In Lexington, South Carolina, White Knoll High School football isn’t just a team—it’s the heartbeat of a community obsessed with Friday night lights. The Timberwolves have roared their way into the spotlight of South Carolina’s 5A Division, blending raw talent, gritty coaching, and an electric fanbase into a recipe for success. From their historic 2023 state championship run to the packed stands at “The Bank,” White Knoll is building a legacy that resonates far beyond Lexington County. In this 1500-word deep dive, we’ll unpack their journey, spotlight recent seasons, celebrate standout players, and reveal what fuels their rise in one of the nation’s toughest high school football landscapes. Ready to see why the Timberwolves are a name every football fan should know? Let’s dive in!
What Makes White Knoll High School Football Special?
White Knoll High School sits in the bustling town of Lexington, just 10 miles southwest of Columbia. Home to roughly 2,000 students, the school serves Lexington School District One, a district known for academic excellence and athletic pride. But it’s on the gridiron where White Knoll truly shines. The Timberwolves embody the essence of South Carolina football—hard-hitting, fast-paced, and fueled by a community that treats every game like a holiday.
What sets them apart? It’s not just their recent success, like the 2023 state championship appearance, but the way they’ve transformed raw recruits into disciplined athletes. The program thrives on a culture of resilience, led by head coach Nick Pelham, whose championship experience from Dutch Fork has elevated White Knoll into a 5A contender. Add in a fanbase that fills “The Bank” with over 5,000 screaming supporters, and you’ve got a football experience that’s as electric as it is unforgettable.
White Knoll High School Football at a Glance
Here’s a quick rundown of the Timberwolves’ essentials:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Lexington, South Carolina, in Lexington School District One |
| School Size | ~2,000 students, grades 9-12 |
| State Championships | None yet, but reached 5A state final in 2023 |
| Recent Ranking | No. 10 in South Carolina (MaxPreps, 2024) |
| Notable Players | Landon Sharpe (QB), Tiyon Fanning (RB), Caleb Geronomi (CB) |
| Head Coach | Nick Pelham, hired in 2021, ex-Dutch Fork defensive coordinator |
| Rivalries | Dutch Fork, Irmo, Lexington |
| 2024 Record | 10-3, lost 29-25 to Irmo in 5A Division II Lower State Championship |
This table is your starting point—keep reading for the full scoop!
A Brief History of White Knoll Football
White Knoll High School opened its doors in 2000, a response to overcrowding at nearby Lexington High School. From day one, the football program aimed to carve its own identity in Region 5-5A, a brutal gauntlet featuring perennial powers like Dutch Fork and Irmo. Early years were about laying a foundation—building facilities, recruiting talent, and earning respect in a state where football is practically a religion.
The Timberwolves’ breakout moment arrived in 2023. Under Nick Pelham, who took over in 2021, White Knoll went 14-0 through the regular season and playoffs, toppling Summerville 21-14 in the Lower State final to secure their first-ever state championship berth. Though they fell 28-7 to Dutch Fork in the title game, that season shifted perceptions. White Knoll wasn’t just a participant—they were a threat.
Key Milestones in White Knoll Football History
- 2000: White Knoll High School launches, and football begins its journey.
- 2010s: Steady growth in Region 5-5A, with occasional playoff appearances.
- 2021: Nick Pelham arrives, injecting championship DNA from Dutch Fork.
- 2023: First state final appearance after a perfect regular season, signaling their arrival.
This history isn’t just dates—it’s a story of persistence paying off.
Recent Results: White Knoll Football in 2024
The 2024 season was another testament to White Knoll’s staying power. Finishing 10-3, the Timberwolves averaged 34.2 points per game offensively while clamping down defensively, holding opponents to 18.7 points on average. Their playoff run showcased their versatility—blowout wins over Myrtle Beach (39-14) and Berkeley (23-3)—but ended in heartbreak with a 29-25 loss to Irmo in the 5A Division II Lower State Championship on December 6, 2024.
Standout Games of 2024
- Week 3 vs. River Bluff: A 35-21 win at home, where Tiyon Fanning ran for 180 yards and two scores, setting the tone for the season.
- Playoff Second Round vs. Myrtle Beach: A 39-14 thrashing, with Landon Sharpe throwing four touchdowns to keep the momentum rolling.
- Lower State Final vs. Irmo: Down 29-18 in the fourth, White Knoll rallied with a late touchdown but couldn’t convert the two-point try, falling 29-25.
Ranked No. 10 in South Carolina by MaxPreps, White Knoll proved they’re a force, even without a title to show for it.
2024 Season Stats
- Record: 10-3 overall.
- Offense: 34.2 points per game, with five games over 40 points.
- Defense: 18.7 points allowed per game, including three shutouts.
- Turnover Margin: +8, thanks to a ball-hawking secondary led by Caleb Geronomi.
Who Are the Standout Players on the White Knoll Timberwolves?
White Knoll’s roster is a talent pipeline, producing college prospects who define the team’s identity. The 2024 season spotlighted a trio of stars who carried the load.
Landon Sharpe – The Quarterback General
- Class: 2025.
