Week 1 · Latest Issue
Read free online anytime. Subscribers also get this by email every Saturday at 7 AM.
MIDLANDS WEEKLY
Chapin · Lexington · Irmo · Columbia · Blythewood
August 26, 2026 · Week 1
Straight smiles for game day! Free consultations for student athletes. lakeortho.com
🏈 Friday Night Lights
| Matchup | Score |
|---|---|
|
River Bluff High School vs Gilbert
Lexington |
38-17 |
|
White Knoll High School vs River Bluff
Lexington |
24-21 |
|
Pelion High School vs Gilbert
Pelion |
21-14 |
|
Brookland-Cayce High School vs Airport
Cayce |
20-13 |
|
Batesburg-Leesville High School vs Pelion
Batesburg |
60-14 |
|
Swansea High School vs Gilbert
Swansea |
35-10 |
|
Chapin High School vs Lexington
Chapin |
28-21 |
|
Irmo High School vs Dutch Fork
Irmo |
35-14 |
|
Spring Valley High School vs Blythewood
Columbia |
17-24 |
|
Ridge View High School vs Westwood
Columbia |
31-10 |
|
Richland Northeast High School vs Spring Valley
Columbia |
14-28 |
Game Stories
The Gators dominated from start to finish in a 38-17 statement win over Gilbert. River Bluff High School controlled both lines of scrimmage and never let the Gilbert offense find a rhythm. This was the kind of complete performance that sends a message to the rest of the Midlands.
In a nail-biter that came down to the final minutes, the Timberwolves edged River Bluff 24-21. White Knoll High School made the plays that mattered when it counted — a goal-line stand and a clutch fourth-quarter drive sealed the victory in front of a packed stadium.
In a nail-biter that came down to the final minutes, the Panthers edged Gilbert 21-14. Pelion High School made the plays that mattered when it counted — a goal-line stand and a clutch fourth-quarter drive sealed the victory in front of a packed stadium.
In a nail-biter that came down to the final minutes, the Bearcats edged Airport 20-13. Brookland-Cayce High School made the plays that mattered when it counted — a goal-line stand and a clutch fourth-quarter drive sealed the victory in front of a packed stadium.
The Panthers dominated from start to finish in a 60-14 statement win over Pelion. Batesburg-Leesville High School controlled both lines of scrimmage and never let the Pelion offense find a rhythm. This was the kind of complete performance that sends a message to the rest of the Midlands.
The Tigers dominated from start to finish in a 35-10 statement win over Gilbert. Swansea High School controlled both lines of scrimmage and never let the Gilbert offense find a rhythm. This was the kind of complete performance that sends a message to the rest of the Midlands.
In a nail-biter that came down to the final minutes, the Eagles edged Lexington 28-21. Chapin High School made the plays that mattered when it counted — a goal-line stand and a clutch fourth-quarter drive sealed the victory in front of a packed stadium.
The Yellow Jackets dominated from start to finish in a 35-14 statement win over Dutch Fork. Irmo High School controlled both lines of scrimmage and never let the Dutch Fork offense find a rhythm. This was the kind of complete performance that sends a message to the rest of the Midlands.
Despite a valiant effort, the Vikings fell just short in a 24-17 heartbreaker against Blythewood. Spring Valley High School had opportunities late but couldn't convert when it mattered most. The fight this team showed will serve them well going forward.
The Blazers dominated from start to finish in a 31-10 statement win over Westwood. Ridge View High School controlled both lines of scrimmage and never let the Westwood offense find a rhythm. This was the kind of complete performance that sends a message to the rest of the Midlands.
It was a tough night for the Cavaliers, falling 28-14 to Spring Valley. Richland Northeast High School struggled to contain the Spring Valley attack and will look to regroup before next week's matchup.
⭐ Players of the Week
One standout from each Midlands football district.
Jaylen Brooks · RB
River Bluff High School
22 carries, 178 yds, 2 TD
Brooks powered River Bluff's ground attack with breakaway runs that flipped field position and kept the Gators in control all night.
Tyler Mason · QB
Brookland-Cayce High School
16/21, 214 yds, 2 TD, 0 INT
Mason delivered a steady performance in the Bearcats' rivalry win over Airport, hitting key third-down throws when the game was on the line.
