By Thomas Grant Jr.
After a one-week break, Chapin football is back on the field.
It’s the start of Region 4-5A play for the winless Eagles. For an opportunity at the first win of the season, the team travels to Irmo.
Awaiting Chapin is an equally rested and motivated Dutch Fork. The Silver Foxes (3-1) are seeing action for the first time since losing to Oceanside Collegiate 24-20 at Charleston Southern University on Sept. 19.
It was the first loss in 25 games for the 3-time defending Class 5A champions. They now look to start a new streak against an Eagles’ team it has dominated in the overall series.
Dutch Fork is 12-0 all-time against Chapin with an average margin of victory of 38.5 points.
“They are a good football team,” Chapin head coach Ryan Cole said. “They are really good in all phases of the game. I am sure they went back and looked at their mistakes. They made the necessary corrections and will be ready to play this week. We are focusing on what we need to do well to be successful.”
Working on fundamentals was a priority during the idle week, according to Cole. After going three straight games without a touchdown, the Eagles have averaged 18 points in the last two games.
Sophomore Troy Black has provided a spark off the bench at quarterback. Northside Christian transfer J.R. Kinard leads the team in rushing (254 yards), while Drew Greer has accounted for the two rushing scores.
Touchstone Energy Bowl selection Caden Muskus will face a challenge upfront. Dutch Fork has three highly-recruited linemen in Shrine Bowl defensive end Julian Walker, Jaden Wurth and Luciano Cesario.
Linebacker Raleigh Salters was also selected to the Shrine Bowl. On offense, Chapin transfer Stone Furrey was picked for the Touchstone Energy Bowl.
“We are starting our region schedule this week,” Cole said. “Every region game is important. Getting a region win definitely helps toward postseason play.”
