Fall sports action is well underway, and this past week saw many local athletes put up big performances. 

This week’s winners are from Irmo and Gilbert. They excelled on the football field and volleyball court, delivering their teams a win. 

Voting for Athlete of the Week runs from 10 a.m. Saturday to 10 a.m. Monday each week at lexingtonchronicle.com/athleteoftheweek. To submit a nominee for consideration email a photo and short bio to sports@lexingtonchonicle.com 

A.J. Brand

Irmo quarterback A.J. Brand is having an explosive season as the Yellow Jackets improved to 4-0 last week. 

Irmo defeated Carolina Forest 55-7 after Brand threw for four touchdowns and ran in two more. Brand has recorded 18 total touchdowns this season while throwing just one interception. 

The 55-7 win last week was Irmo’s highest-scoring game this season and their biggest win. The Brand-led offense averages 40 points per game and will play Myrtle Beach this week before starting region play next week against Lexington. 

Kaylie Spires

Kaylie Spires earned Athlete of the Week after helping Gilbert’s volleyball team earn their second region win of the season.

The freshman recorded nine kills, four aces, 26 digs and 29 assists as Gilbert defeated Midland Valley 3-2. Spires has been a do-it-all player for Gilbert this season, leading the team in digs and assists and ranking near the top in kills, aces and blocks. 

Gilbert improved to 4-4 with the win and 2-2 in region competition. The Indians are scheduled to play two more region games this week against Lexington County foes Gray Collegiate and Airport.