First Fall Update

Dutch Fork:  (4-1)

Dutch Fork took their first loss of the season last week when they went on the road to play Goose Creek.  I was able to watch it on schsl.tv which I didn't find out about until after it had already started but I was pleasantly surprised at the video quality and lack of re-buffering throughout the game. I do not know if they do this for select schools and/or games or what.  I did notice that they were airing other games too.  The DF/GC game did not have announcers but another game did so I do not know what that all means but if schsl.tv ever wants to do a DF game again, I would love to help with the announcing.  Back to the game...it appeared obvious that Goose Creek is very, very good and DF had a very tough time stopping their running game.  They say the key to stopping that kind of attack is playing smart, assignment football.  If you do that and still get beat, then you just have to tip your hat and say you got beat by a better team.  I'm not a football coach so I do not know exactly what was going on but it resulted in DF's first loss of the season.  As a result of the first 5 games, DF is limping into rivalry week with some key injuries.  Omar Staley, their senior, two way lineman, suffered a knee injury and is reported to be out a few weeks and on the first drive of last week's game against Goose Creek, junior, Matt Colburn, suffered a knee injury at the goal line.  I don't look for these two to return for the Irmo game and I really don't think they will need them.  Irmo has hung tough against a couple of quality opponents but have only mustered 1 win in 5 tries.  DF, on the other hand, have taken on some heavyweights from around the state and are now sitting at 4-1 with that one loss probably to a state title contender.  Since it is a rivalry, all bets are off and it will be a spirited, heavily attended event.  I just learned it will be aired on 93.1 FM, locally.  This "cross-interstate" battle will likely be won by the Silver Foxes.  After this game DF will start their region play.  If they play like they are capable of and have everyone healthy, they should be undefeated in the region until their showdown at North Augusta HS.  That game will have a huge impact on home field advantage in the playoffs. 

The JV, B and C teams are all undefeated at this time.  They all take on Irmo this week...The Silver Foxes are looking for a sweep. 

USC and Clemson:

With Clemson's huge win over the UGA Bulldogs, they have and will put it on cruise control until they face Florida State.  That will be their toughest regular season game, in conference.  They seem to have all cylinders firing at the right times on offense and their defense really looks fast and aggressive. 

USC is still trying to figure out their defense.  No one really knows if it is talent, lack of depth, defensive scheme, coaching or a combination of those above.  For the first time since I can remember, the offense actually has to carry our defense until they figure it all out.  All I can say is if Mike Davis gets injured, it's going to be a long year.  He carried the team on his back last weekend for their come from behind win against UCF.  This is a team that can either get really good or go really bad.  It remains to be seen.