S.C. Prep Football Media Released Weekly State Rankings
The latest S.C. Prep Football Media poll features significant shifts for Gaffney and River Bluff in the state standings.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Football
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The S.C. Prep Football Media has released its latest weekly high school football rankings for South Carolina. Following recent game outcomes, Gaffney climbed to the No. 2 spot in Class 4A, while River Bluff entered the Class 5A rankings at No. 10.
Why it matters
These weekly rankings provide a snapshot of the competitive hierarchy across South Carolina's prep football divisions. The shifts reflect how recent season records and performance impact team standing in the eyes of the media.
The rankings were determined by 16 media voters based on season records and first-place votes. Recent notable game outcomes included a 56-21 victory for Northwestern over South Pointe and a 55-54 finish between Saluda and Emerald.
The players
S.C. Prep Football Media
This is a collective of sixteen media members responsible for evaluating and ranking high school football programs across South Carolina.
Dutch Fork
The school currently holds the top rank in the South Carolina Class 5A high school football division.
Gaffney
This football program moved up to the No. 2 rank in the Class 4A poll after receiving four first-place votes.
River Bluff
The team holds a 5-1 season record and made its debut in the Class 5A rankings at No. 10.
South Pointe
This team dropped from the No. 2 position to No. 8 in the latest Class 4A rankings following a recent loss.
The details
Gaffney secured the No. 2 position in Class 4A after receiving four first-place votes, while South Pointe dropped from No. 2 to No. 8. In Class 5A, Dutch Fork maintains the top rank, while River Bluff entered the list at No. 10 following a 5-1 start to their season.
Timeline
September 29, 2026: The S.C. Prep Football Media released the latest state rankings.
Season Trajectory
These rankings signal significant shifts in the playoff picture as programs like South Pointe and Lugoff-Elgin slide down the polls. The movement reinforces a competitive landscape where weekly consistency is required to maintain top seeding heading into the postseason.
The drop of South Pointe to No. 8 and Lugoff-Elgin to No. 10 significantly alters their projected seeding for the upcoming state playoffs. These rankings serve as the primary indicator for how the media currently perceives the top contenders in their respective classifications.
The takeaway
High school rankings are fluid and heavily influenced by individual game outcomes and media perception. Teams that maintain consistent records are more likely to secure favorable positions as the season progresses toward the postseason.
Further reading
For more information on the current season, visit the South Carolina Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Charlotte Observer.
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