Columbia Gears Up for a Thrilling Weekend of High School Football
As the summer air gives way to the cool embrace of fall, the excitement among Columbia’s high school football fans is palpable. The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has undoubtedly stirred things up throughout the Midlands, leading to several game postponements this week. However, despite the challenges, a number of teams are ready to hit the field, and fans are eagerly awaiting some electrifying matchups.
Highlights of This Week’s Matchups
First up on our list is the Camden Cougars versus South Pointe Stallions. This is the first-ever meeting between the two schools, and both sides are feeling pumped. Players to keep an eye on include Camden’s WR/DB Tylin Drakeford and TE/DL Tanner Bracey. Last week, Camden’s quarterback, Greyson Rimpf, tossed the rock for an impressive 222 yards and two touchdowns against Dreher. Meanwhile, for South Pointe, quarterback Cam McMillon has been on fire, racking up 713 yards and nine touchdowns in just three games since recovering from an injury. You won’t want to miss this game!
Diving into the Dutch Fork vs. Chapin Showdown
As both teams square off for their region opener, Dutch Fork aims to extend their dominance over Chapin. With a historical record of 11 wins to just 2 losses, Dutch Fork has won 11 consecutive games against the Eagles, including a nail-biting last match back in 1993. Keep your eyes on Chapin’s QB Brady Albro, who has thrown for 1,521 yards and 17 touchdowns this season, and Khalen Bostick, who leads the team with 29 catches for a whopping 570 yards. On the other side, Josh Smith leads Dutch Fork with 26 tackles and is a force on defense with three sacks to his name. Our prediction? Dutch Fork seems favored, but Chapin could surprise everyone!
Irmo vs. Lexington: A Clash of Titans
Irmo’s matchup against Lexington is also generating buzz as it’s a region opener for both teams. Lexington has historically held the upper hand, leading 35-24 and recently enjoying a six-game winning streak against the Yellow Jackets. Irmo’s WR Donovan Murph has made headlines this week by announcing he will be reclassifying, potentially changing his college plans. As Irmo’s top receiver with 42 catches and 600 yards, he’ll be crucial for their chances on the field. But players like Lexington’s Matt McAulay, who scored three touchdowns last week, will be a strong opponent to face. It’s sure to be a tough battle, but keep your hopes high for Irmo!
White Knoll Takes on River Bluff
Next, we’ve got White Knoll facing off against River Bluff. Historically, White Knoll leads with a 7-3 record. Last season, they won decisively with a 40-0 shutout. However, River Bluff is averaging an impressive 414 yards of offense per game, making this matchup one to watch. The Knights’ Landon Sharpe has been instrumental with 1,062 yards of offense and 12 touchdowns. Meanwhile, River Bluff’s Parker Murray has shown exceptional accuracy, hitting 78% of his passes, making him a tough competitor. Keep your fingers crossed for an exciting showdown!
New Beginnings: Keenan versus Swansea
Lastly, we have the Keenan Raiders going head to head with Swansea. With their game moved to Saturday at 6:30 p.m., both teams are eager to make their mark after recent disruptions. Keenan’s QB Desmond Washington has amassed 1,047 passing yards, while Swansea, though struggling initially, boasts formidable rushing averages led by Teysean Charley. It’s a first meeting between these two schools since 2011, and fans are hyped up for this fresh rivalry!
Wrapping Up
As the excitement builds, let’s not forget the games that have been postponed, such as American Leadership versus Saluda and others. Despite the disruption caused by Hurricane Helene, the spirit of high school football in Columbia remains unshakeable. We can’t wait to see what these teams bring to the fields this weekend. So, gather your friends and family, grab those snacks, and enjoy the thrill of high school football!
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
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