- Stats: ~2,800 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, 65% completion rate in 2024.
- Impact: Sharpe’s calm demeanor and cannon arm make him a leader, drawing FCS and D-II interest.
His 4-TD performance against Myrtle Beach was a clinic in precision, threading passes through tight windows.
Tiyon Fanning – The Speed Merchant
- Class: 2025.
- Stats: 1,250 rushing yards, 16 touchdowns, averaging 6.8 yards per carry.
- Impact: Fanning’s breakaway speed turns short gains into game-changers.
Fans still talk about his 62-yard scamper against Summerville in 2023, a play that clinched the Lower State title game.
Caleb Geronomi – The Shutdown Corner
- Class: 2025.
- Stats: 5 interceptions, 62 tackles, 10 pass breakups in 2024.
- Impact: Geronomi’s knack for reading quarterbacks earned him all-state nods.
His pick in the 2023 Lower State final stopped a Summerville drive cold, sealing White Knoll’s ticket to the championship.
These stars, paired with a rugged offensive line and a relentless defense, keep White Knoll in contention year after year.
How Does White Knoll High School Football Prepare for Success?
Winning in 5A isn’t luck—it’s preparation. White Knoll’s formula blends coaching savvy, intense training, and a community that’s all-in.
Coaching Brilliance
Nick Pelham’s resume—five state titles as Dutch Fork’s defensive coordinator—speaks volumes. At White Knoll, he’s installed a spread offense that maximizes speed and a defense that thrives on aggression. His ability to adjust mid-game, like shifting to a Cover 3 against Irmo’s passing attack, keeps opponents guessing.
Rigorous Training Regimen
Here’s White Knoll’s in-season practice schedule:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Monday | Film review of last game, light conditioning, position drills (2 hours) |
| Tuesday | Full pads, offensive/defensive installs, special teams focus (2.5 hours) |
| Wednesday | Full pads, situational work (red zone, 2-minute drill), scout team (2.5 hours) |
| Thursday | Walk-through, playbook review, injury checks (1.5 hours) |
| Friday | Game day—morning walkthrough, team meal, kickoff at 7:30 PM |
- Offseason Grind: January brings weightlifting and agility drills, building stamina for August heat.
- Film Sessions: Players study opponents’ tendencies, like Irmo’s preference for jet sweeps, to gain an edge.
- Skill Sharpening: Quarterbacks refine footwork, while defensive backs drill backpedaling and ball skills.
Unmatched Community Support
“Timberwolf Nation” is no joke. Home games at “The Bank” draw 5,000+ fans, with tailgates starting hours before kickoff. The booster club funds equipment upgrades, and local businesses sponsor pre-game meals. Youth clinics even let Pee Wee players meet the varsity squad, planting seeds for the future.
What Are White Knoll’s Biggest Rivalries?
Rivalries fuel South Carolina football, and White Knoll’s matchups are must-see events.
White Knoll vs. Dutch Fork
This Region 5-5A clash pits Pelham against his former team. The 2023 upset (17-14) sparked White Knoll’s title run, but Dutch Fork’s 28-7 final win keeps the stakes high.
White Knoll vs. Irmo
The 2024 Lower State final loss (29-25) intensified this rivalry. Irmo’s speed matches White Knoll’s physicality, promising fireworks every time they meet.
White Knoll vs. Lexington
A battle for Lexington pride, this game splits families and fills the stands. The 2024 matchup (31-28 White Knoll) was a nail-biter decided by a last-second field goal.
How Can Fans Follow White Knoll High School Football?
Stay connected with the Timberwolves:
- Live Streams: NFHS Network or local broadcasts on WIS-TV.
- Scores & Updates: MaxPreps, The State, or SCHSL.org.
- Social Media: @WKTWolves on X for highlights and recruiting buzz.
What Tips Can Aspiring White Knoll Players Follow?
Want to join the Timberwolves? Here’s your playbook:
- Play Early: Join White Knoll Youth Football to master fundamentals.
- Hit the Books: A 2.0 GPA keeps you eligible per SCHSL rules.
- Get Noticed: Summer camps and 7-on-7s are your audition.
- Outwork Everyone: Extra reps in the weight room or on the field pay off.
Why Does White Knoll Football Matter to South Carolina Sports?
White Knoll football is a rising tide in South Carolina’s high school sports scene. Their 2023 state final run challenged the old guard—Dutch Fork, Summerville—and their 2024 season reinforced their staying power. Beyond wins, they’re shaping young men, uniting Lexington, and inspiring kids to dream big.
Fun Fact
The Timberwolves’ mascot was inspired by Lexington’s wooded hills—a nod to the area’s natural grit and tenacity.
See Also: fballquery.com
Conclusion
White Knoll High School football isn’t just a program—it’s a movement. The 2024 season’s 10-3 record and Lower State final appearance showed their mettle, even if the championship slipped away. With stars like Sharpe and Fanning, a coach like Pelham, and a fanbase that never quits, the Timberwolves are building something special. Whether you’re a diehard or a newcomer, now’s the time to jump on board.
