2025 Dark Horses

[DFOLDMAN]

Looking at the upcoming season, I think we all have IDed our favorites to win each class in SCHSL football. For me, its 5A1 - Dutch Fork (shocker, though I know the usual suspects like Sumter, Spartanburg, Summerville, Fort D have a different plan); 5A2- Gaffney (NW is the champ so I never count them out, White Knoll, Irmo want to be in that fight); 4A - South Florence (Westside, South Pointe, North Augusta can all be in the conversation and Gray if they stay out of trouble I suspect- not sure of their status); 3A- Oceanside (though Dillon, BHP, MVP, Woodruff likely have a different opion); 2A - Clinton (Chester is always a threat in my mind); 1A - Abbeville (if the classifications stay like this for any length of time they will pass Gaffney for total state titles).

DF, Gaffney, South Florence, Oceanside, Clinton and Abbeville. No shockers there, as well as any of the teams I mentioned. Who are your dark horses for 2025 to win a title or make a deep unsuspected playoff run?

Fear The Fox...

[8timechamps]

I’d at least include Daniel on dark horses. New coach, but he’ll of a lot of talent left over from Fruster the Rooster in skill positions

[GoldRanger]

One of my Greenville county teams will be good. I don’t know which one right now though. Gotta see how the portal plays out lol

[GoldRanger]

One of my Greenville county teams will be good. I don’t know which one right now though. Gotta see how the portal plays out lol

[SF Band dad]

4A - Hartsville. They always reload and are in the mix to make a deep run.

[HoodRoad]

Fingers crossed Powdersville (AAA) can make a deep run if we can stay healthy and get some production at the line of scrimmage. As usual we have plenty skill players and some key players returning from injury last season. A new OL will be the big factor and we've got some pretty good youngsters. Not sure what our D is gonna look like yet so we may just have to shoot it out every week. Gotta grow 'em up fast just like last year starting with Seneca, Abbeville, and Wren. Region wise CCES should be better, not sure about SJHS or SSCS. Palmetto might be a little better and then there's Carolina.

[DFOLDMAN]

I’d at least include Daniel on dark horses. New coach, but he’ll of a lot of talent left over from Fruster the Rooster in skill positions

D. Wistar wouldn’t be considered a dark horse neither would a team like Hartsville… teams like those are always primed for a deep run in the playoffs. I expect those teams to make it to the 3rd round almost every season. I am going to give my 2 cents on my dark horses soon.

Fear The Fox…

[DFOLDMAN]

I’d at least include Daniel on dark horses. New coach, but he’ll of a lot of talent left over from Fruster the Rooster in skill positions

D. Wistar wouldn’t be considered a dark horse neither would a team like Hartsville… teams like those are always primed for a deep run in the playoffs. I expect those teams to make it to the 3rd round almost every season. I am going to give my 2 cents on my dark horses soon.

Fear The Fox…

My dark horse team for each classification, not saying they will win it all or even make the title game - I'm firm in my predictions on the champions for each classification, but I believe the teams below will make deeper than expected runs in the playoffs.
1A- Lamar....I know, I know nothing earth shattering there, but anyone besides Abbeville is a dark horse in 1A.
2A- Newberry- They play a tough schedule and have given good teams- even much larger schools a tough go of it.
3A- Swansea- Nothing too promising from last season, just a gut feeling. The Tigers periodically shock some folks, and I think 2025 is the year.
4A- Greer- Grrrrrrrrrr return to glory? Well, maybe no hardware this season but better for sure. Not seeing a win over the Rebels this season but a good run in the post-season.
5A2- Catawba Ridge- Had a bunch of Juniors on last year's team and that returning senior leadership should equal a good team.
5A1- Lexington- LHS showed glimpses of a good team last season, with a strong start at 5-2 with wins over good teams from Gilbert, North Augusta, and Chapin...the wheels came off after the DF game, but I think they will be better and have a good post-season as well.

My two cents. Let me hear your thoughts.

Fear The Fox...

[SF Band dad]

Hey Pennywise! What do you think? Will you get to watch your Stags play 15 games this year?