There isn’t much change in the South Carolina On3 Massey Ratings top 25 list as of Oct. 1 because only two teams switched places. Meanwhile, eight of the top ten South Carolina high school football teams have remained undefeated after another round of games. Here’s where the state’s best squads are ranked after the Sept. 26-28 matches.

The On3 Massey Ratings, officially used during the BCS era, is a model that ranks sports teams by analyzing game outcomes, strength of schedule, and margin of victory. According to the model, two teams from South Carolina rank inside the nationwide top 100.

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1. Northwestern

The Trojans have been on a scoring barrage in their last two games. After dousing Nation Ford with 67 points, they tallied 59 against Catawba Ridge. Those outputs make Northwestern’s offense the top-ranked unit in the state. If that trend continues, 22^nd-ranked Clover will be in big trouble during their Oct. 4 game.

2. Dutch Fork

It isn’t tough to determine why the Silver Foxes have the top-ranked defense in South Carolina high school football. They have completed their third consecutive shutout victory with Oceanside Collegiate Academy as their latest victim. However, their offense is also in good rhythm, as proven by their season-high 51 points against the Landsharks. Having potent units on both sides of the ball could be a nightmare for 24^th-ranked Chapin in their upcoming matchup.

3. Irmo

The Yellow Jackets remain undefeated after dominating Myrtle Beach. Aaron Brand and Amire White combined for 212 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Donovan Murph had ten catches for 145 yards. In addition to hitting their stride on offense, Irmo has limited their last two opponents to 19 points combined. That improved defense will be vital in their next match against 25^th-ranked Lexington.

4. Gaffney

The Indians remain at number four even if they didn’t play a game last week. They are still undefeated after four games following their overtime road victory against Boiling Springs. Jayvon Gilmore threw for three touchdowns in that game, while Chas Smith had 106 rushing yards and a TD. Jamarcus Smith joined the party, chipping 113 receiving yards and a touchdown. Gaffney will put their undefeated record on the line against Eastside on Oct. 4.

5. Westside

The Rams haven’t played since Sept. 20, when they escaped with an eight-point victory over Prince Avenue Christian. However, winning against an unranked team by one possession should sound Westside’s alarm regarding performing better in their next game. That sense of urgency from the Rams won’t bode well for winless Southside in their upcoming match.

6. Summerville

There’s no stopping the Green Wave during their first five matches. They’ve won all games by an average of 17.6 points and had 20-point margins versus their last two opponents: Chapin and Goose Creek. The Gators had no answer for tight end Keshon Washington, who finished with 251 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Meanwhile, quarterback Jayden Cummings had 368 passing yards and four touchdowns. Summerville hopes to continue their early season dominance against R.B. Stall.

7. Hillcrest

The Rams suffered their first loss of the 2024 South Carolina high school football season against Greenwood 44-35. Despite that defeat, Hillcrest is still in a great position to compete in the second half of their season. However, their path to a playoff berth wouldn’t be easy because they will face 15^th-ranked T. L. Hanna and 11^th-ranked JL Mann in their next two games.

8. Spartanburg

That loss to Dutch Fork must have inspired the Vikings to do better, as shown by their dominating victories against Broome and Eastside. By outscoring those opponents 96-12, Spartanburg’s offense is ranked seventh in the state. In their latest match against the Eagles, Trey Burke threw for two touchdown passes while Trenton Lynch had 165 rushing yards and three TDs. While Spartanburg has an active winning streak, they cannot take their next three opponents lightly: 16^th-ranked Dorman, 20^th-ranked Boiling Springs, and 17^th-ranked Byrnes.

9. Sumter

The Gamecocks are taking advantage of competing against inferior opposition, winning their first six games. The only ranked team they’ve faced is White Knoll, which they defeated by three points. However, they are getting the job done and should take credit for remaining undefeated. Sumter’s defense deserves recognition after limiting Spring Valley and Lugoff-Elgin to seven points each. The Gamecocks’ 6-0 record will be on the line versus West Florence on Oct. 3.

10. White Knoll

The Timberwolves have won three straight games following their defeat against Sumter. That stretch included a 38-0 shutout victory against Fort Dorchester. In that game, Kaleb Evans and Jordan Keith had rushing touchdowns, while Landon Sharpe had passing and rushing touchdowns. While White Knoll has won four of their first five games, they will go through a challenging gauntlet in their next three games. Over that stretch, the Timberwolves will face 19^th-ranked River Bluff, second-ranked Dutch Fork, and third-ranked Irmo.

Teams 11-25 in the latest South Carolina High School Football Rankings

11. JL Mann
12. South Florence
13. South Pointe
14. DW Daniel
15. T.L. Hanna
16. Dorman (+1)
17. Byrnes (-1)
18. Belton-Honea Path
19. River Bluff
20. Boiling Springs
21. Greenwood
22. Clover
23. Camden
24. Chapin
25. Lexington

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