High school football is nearing an end in Lexington County, with just four teams left standing after a hard-fought first two rounds. 

Three of the remaining teams come from Lexington’s big 5A conference. Dutch Fork, Irmo and White Knoll all earned first-round byes and won their opening game last week. 

No team in South Carolina has been as dominant in the playoffs as Dutch Fork. The Silver Foxes are aiming for their fourth state title in a row and ninth in the past 10 years. 

The team began its 2025 playoff journey at home last week against Boiling Springs. Dutch Fork easily handled business and won 42-7. It was a big night for the Silver Foxes’ passing attack, going for over 300 yards. 

Dutch Fork will be back at home this week against Byrnes, looking to advance in the 5A Division I bracket. 

Irmo and White Knoll play in the 5A Division II bracket and will face off this season in a high-stakes win-or-go-home match. It’s the second year in a row that the Yellow Jackets and Timberwolves are meeting in the playoffs. Irmo won 29-25 last season to go to the 2024 state title game. 

In their regular season meeting this year, Irmo won 14-3. 

The Yellow Jackets are coming off a blowout win over Lugoff-Elgin to start their playoff run. Irmo is seeking redemption after losing last year’s state title game on a last-second field goal. 

White Knoll is coming off a nail-biter against Lucy Beckham. The Timberwolves' offense struggled early but made enough plays to take the lead and hold on. 

After giving up an opening drive touchdown, White Knoll’s defense shut down Lucy Beckham, giving up just a field goal. 

The winner of the Irmo-White Knoll game will advance to the Lower State Championship game. 

Outside of 5A, Gray Collegiate is the last remaining Lexington County team. 

The War Eagles finished first in their region and got to host their first two postseason games. Gray defeated local rival Brookland-Cayce in round one before welcoming Hartsville in round two. 

Gray has looked strong in both of those games, winning big by scores of 63-7 and 49-28. The team will be on the road for its third round game against Hilton Head Island. 

This is Gray’s first go-around in the 4A playoffs after moving up from 2A two seasons ago. Gray was barred from the playoffs last season after being sanctioned by the South Carolina High School League. 

Gilbert, Batesburg-Leesville and River Bluff’s seasons all concluded last week with a second-round loss. 

Lexington, Swansea, Pelion and Northside Christian went out in week one. 

Third round action will begin this Friday. Teams all over the state will be fighting to continue their season and earn a spot in the Upper or Lower state championship games. 

After that, the winning teams will travel to South Carolina State University for the state championships on Dec. 5 and 6. 

Last week’s big performances 

Jaxon Knotts threw for over 300 yards and had four total touchdowns in Dutch Fork’s opening playoff win. 

Trevon Williamson picked up over 100 yards on the ground and had three rushing touchdowns for Gray Collegiate against Hartsville. 

Dre Dopson had four touchdown passes in Irmo’s playoff win against Lugoff-Elgin. 

Caleb Geronomi caught a pass over two defenders and took it to the house for a 40-yard touchdown in White Knoll’s win.

Round 3 schedule

Irmo vs. White Knoll

Dutch Fork vs. Byrnes

Gray Collegiate at Hilton Head Island

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