Class 5A Title: Breaking Down Fort Dorchester

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In his 20th season as head coach, Fort Dorchester mentor Steve LaPrad cannot recall a more challenging season than what he and his program faced in 2022.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The clear powerhouse program of the Lowcountry, the Patriots are expected to contend for the Class 5A title every season. No program in the Charleston area has won more games over the last decade than Fort Dorchester, so when the Patriots opened this season with a 2-3 record, many began to wonder what was up over in North Charleston. Turns out, nothing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fort Dorchester enters the 5A state championship game against Dutch Fork on a nine-game winning streak and is back in the title game for the first time since winning the 4A state title in 2015. But, it wasn't easy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LaPrad scheduled very difficult this season and three consecutive losses came to Georgia powerhouse Grayson, Florida powerhouse Clearwater Christian, and SC 5A defending state champion Gaffney. In that loss to Clearwater Christian, Patriots' senior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='89345' first='Zolten' last='Osborne']</strong> was injured and was limited through most of the regular season. Osborne's injury was one of several sustained by starters over the course of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The untimely death of longtime assistant coach Jack Radcliffe also sent shockwaves through the program, just another distraction. Yet, the Patriots survived it all.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“Society right now, people don't fight through hard times.,” LaPrad said. “This is gratifying, to see how our kids have fought all year. I can't say enough how proud I am of this football team."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>THE MAINSTAYS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With Osborne in and out of the lineup, and playing at less than 100 percent throughout the regular season, the Patriots leaned heavily on the running game. Junior running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='91350' first='Davian' last='Brown']</strong> has rushed for 1,459 yards and 12 touchdowns while senior<strong> Zion Reynolds</strong> has added 1,065 yards and 17 touchdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Osborne looked like the player who threw for 3,500 yards and 35 touchdowns as a junior in last week's win over Summerville, tossing a beautiful 46-yard touchdown pass down the sideline to 2024 receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1142837' first='Mul-ty' last='Snider']</strong>, who has become the top receiving threat with senior <strong>Tre Ryan</strong> out with an injury.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The offensive line has been led by junior tackle prospect <strong>TyRik Deas</strong>, who was forced to move to center last week due to an injury to the starter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On defense, senior ends <strong>DeAndre Jones</strong> and <strong>Peyton McMichael</strong> have been a formidable duo all season. Jones is a SC Shrine Bowl selection and one of the top players in the area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Linebacker <strong>Michael Smalls</strong> was a 1,000-yard rusher last fall but made the move to defense with ease this season. Cornerback <strong>Nick McGill</strong> and safety <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='443500' first='Bryce' last='Carpenter']</strong> are senior leaders on the back end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PLAYER TO WATCH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With improved health, Osborne will need to be productive in the passing game for the Patriots to have a chance of beating a very good Dutch Fork team. Osborne's talent and determination will be needed as Dutch Fork will likely work to take away the run. If protected, Osborne is capable, but will need his best game of the season on Saturday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>No.1 Dutch Fork vs. No. 5 Fort Dorchester</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>When:</strong> Saturday, Noon</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Where:</strong> Benedict College, Columbia, SC</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tickets:</strong> $15 purchased online only at gofan.co. Additional $10 for parking</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->