The Irmo football team is fresh off of one of its best seasons in school history after advancing to the 4A state semifinal.

The team will look to make another deep playoff run this season. But after massive statewide realignment, the YellowJackets will have to do it in class 5A and in one of the toughest regions in the state.

The YellowJackets will have to compete with state champions Dutch Fork, runner-up White Knoll, Chapin, Lexington and River Bluff.

Offense

Irmo’s success will rely on the play of senior quarterback A.J. Brand. He is a Virginia Tech commit and one of the top quarterbacks in the entire state.

He is ranked 20th overall in the state, according to 247Sports. Brand had a record-breaking junior season where he totaled 4,045 all-purpose yards, 2,932 passing yards and 62 total touchdowns while being named 4A Offensive Player and All-State.

Brand will get to throw the ball to one of the best pass-catchers in the state, Donovan Murph. He is a junior and ranked as the No. 3 prospect in South Carolina for the class of 2026 and the 19th-best receiver in the country, according to 247Sports.

Last season, Murph caught 57 passes for over 1,000 yards and 17 touchdowns. His numbers earned him All-State honors.

The offensive line looks to be another strong suit for Irmo this season. Their unit will be led by returners senior Ryan Love, junior Bryson Moore and junior Vernen Hairens.

The YellowJackets will have the tough task of replacing the production from running back Jaiden Allen-Hendrix. He was one of the premier backs in the state, rushing for over 2,000 yards and 25 touchdowns.

Possible replacements include Anton Jones, Amire White, Phillip Williams and Zay Chew.

Defense

Jaiden Bryant is back for his sophomore season on the Irmo defensive line. As a freshman, he emerged as one of the team’s key contributors last season, recording over 40 tackles. He was named the team’s Rookie of the Year and already has a Division One offer from Brand’s school, Virginia Tech.

Bryant will be joined by Makari Allen-Hendrix, Major Taylor and Ethan Gamble on the line. Both are rising seniors who saw some, but limited action last season.

Defensive back Matt Blocker will be a key piece in pass defense for Irmo. He finished last season with over 70 total tackles and three interceptions. His play will be critical for a defensive unit that is seeing some roster turnover.

Blocker will play alongside Darius Goodson and Terin Bowman in the secondary.

The team will have to find replacements for linebackers Jylil Favor and Marquel Lewis, who both graduated last year.

Schedule 

Week 0 - vs. Oceanside Collegiate - Aug. 23

Week 1 - vs. James F. Byrnes - Aug. 30

Week 2 - at Butler (N.C.) - Sept. 6

Week 3 - at Carolina Forest - Sept. 13

Week 4 - vs. Myrtle Beach - Sept. 20

Week 6 - at Lexington - Oct. 4

Week 7 - vs. River Bluff - Oct. 11

Week 8 - at White Knoll - Oct. 18

Week 9 - vs. Chapin  - Oct. 25

Week 10 - at Dutch Fork - Nov. 1