Byrnes football has advanced to the state quarterfinals for the first time since 2022. The Rebels have visions and dreams of hoisting the 5-A D1 state championship in December.
To get there, they’ll have to beat the team that’s done that eight times in the last nine years.
Byrnes takes the trip down to No.1 Dutch Fork (10-1) on Friday night to face off against the Silver Foxes in the 5-A state quarterfinals.
Byrnes head coach Reggie Shaw knows it will be a challenge. But the ninth-year HC has been preaching discipline and “faith” in the face of a steep task.
“A lot of people view this as David vs. Goliath,” said Shaw. “Goliath was a champion, but David had faith… we’ve just got to remember how we got here. We’re blessed to be here in this position, and we’re battle-tested. We’re built for this.”
It will likely take every ounce of belief the Rebels have, and a nearly mistake-free football game, to take down the three-time defending state champions.
Dutch Fork boasts immense talent on both sides of the ball, headlined by four-star Michigan-commit Julian Walker at defensive end. Junior defensive lineman Jaden Wuerth has double-digit Division 1 offers, as well.
On the offensive side of the ball, Stone Furrey — son of South Carolina Gamecocks acting offensive coordinator Mike Furrey — headlines the receiver room. Furrey missed the Silver Foxes’ opening playoff win vs. Boiling Springs but is expected to return to action against Byrnes.
Jaxon Knotts — son of Dutch Fork HC Tom Knotts — operates as quarterback. In his first season under center for his father’s team, Jaxon has passed for 1953 yards, 15 touchdowns, and added seven more scores on the ground.
“Dutch Fork’s offense gets a lot of publicity, but their defense is really good,” said Shaw. “They know where they're supposed to be. Their front four is really good. The two defensive ends are just anchors, man. They don't get moved. Their linebackers are really good at being in position, and the defensive backs don't get beaten deep very often.
“And offensively, they throw a lot of motions at you, a lot of eye candy, to try to get you misaligned and distracted. They'll take some deep shots, so you’ve got to be prepared for that, and you’ve got to be prepared for a variety of runs.”
Byrnes senior defensive end Justice Hopkins knows every game could be his last, so he’s staying ready for every moment. Hopkins knows it will take a complete effort to come out with the win on Friday.
“I’m making sure myself and everyone on the team is prepared right,” said Hopkins. “I know this team will be locked in and ready to go.”
For Hopkins, this game will have even more added meaning. The Shrine Bowler grew up in the Midlands, and he knows he’ll have family members from back home in the stands.
They just may be wearing different colors. And they probably won’t be sitting in the Byrnes section.
“I’ve actually got some family down in the area… I grew up in Columbia, and a lot of my family are Dutch Fork people,” said Hopkins. “So it will be tense, for sure. I’ve just got to block the noise out and lock in and play my game.”
At this point of the season, that’s all Shaw wants his Byrnes team to do.
He’s seen the growth in his team from day one until now.
For the Rebels, it’s a matter of leaving it all on the line.
“We have to execute at a high level on all sides of the ball,” said Shaw. “We can’t beat ourselves, because we know [Dutch Fork] isn’t going to do that by making mistakes.
“In all three phases of the game, we have to be at our best. That’s what it’s going to take.”
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