It was a thrilling week of playoff football for the four remaining teams in Lexington County. 

All four played in close, physical games that weren’t decided until the final minutes. Three walked away Friday night winners, securing their spot in the state semifinal round. 

The lone loser fell at the hands of its peer in a local matchup. 

Irmo and White Knoll faced off for the second time this season and fourth time in the past two years. The Yellow Jackets entered this game 3-0 in the previous meetings, including a win in last season’s state tournament.

This season’s playoff game ended in the same result. The Yellow Jackets built an early lead and held off a Timberwolves push to secure a 28-14 win and spot in the 5A Division II Lower State Championship game. 

It’s the third straight state semifinal appearance for the Yellow Jackets. Irmo made it to the 5A Division II championship last season, losing to Northwestern on a last-second field goal. The year before, the team went to the 4A state semifinal and lost to South Florence. 

White Knoll goes out in the third round after advancing to the state semifinal against Irmo last season. In the past three years, the Timberwolves have been eliminated by a county rival, losing to Dutch Fork in the 2023 5A state championship game. 

The Silver Foxes, who play in 5A Division I, are also back in the state semifinal after beating Byrnes.

Dutch Fork’s defense dominated the game, forcing a shutout against a Byrnes team that averaged 34 points per contest entering the match. While the Silver Foxes struggled at times, they made enough plays to run away with a 21-0 win.

The Silver Foxes will play Dorman in the Upper State Championship game. Dutch Fork is playing for its 10th straight state championship appearance and ninth title in that span. 

Down in 4A, Gray Collegiate’s run continues after Weston Mims’ last-second field goal gave the team a 31-28 win over Hilton Head Island. 

The War Eagles have come a long way since being forced to skip the playoffs last season. It’s the team’s first run in 4A after having some success during their final few years in 2A. 

Now just one game stands in the way of Gray and a spot in the 4A title match. The War Eagles will have to knock off the king to take the crown first. The team plays defending champions South Florence in the semifinal this week. 

The South Carolina football championships will be played at the South Carolina State University football stadium in Orangeburg. The 5A Division II game will be played on Friday, Dec. 5. The 5A Division I and 4A championships are Saturday, Dec. 6.

Last week’s big performances 

Trevon Williamson ran for over 230 yards and had two touchdowns for Gray Collegiate in a win over Hilton Head Island.

Maleek Miller had a passing and rushing touchdown for Irmo in its playoff win against White Knoll. 

Sheldon Shine was a threat in Dutch Fork’s pass and rushing games, recording over 50 total yards of offense and a touchdown. 

State semifinal schedule

Dutch Fork vs. Dorman 

Irmo vs. Berkeley 

Gray Collegiate at South Florence

Full playoff scoreboard

Round 1

River Bluff: 24, Cane Bay: 13

Fort Dorchester: 24, Lexington: 21

Gray Collegiate: 63, Brookland-Cayce: 7

Gilbert: 38, Bluffton: 21

Marlboro: 49, Swansea: 13

Batesburg-Leesville: 42, Eau Claire: 0

Liberty: 35, Pelion: 14

Pinewood Prep: 60, Northside Christian: 13

Round 2

Dutch Fork: 42, Boiling Springs: 7

Irmo: 41, Lugoff-Elgin: 16

Stratford: 40, River Bluff: 35

White Knoll: 14, Lucy Beckham: 10

North Augusta: 35, Gilbert: 7

Gray Collegiate: 49, Hartsville: 28

Chester: 42, Batesburg-Leesville: 28

Round 3

Irmo: 28, White Knoll: 14

Dutch Fork: 21, Byrnes: 0

Gray Collegiate: 31, Hilton Head Island: 28