South Carolina High School Football Rankings: Top 25 Teams - Oct. 21

The South Carolina On3 Massey Ratings Top 25 list as of Oct. 21 saw minimal changes, especially in the top half of the rankings. With the state tournament fast approaching, here’s how the best squads in South Carolina high school football fare after another round of games.

The On3 Massey Ratings, officially used during the BCS era, is a model that ranks sports teams by analyzing game outcomes, strength of schedule, and margin of victory. According to the model, two teams from South Carolina rank inside the nationwide top 100.

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1. Dutch Fork

The Silver Foxes remain the top team in South Carolina after their seventh consecutive victory. What’s more impressive is that they’ve completed their fifth shutout victory in seven games against Lexington. While they’ve kept the Wildcats off the scoreboard, quarterback Ethan Offing threw for 308 yards and two touchdowns. KJ Smith, Braydon Johnson, and Isaac Shine had one touchdown each. The 22^nd-best team in the country will put their undefeated record on the line against River Bluff on Nov. 1.  

2. Northwestern

The Trojans trampled over Rock Hill to secure their ninth victory in as many matches. Northwestern scored 55 points against the Bearcats, led by Finley Polk’s two passing and three rushing touchdowns. Meanwhile, CJ Broughton contributed 109 passing yards and a touchdown. South Carolina high school football’s best offense also generated touchdowns from Nigel Smith, Daniel Caldwell, TD Knox, and David Flood. With the 28^th-best team in the nation scoring at least 55 points in each of their last five games, Indian Land might have trouble slowing them down during their Nov. 1 matchup.

3. Irmo

The Yellow Jackets are at 8-0 after defeating the 17^th-ranked White Knoll. Their victory over the Timberwolves marks the fifth time they’ve scored 35 points this season. From a 14-all count at halftime, Irmo dominated the second half thanks to three rushing touchdowns while limiting White Knoll to seven points. Irmo’s season continues by hosting Chapin on Nov. 1.

4. Gaffney

The Indians improved to 6-0 after escaping with a one-possession victory against Riverside. Jamarcus Smith toyed with the Warriors defense, tallying 14 carries for 203 rushing yards and a touchdown. Andrew Ruppe and Trason Smith also crossed the goal line for touchdowns. Meanwhile, Gaffney’s defense contributed 12 tackles and four sacks, three courtesy of Kendaris Bailey. The Indians proceed with their campaign as they face Dorman on the 25^th.

5. Spartanburg

The Vikings marched to a four-game winning streak after a home victory against Boiling Springs. Spartanburg scored 27 points in the first half, but the Bulldogs couldn’t match that total. What’s more impressive is that the Vikings have limited their last four opponents to single-digit scores. The fifth-best team in South Carolina high school football will try to limit James F. Byrnes’ scoring when they clash on Oct. 25.

6. Westside

That’s six straight victories for the Rams after a 49-19 explosion against Fountain Inn. In the opening quarter, Westside scored touchdowns off a pass from Cutter Woods to Armoni Weaver, a blocked punt return by Ja’nyzae Allen, and a rushing TD by Dreson Evans. Westside’s defense deserves credit because Fountain Inn didn’t score until the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, scoring 41 points or more in their last five games made the Rams the state’s fourth-best offense. Westside’s season continues with a trip to Laurens on the 25^th.

7. Summerville

The Green Wave survived their grittiest challenge as of late, beating Ashley Ridge by one point, 49-48. Jaden Cummings’ rushing touchdown and the PAT had Summerville ahead in the second overtime, 49-42. However, the Swamp Foxes failed to score on a two-point try, giving the home team an 8-0 record. Jayven Williams dominated Ashley Ridge with 268 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Summerville will aim for their ninth consecutive victory when they host West Ashley on Oct. 25.

8. South Pointe

While the Stallions couldn’t sustain their streak of shutout victories, they are still on a four-game winning streak after their 42-13 win over Lancaster. Cam McMillon was on point against the Bruins, throwing for 373 yards and three touchdowns while missing only four attempts. Meanwhile, Lancaster couldn’t stop Mason Pickett-Hicks, who finished with 291 rushing yards and three touchdowns. On the other side of the ball, Aakil Brown and Tamareon Williams combined for 6.5 of South Pointe’s ten sacks. The Stallions can extend their winning streak with a road win over Dreher on the 25^th.

9. Sumter

The Gamecocks haven’t been challenged in their last six victories, settling an average victory margin of 31.5 points. In their 49-20 win over Blythewood, John Peeples and Kameron Fortune combined for 219 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Meanwhile, Jayden Kennedy finished with three catches for 131 yards and a touchdown. Next for Sumter in the 2024 South Carolina high school football season is another home game against Westwood on Nov. 1.

10. T. L. Hanna

The Yellow Jackets re-enter the top ten after a 42-20 home victory against J.L. Mann. They’ve won three of their last four games and have scored over 40 points in back-to-back matches. They’ve also increased their average winning margin from five points in their first two wins to 25 in their next two games. At 4-2, T.L. Hanna can improve its record with a road win over Eastley.

Teams 11-25 in the latest South Carolina High School Football Rankings

11. JL Mann
12. South Florence
13. Hillcrest
14. DW Daniel
15. River Bluff
16. Byrnes
17. White Knoll
18. Greenwood
19. Dorman
20. Belton-Honea Path
21. Boiling Springs
22. Wren
23. Ridge View
24. Clover
25. Hartsville