A concurrent RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE DUTCH FORK High School VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR A REMARKABLE SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2023 SOUTH CAROLINA CLASS AAAAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

 

Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly is pleased to learn that the members of the Dutch Fork football team of Richland County captured the state title at the state championship game held at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium on the campus of South Carolina State University in Orangeburg on Friday, December 1, 2023; and

 

Whereas, to the cheers of their exuberant fans, the Dutch Fork Silver Foxes bested a fine, undefeated White Knoll team, 21-6, to win the program's seventh title in the last eight years, the same number of years 5A football has been played in the State; and

 

Whereas, both the White Knoll and Silver Fox offenses failed to score in the first half. Neither team completed more than one sustainable drive, and both were overwhelmed by the opposing defenses.  Dutch Fork linebacker Raleigh Salters and the rest of the defense had prepared to execute the necessary game plan; and

 

Whereas, the Silver Fox defense dominated the third quarter although the White Knoll Timberwolves scored the first touchdown after a bad snap from Dutch Fork's offense at the four-yard line rolled back into the endzone, and White Knoll defense jumped on the ball for a 6-0 lead.  It was White Knoll's first and last score of the game; and

 

Whereas, Dutch Fork's offense came alive in the third quarter, scoring 14 points, and with six minutes left in the game, K. J. Smith rushed from four yards for the final touchdown to hand the Timberwolves their first loss of the season; and

 

Whereas, Silver Fox quarterback Jonathan Hunt completed 13 of 20 passes for 135 yards and led the team in rush attempts with 12 for 23 yards and two touchdowns, but he had to leave the game before the victory formation after injuring his hand late in the game.  Dutch Fork running back Trent Lodge had 58 yards on ten rushes, while K. J. Smith added a touchdown, and receiver Jayden Westbrook had three catches for 33 yards; and

 

Whereas, Head Coach Tom Knotts captured his fifteenth career state championship across North Carolina and South Carolina, becoming the twenty-third coach in history across the country to win at least fifteen titles.  In a sport that requires strength, stamina, and execution, he and his skilled coaching staff maximized their own athletic ability and passion to produce a championship-caliber team and teach these athletes life principles that will endure beyond the gridiron; and

 

Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly appreciates the pride and recognition that the Dutch Fork football players have brought to their school and their community, and the members look forward to following their continued achievements in the days ahead.  Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

 

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize and honor the Dutch Fork High School varsity football team, coaches, and school officials for a remarkable season and congratulate them for winning the 2023 South Carolina Class AAAAA State Championship title.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Gerald Gary, Dutch Fork principal, and to Coach Tom Knotts.

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