High school football rankings: Dutch Fork headlines South Carolina Preseason MaxPreps Top 25

The 2023 high school football season in South Carolina kicks off later this month and MaxPreps has your look at the state's top teams. Defending state champion Dutch Fork (Irmo) owns the No. 1 spot in the Preseason MaxPreps Top 25.

After winning six straight state championships from 2013 to 2020 before finishing runner-up in 2021, the Silver Foxes left no doubt in a 47-10 victory over Fort Dorchester (North Charleston) in the Class AAAAA state title game last season.

Although Dutch Fork only has two players returning on the offensive side of the ball, they have a strong contingent coming back on defense as six starters return including defensive linemen Terrance Wells and Dakota Jordan.

In addition to Dutch Fork (Irmo) in Class AAAAA, other defending state champions include South Florence (Florence) in Class AAAA, Beaufort in Class AAA, Abbeville in Class AA and Christ Church Episcopal (Greenville) in Class A.

Rankings are computer-generated, factoring in past results and adjustments such as returners and statistical data when available. South Carolina Preseason MaxPreps Top 25

1. Dutch Fork (Irmo), 14-1 record in 2022

2. South Florence (Florence), 15-0

3. Greenville, 10-4

4. Northwestern (Rock Hill), 13-2

5. Spartanburg, 8-5

6. Byrnes (Florence), 9-4

7. A.C. Flora (Columbia), 13-1

8. Gaffney, 9-4

9. Dorman (Roebuck), 9-3

10. Fort Dorchester (North Charleston), 11-4

11. Dillon, 13-1

12. Hillcrest (Simpsonville), 9-2

13. Summerville, 11-3

14. Clinton, 13-1

15. Powdersville (Greenville), 13-2

16. Lexington, 9-3

17. Blythewood, 9-3

18. South Pointe (Rock Hill), 8-4

19. River Bluff (Lexington), 7-4

20. Oceanside Collegiate Academy (Mt. Pleasant), 12-2

21. West Florence (Florence), 11-2

22. Sumter, 11-2

23. Beaufort, 13-1

24. Gilbert, 10-3

25. Ridge View (Columbia), 8-2