Chris Whitt · RB
Batesburg-Leesville High School
19 carries, 156 yds, 3 TD
Whitt ran wild in Panther Stadium, sparking Batesburg-Leesville's explosive offensive showing against Pelion.
DeShawn Riley · WR
Swansea High School
7 rec, 132 yds, 2 TD
Riley was Swansea's big-play threat all night, stretching the defense vertically and setting the tone for the Tigers' win.
Marcus Williams · QB
Irmo High School
18/24, 287 yds, 3 TD, 0 INT
Williams orchestrated a masterful aerial attack against Dutch Fork, spreading the ball to four receivers and keeping the Silver Foxes off balance.
Malik Johnson · CB
Ridge View High School
3 PD, 1 INT, 6 tackles
Johnson shut down one side of the field for Ridge View, picking off a key pass and limiting Westwood's explosive receivers.
Game day deals on all trucks and SUVs. Visit us on Two Notch Road this weekend!
📅 This Week's Schedule
-
Gilbert High School vs Pelion (Home)
2026-08-21 · 7:30 PM · Gilbert -
Lexington High School vs Dutch Fork (Home)
2026-08-21 · 7:30 PM · Lexington -
River Bluff High School vs White Knoll (Home)
2026-08-21 · 7:30 PM · Lexington -
Brookland-Cayce High School vs Airport (Home)
2026-08-21 · 7:30 PM · Cayce -
Swansea High School vs Batesburg-Leesville (Home)
2026-08-21 · 7:30 PM · Swansea -
Irmo High School vs Chapin (Home)
2026-08-21 · 7:30 PM · Irmo -
Blythewood High School vs Ridge View (Home)
2026-08-21 · 7:30 PM · Blythewood -
Westwood High School vs Spring Valley (Home)
2026-08-21 · 7:30 PM · Blythewood
🍽️ Local Eats
Southern Fusion · Columbia
Chef-owned spot featuring farm-to-table Lowcountry classics with a modern twist. Their shrimp and grits have already become a local favorite.
Mexican · Lexington
Family-run taqueria bringing authentic Oaxacan flavors to Lexington. Locally sourced ingredients and house-made tortillas.
Coffee & Bakery · Chapin
Locally roasted beans and fresh-baked pastries. The perfect pre-game spot for Chapin Eagles fans.
BBQ · Blythewood
A Midlands staple for over a decade. Slow-smoked brisket and their signature mustard sauce keep regulars coming back every weekend.
Asian Fusion · Irmo
Hand-pulled noodles and craft ramen bowls. Popular with Dutch Fork and Irmo families after Friday night games.
🚚 Food Trucks This Week
- Tuesday: Lexington Medical Center, Lexington (11:00 AM - 2:00 PM)
- Thursday: Irmo Town Park, Irmo (5:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
- Saturday: Soda City Market, Columbia (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM)
- Monday: Blythewood Town Hall, Blythewood (11:30 AM - 1:30 PM)
- Wednesday: Chapin Intermediate School, Chapin (11:00 AM - 2:00 PM)
- Friday: Dutch Fork HS Parking Lot, Irmo (5:00 PM - 8:30 PM)
🏫 School Board Watch
The board voted 6-1 to allocate $2.3M for upgraded weight rooms and turf maintenance across district high schools, with Chapin and Irmo receiving priority renovations this spring.
Lexington-Richland Five · RegionalA proposal to shift the academic calendar to better align with state testing windows will be discussed at the September board meeting. Public comment period opens next week.
Richland School District Two · Columbia🏛️ Local Politics
Council approved rezoning along Blythewood Road to allow restaurant and retail spaces, potentially bringing new dining options to the area.
Town of Blythewood · BlythewoodNew $500K grant fund aims to support locally owned restaurants and food trucks in the Chapin-Lexington corridor. Applications open October 1.
Lexington County Council · LexingtonCouncil members are weighing a $4.5M road widening project that would affect traffic patterns between Irmo and Chapin. A public hearing is scheduled for September 12.
City of Columbia · ColumbiaProtect what matters most. Local agents serving Chapin, Lexington, and Columbia families since 1987.
Midlands Weekly · Your Saturday Morning Briefing
Unsubscribe · Advertise With Us · Submit Food Truck Schedule · Past Issues