Dutch Fork sends a message as the South Carolina state playoffs begin

Recapping the first round high school action in the SCHSAA football playoffs got underway on Friday

Dutch Fork had its worst regular season in many years, going 5-5.

That appears to have been left in the dust as the defending state champions overwhelmed Boiling Springs, 56-7, in the first round of the 5-A state playoffs Friday night,

Dutch Fork, playing a very tough schedule, started the season 2-5.

Senior quarterback Jon Hunt was 8-of-11 for 208 yards and 3 touchdowns. One of those was an 88-yard screen pass to Trent Lodge.

Jacob Hamilton returned a punt 80 yards for a touchdown and had a 37-yard touchdown catch. Bryce Nutall returned a fumble 35 yards for a touchdown.

South Carolina high school football brackets: 2023 state playoffs scores, updates (11/4/2023)

Here’s a look at some other key games:

5-A

White Knoll 28, Cane Bay 0

The undefeated Timberwolves won their program-record 11th game of the season. Quarterback Landon was a near perfect 20-of-23 for 239 yards and 3 touchdowns. Sharpe added a touchdown run.

Fort Dorchester 40, Socastee 14

The Patriots trailed two-win Socastee 6-0 and held a slim 17-14 lead in the third quarter before pulling away.

4-A

Irmo, RNE set point records

Irmo crushed Colleton County 85-0 as quarterback A.J. Brand was 16-of-19 for 277 yards and 7 total touchdowns. Jaden Allen-Hendrix had 133 yards rushing and scored 4 touchdowns.

Richland Northeast scored a wild 88-54 win over Bluffton. Quarterback Will Wilson rushed for 401 yards and 5 touchdowns. Running back James Willingham also had five touchdowns for the Cavaliers.

Lancaster pulls a shocker

Lancaster went 1-9 and barely made the playoffs as an at-large team. But the Bruins stunned Ridge View 26-14 as Mikal McCollum scored a pair of touchdowns.

South Florence cruises

Defending state champion South Florence blanked Lugoff-Elgin as Sy’Ree Livingston had four rushing touchdowns. The Bruins have won 26 consecutive games.

3-A

Gilbert drubs Darlington

Trevon Williamson ran for 201 yards and 4 touchdowns as Gilbert drubbed Darlington 49-12. Quarterback Drake Braddock threw for 237 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Beaufort rallies past Loris

Jadyn Andrews carried 22 times for 128 yards and 4 touchdowns as defending state champion Beaufort rallied for a 30-13 win over Loris.

The Eagles trailed 13-0 in the first half but dominated later in the game.

2-A

Gray Collegiate routs Pelion

The War Eagles, who received forfeits in all their region games, routed Pelion 62-0. Caleb Ford ran for 150 yards and a touchdown. Michael Boulware intercepted two passes, returning one for a touchdown.

Abbeville opens title defense

Abbeville whipped Columbia 46-6 to open defense of its state championship.

1-A

Calhoun County crushes Whitmire

Shrine Bowl selection Ahmir Smith ran for three touchdowns in the Saints’ 62-0 romp. Tykest Davenport had two touchdown runs and Trevon Coleman returned an interception for a touchdown.

SCISA

Hammond rolls again

Perennial state champion Hammond opened the playoffs with a 41-17 win over Trinity Collegiate as Manny Johnson ran for two touchdowns and Robert Malanuk threw for two more.

Cardinal Newman rolls

Cortez Lane had four touchdowns as the Cardinals beat Augusta Christian 41-24 to set up a rematch with Hammond.