Columbia, SC, August 12, 2025
News Summary
The South Carolina Prep Football Media has unveiled its preseason rankings, with Dutch Fork High School emerging as the top team after securing 16 first-place votes. The rankings also highlight other strong contenders in the state, including Summerville, Gaffney, and South Pointe in Class AA. With rigorous practices and scrimmages ongoing, the anticipation for the official football season is building, set to kick off with games starting August 15.
Columbia, SC — The South Carolina Prep Football Media has released its preseason rankings ahead of the upcoming high school football season, with the Dutch Fork High School team taking the lead in a crowded field. Dutch Fork garnered 16 first-place votes, solidifying its reputation as a powerhouse in South Carolina prep football.
Other top-ranked teams in the South Carolina Prep Poll include:
- 2. Summerville
- 3. Gaffney
- 4. Northwestern (1 first-place vote)
- 5. Irmo
- 6. Spartanburg
- 7. Greenwood
- 8. Sumter
- 9. TL Hanna
- 10. Byrnes (tied) and Ridge View (tied)
Additionally, several other teams received votes, with notable mentions including White Knoll, Hillcrest, JL Mann, River Bluff, and Dorman, among others. This level of support reflects a highly competitive atmosphere within the league.
In the Class AA rankings, South Pointe leads with 10 first-place votes, followed closely by:
- 2. South Florence (6 first-place votes)
- 3. Westside (1 first-place vote)
- 4. Hartsville
- 5. North Augusta
- 6. Daniel
- 7. AC Flora
- 8. Camden
- 9. Bishop England
- 10. Gray Collegiate
Other Class AA teams receiving votes include Seneca, Greer, Wren, and Bluffton, indicating a diverse and competitive landscape.
In Class A, Oceanside Collegiate took the top position with 12 first-place votes, while your other top contenders consist of:
- 2. Dillon (2 first-place votes)
- 3. Belton-Honea Path (2 first-place votes)
- 4. Woodruff (1 first-place vote)
- 5. Mountain View Prep
- 6. Loris
- 7. Powdersville
- 8. Newberry
- 9. Christ Church
- 10. Orangeburg-Wilkinson
The Class A rankings also include Clinton at the top with 15 first-place votes, followed by:
- 2. Fairfield Central (1 first-place vote)
- 3. Batesburg-Leesville
- 4. Hampton County
- 5. Chester (1 first-place vote)
- 6. Barnwell
- 7. Manning (tie)
- 7. Philip Simmons (tie)
- 9. Cheraw
- 10. Central (Pageland)
Also in Class A, Abbeville boasts the lead with 13 first-place votes, followed by:
- 2. Cross (3 first-place votes)
- 3. Lewisville (1 first-place vote)
- 4. Lake View
- 5. Bamberg-Ehrhardt
- 6. Lamar
- 7. Hunter-Kinard-Tyler
- 8. Blackville-Hilda
- 9. Johnsonville
- 10. Hannah-Pamplico (tie) and Latta (tie)
With this announcement, voters comprising various sports reporters and news outlets have contributed to the poll. Fall football practices are currently underway for schools in the South Carolina High School League, with scrimmages and jamborees on the horizon.
The first official games are lined up for Week Zero on August 15, followed by additional matches starting August 21 and 22, signaling the commencement of the high school football season in South Carolina.
FAQ
What is the South Carolina Prep Football Media Preseason Poll?
The South Carolina Prep Football Media Preseason Poll ranks high school football teams throughout the state based on votes from sports reporters and media outlets.
Who is ranked first in the preseason poll for 2025?
Dutch Fork High School is ranked first in the South Carolina Prep Football Media Preseason Poll with 16 first-place votes.
When do the official games begin?
Official games for the South Carolina high school football season start on Week Zero, which is scheduled for August 15, with further games commencing on August 21 and 22.
How many teams are ranked in each class?
There are 10 teams ranked in both Class A and Class AA, while Class AAA has a list of teams ranked with additional mentions for those receiving votes.
Key Features of the South Carolina Prep Football Media Preseason Rankings
| Class | Rankings | First-Place Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Class AAA | Dutch Fork, Summerville, Gaffney, Northwestern, Irmo | 16, 0, 0, 1, 0 |
| Class AA | South Pointe, South Florence, Westside, Hartsville, North Augusta | 10, 6, 1, 0, 0 |
| Class A | Oceanside Collegiate, Dillon, Belton-Honea Path, Woodruff, Mountain View Prep | 12, 2, 2, 1, 0 |
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