5 Reasons Why Dorman High School Football's 2025 Season Was A Championship-Caliber Run

The Dorman High School football program cemented its status as one of South Carolina's elite in the 2025 season, delivering a campaign that saw the Cavaliers dominate their region and make a deep, thrilling run into the state playoffs. Head Coach Jake Morris, in his third year leading the team, orchestrated a squad that combined veteran defensive talent with an explosive new offensive dynamic, ultimately falling just one game short of the state title game. As of today, December 16, 2025, the buzz around Roebuck, SC, is not about the final loss, but about the impressive 10-3 record and the foundation laid for future success in the highly competitive Class 5A landscape.

The 2025 Dorman Cavaliers proved they could compete with the best, navigating the gauntlet of Region II-5A and showcasing a powerful blend of offensive efficiency and stifling defense. This article dives into the five core reasons why this season will be remembered as a championship-caliber run, setting a high bar for the program in the years to come.

Dorman Cavaliers Football: The 2025 Season Snapshot

The 2025 Dorman Cavaliers, representing Dorman High School in Roebuck, SC, had a season of high expectations and even higher performance. Under the leadership of Head Coach Jake Morris, the team finished with an outstanding overall record of 10-3.

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• Head Coach: Jake Morris (Third Year)
• Final Overall Record (2025-2026): 10-3
• Region Record: 6-1 (Tied for 1st in AAAAA Region 2)
• Final State Ranking: 9th in South Carolina
• Playoff Result: Lost in the Class 5A Division I Upper State Championship to Dutch Fork
• Key Players: Meek Slydell (Senior QB), Cooper Patterson (Rising Sophomore), Kyle Borsch (Sr.), Dallas Foster (Jr.)

The team’s journey saw them secure crucial wins against rivals and navigate a challenging schedule, positioning them perfectly for a playoff push that captivated the Spartanburg County community. Their 6-1 record in AAAAA Region 2 was a testament to their consistency, sharing the top spot with a formidable Gaffney team.

1. Dominating the Gauntlet of Region II-5A

The path to a state title in South Carolina often runs through the toughest regions, and Dorman’s performance in Region II-5A was nothing short of dominant. The Cavaliers finished the region slate with a stellar 6-1 record, tying for first place and showcasing their ability to win high-stakes matchups.

This region is a perennial powerhouse, featuring traditional rivals like the Gaffney Indians and the Spartanburg Vikings. Winning the region title (or sharing it, in this case) is a significant achievement that proves a team is battle-tested and ready for the rigors of the postseason. Dorman's ability to consistently beat quality opponents and lock up a top seed was a major factor in their deep playoff run.

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The strength of their regional performance immediately elevated their state ranking, where the Dorman Cavaliers finished the 2025 season ranked 9th overall in South Carolina. This high ranking is a direct reflection of their success in one of the state's most competitive football environments.

2. The Emergence of a Dynamic Offensive Duo

A key element of Dorman’s offensive success in 2025 was the integration of new talent, particularly at the quarterback position. The arrival of senior transfer Meek Slydell from Asheville (NC) High School provided an immediate spark. Slydell, who had already thrown for over 1,000 yards in his previous season, stepped in and led the Cavaliers' attack.

Complementing Slydell’s senior leadership was the rapid development of rising sophomore Cooper Patterson. The combination of an experienced senior transfer and a high-potential underclassman created a dynamic and unpredictable offensive system that kept opposing defensive coordinators guessing. This dual-threat capability, whether through a rotation or a specialized package, was instrumental in their high-scoring victories against teams like Blythewood and Ridge View in the early rounds of the playoffs.

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The offense was not just about the skill positions; the line, anchored by players like senior Kyle Borsch, provided the necessary protection and run-blocking to sustain drives and control the clock in crucial late-season games.

3. A Thrilling Run to the Upper State Championship

The true measure of a great season is not just the regular season record, but how a team performs when the pressure is highest. The Dorman Cavaliers answered the call, delivering a memorable playoff run that energized the entire Roebuck community.

Their postseason journey included convincing victories:

• A dominant 44-13 victory over Blythewood High School in the first round.
• A powerful 35-14 win against Ridge View High School in the second round.

These wins propelled them into the Class 5A Division I Upper State Championship game. This is the final hurdle before the state title, and reaching it is a significant accomplishment, showcasing the team's ability to execute under pressure. While they ultimately fell to the perennial powerhouse Dutch Fork Silver Foxes with a score of 30-10, the appearance in the Upper State title game solidified Dorman's position among South Carolina's elite programs.

4. The Program's Enduring Topical Authority and Legacy

Dorman High School football has a long-standing tradition of excellence, and the 2025 season added another strong chapter to that history. The program’s topical authority in South Carolina high school football is undeniable, and every deep playoff run reinforces that legacy. Entities like James F. Byrnes High School and Gaffney High School are often cited as the benchmarks in Upstate football, and Dorman consistently performs at that championship level.

The program is known for producing college-level talent, and the success of the 2025 team, with a roster featuring talented juniors and seniors like Dallas Foster and Jessie Rosales, ensures that college recruiters will continue to make Cavalier Way a mandatory stop.

Head Coach Jake Morris is building on this foundation, with the 2025 season marking his third year and demonstrating a clear upward trajectory for the program. The consistent success ensures the Dorman Cavaliers remain a fixture in the South Carolina High School Football Top 25 State Rankings year after year.

5. Setting the Stage for an Even Brighter Future

Finishing the season with a 10-3 record and a loss in the Upper State Championship, while disappointing in the moment, serves as powerful motivation for the returning players. The experience gained by the underclassmen, including rising sophomore quarterback Cooper Patterson, in such high-pressure playoff games is invaluable.

The 2025 Dorman Cavaliers demonstrated that the team is loaded with returning defensive talent, which will be the backbone of the 2026 campaign. The program's stability, with Coach Morris at the helm, and the established success in Region II-5A, means Dorman will once again be an overwhelming favorite to compete for the state title next season.

The 2025 season was not just a successful year; it was a statement. The Dorman High School football team proved its championship mettle, overcame regional rivals, and provided the Spartanburg County area with a thrilling, unforgettable ride that has the community eagerly anticipating the kickoff of the next season.