponent this postseason. The team began its playoff journey beating Chapin 38-7 before defeating West Florence last week 56-7.

Quarterback A.J. Brand had a big outing, finishing with seven total touchdowns, five passing and two rushing. Receiver Maleek Miller had two touchdown receptions and a put return score. Receiver Donovan Murph also contributed two touchdowns. 

White Knoll advanced to its second consecutive semifinal game after winning on the road for the second week in a row. 

The Timberwolves defense played tremendous in their 23-3 win over Berkeley. It was the second-lowest-scoring output for a White Knoll opponent this season, trailing only Fort Dorchester, who was shutout 38-0 in the non-region season. 

Quarterback Landon Sharpe and running back Tiyon Fanning combined for three rushing touchdowns. 

White Knoll is playing some of its best football at the right time. After a shaky 1-4 record in the region season, the team has bounced back and won all three of its playoff games by multiple possessions. 

The rematch with Irmo will be the team’s toughest test yet. It is a win-or-go-home game between two of the state’s best teams. White Knoll is looking to avoid a similar fate to last season when the team lost to region rival Dutch Fork in the title game. 

 Dutch Fork’s game this week might not be a rematch against a region rival, but it is still a rematch. 

The Silver Foxes will host Spartanburg in a rematch from their week zero meeting. Dutch Fork won that contest on the road 24-7 to kick off an impressive regular season run. 

Dutch Fork has been dominant all year, and that extended into the postseason. The team defeated River Bluff last week, dominating the Gators 52-14. 

Running back Maurice Anderson had a big game on the ground, rushing for over 150 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Ethan Offing also ran for two touchdowns. 

Linebacker Josh Smith blocked a field goal, and Jarvis Jackson scooped the ball and ran 73 yards into the endzone.

A win over Spartanburg would put Dutch Fork in its ninth consecutive state championship game. In their last eight appearances, the Silver Foxes have won seven 5A state championships. 

River Bluffs season came to an end in the loss to Dutch Fork. The Gators put together a solid season advancing to the third round of the playoffs after finishing winless in the region and going out in the first round in 2023. 

The Gators earned their first-ever 10-win season and went 7-0 against non-region teams and 10-0 against teams not named Dutch Fork or Irmo.

Gilbert was also matched against a region foe in the third round of the postseason. The Indians traveled to North Augusta for the second time this season and got thrashed 63-14. 

The Indians finish 8-5 in their first season under new head coach Ozzy Exume. The team placed second in region after Gray Collegiate’s forfeits and will look to improve before their second season in 4A play. 

Batesburg-Leesville was the third Lexington County team eliminated from the action last week. Despite an undefeated regular season, the Panthers hit the road for a game against Clinton. 

The Panthers kept it close in the first half, but Clinton outscored Batesburg-Leesville 17-0 in the second half to secure a spot in the 2A semifinal. 

There is just one more week before the state championship matches are set. All eyes will be on the 5A brackets this week as Lexington County’s remaining teams fight for a spot in title matches. 

Last Week’s Big Performances

A.J. Brand eclipsed 11,000 yards in his career and recorded seven total touchdowns as Irmo advanced to the 5A-Division II Lower State championship.

Jarvis Jackson scored a 73-yard kick return touchdown in Dutch Fork’s win over River Bluff.

Landon Sharpe had two rushing touchdowns in White Knoll's win to advance to the Lower State championship against Irmo.

Maleek Miller accounted for three touchdowns in Irmo’s win over West Florence, including a punt return touchdown. 

Round 3 Area Scoreboard 

Dutch Fork: 52, River Bluff: 14

Irmo: 56, West Florence: 7 

White Knoll: 23, Berkeley: 3 

North Augusta: 63, Gilbert: 14

Clinton: 31, Batesburg-Leesville: 14

Semifinal Schedule

Irmo vs. White Knoll

Dutch Fork vs. Spartanburg