Categories: School News

Oceanside Collegiate and Dutch Fork Win State Football Championships

A thrilling moment from the South Carolina High School Football Championships.

News Summary

The 2024 South Carolina High School League’s football state championships featured thrilling games and outstanding performances. Oceanside Collegiate triumphed over Belton-Honea Path 35-17 in Class 3A while Dutch Fork claimed its ninth championship by defeating Summerville 35-21 in Class 5A Division I. Other key victories included Clinton and Abbeville in their respective classes. The weekend celebrated the talent and hard work of high school football teams in South Carolina, leaving fans eager for future seasons.

Oceanside Collegiate and Dutch Fork Celebrate Big Victories in South Carolina High School Football State Championships

In a thrilling weekend packed with sportsmanship and excitement, the 2024 South Carolina High School League’s football state championships showcased some fantastic talent at S.C. State’s Oliver C. Dawson Stadium. From Thursday through Saturday, football fans gathered to witness the best teams battle it out for coveted state titles.

Oceanside Collegiate Reigns Supreme in Class 3A

Fans were on the edge of their seats as Oceanside Collegiate faced off against Belton-Honea Path in the highly anticipated Class 3A final. With a final score of 35 to 17, Oceanside Collegiate not only emerged victorious but also aimed for their second consecutive championship. This match-up was especially thrilling as Belton-Honea Path’s star running back, Marquise Henderson, wowed audiences with an impressive season, rushing for nearly 2,000 yards and scoring 25 touchdowns throughout the year. However, Oceanside’s seasoned squad, built on hard work and resilience after stumbling early in the season, stood strong to claim their title.

Exceptional Battles in 5A Division II and Other Class Finals

The action didn’t stop there. In the Class 5A Division II final, it was Northwestern that faced off against Irmo in a nail-biter. This match ended with Northwestern snatching victory with a close score of 34 to 31. Having had a perfect 13-0 record leading up to the championship, they made a statement with this win.

A Showcase of Skills in Class 4A and 5A Division I

Meanwhile, in the Class 5A Division I title game, Dutch Fork brought home the trophy with a solid 35 to 21 victory over Summerville. This win marked Dutch Fork’s ninth state championship under the leadership of their seasoned coach, Tom Knotts, who has amassed a total of 17 titles—quite an impressive resume!

In a gripping battle during the Class 4A championships, South Florence narrowly defeated Westside with a final score of 42 to 41, avenging a previous loss against their rivals. It was a game filled with emotional highs and lows for both teams!

Clinton and Abbeville Join the Celebration

On the Class 2A front, Clinton secured its ninth state championship with a commanding performance against Barnwell, winning 35 to 6. Quarterback Tushawan Richardson took charge, throwing multiple touchdown passes to help bring the title home.

Class A saw Abbeville shine as well, clinching its 14th title with an impressive 58 to 20 victory over Cross. The standout play from future South Carolina player Demarcus Leach was a highlight of the match, showing why he is a name to watch.

Spotlight on All-State Players

The weekend’s excitement didn’t stop with the games themselves. The South Carolina Football Coaches Association made waves by releasing its 2024 all-state teams, highlighting remarkable talents across all classifications. Key players included quarterback Will Wilson from Richland Northeast, and running backs Marquise Henderson and Jevon Edwards. Notable defensive players included Andre Pickett from Northwestern and Damarcus Leach from Abbeville, each making their mark this season.

A Weekend to Remember

The 2024 state championships provided sports enthusiasts with thrilling moments, competitive spirit, and a showcase of hard work paying off. From Oceanside Collegiate to Dutch Fork, champions were crowned, and history was made. It was a true celebration of high school football, leaving fans eager for the next season. With players and teams continuing to show exceptional skill, it’s clear that the future of South Carolina high school football is bright!