The Irmo football team began its quest for a state title last Friday night with a commanding 38-7 win over Chapin in the second round of the SCHSL 5A Division II playoffs. 

The Yellow Jackets got an inspiring performance from its defense and shook off a slow start offensively to beat their region rival for the second time this season. 

“It’s tough to beat a good team like that twice,” Irmo head coach Aaron Brand said. “Gave up seven early, but defense bowed the back and got after that second half. The defense was smothering the second half.”

The Eagles finished the game with just over 100 yards of offense, but in the second half, the team netted five yards.

After letting Chapin score on the opening drive, Irmo kept the Eagles off the scoreboard for the rest of the game. Chapin had a few chances but was unable to score.

“They bring some pressure. They do some things outside on the edge. It kind of got us,” Chapin head coach Ryan Cole said. “We tried to run the ball a little bit. But then, we just had some missed blocking assignments, made some bad decisions.” 

Irmo got the ball to start the game and went on a four-play 74-yard drive, capped by a 37-yard A.J. Brand rushing touchdown. 

Chapin responded to the opening Irmo drive with its own scoring drive. The Eagles marched 67 yards downfield and ended with a Tanner Short one-yard touchdown run. The score was set up by a long connection between quarterback Brady Albto and receiver Cooper Canady.

The Yellow Jackets reclaimed the lead on its next drive with a two-yard touchdown by running back Amire White. However, on the extra point try the snap soared past A.J., who could just fall on the ball to prevent a Chapin scoop and score. Instead of leading by seven points, Irmo was up six. 

With an opportunity to take the lead, Chapin got an excellent kickoff return into Irmo territory from Anthony Turnbow. The Eagles then entered the red zone and got eight yards from the endzone. 

But the drive stalled and it was soon fourth down and one to go. The Eagles kept their offense on the field and threw a ball to the endzone. However, the pass was intercepted by Irmo’s Darius Goodson. 

The Eagle defense wasted no time getting the ball back, picking off A.J. on the first play of the following Irmo drive. The Eagles offense got a second chance and had the ball in Irmo territory again. 

This time, Irmo’s defense locked in and earned a huge tackle for loss that knocked Chapin out of field goal range. The Eagles were forced to punt after coming up scoreless on its two closest chances to get ahead of Irmo. 

“Coach Jennings and that defense was cool over there,” Coach Brand said. “They always got a pretty good plan, and they executed tonight. We got pressure on the quarterback, and when we can do that, we're gonna be a tough out.”

On Irmo’s next drive Chapin’s defense almost scored a safety after tackling an Irmo runner behind the line of scrimmage at the half-yard line. A.J. was able to get the yards and more back on the next play before eventually marching downfield and settling for a 34-yard field goal try. 

Neither team scored the rest of the first half. Chapin went three and out on its next drive. Irmo got the ball with a chance to score before the half, but Brand threw his second interception on the first play of the drive. 

“I think the wind knocked one of them down, and I think the conditions had a little bit to do with it,” coach Brand said. “But we're a cold-weather team. We pride ourselves on this time of year. We want this, we want this weather.”

Irmo led 16-7 at halftime despite its offensive struggles. In the second half, the group found its footing and added three more touchdowns. 

“We just stopped being passive and got back to our regular sets,” Coach Brand said. “We were trying to churn that thing a little bit in the first half. We thought we could get downhill on it and we did. We ran the ball pretty well. But we wanted to open up a little bit in the second half, and I thought we did pretty good at it.”

Chapin started the half with the ball but fumbled on its opening drive. 

Irmo capitalized on the turnover and solid field position with a five-yard A.J. rushing touchdown. It was Brand’s 20th rushing touchdown this season. 

The Eagles' next drive ended on a fourth down attempt in Irmo territory. Albro’s pass missed his receiver, giving Irmo the ball back with time winding down. 

White scored his second touchdown of the game a few plays after Irmo converted a fourth down near midfield. His score made the game 31-7 entering the final period. 

The game’s final points came on the next Irmo drive. A.J. found Donovan Murph who dodged a few defenders and ran into the endzone for a 31-yard touchdown. 

Chapin concludes its first season under Cole with a .500 record, sitting at 6-6. It was a solid year for the Eagles who excelled in the out-of-region season and won its first playoff game since 2021. 

“I'm not an easy head coach to play for because I have a standard,” Cole said. “They give everything to me, and I'm going to try and give everything back in return. I think that's most important and just have a great character.” 

It was the last game in a Chapin uniform for many seniors including Albro, who set program records in passing yards and touchdowns. It was also the last game for key players such as Turnbow, receiver Khalen Bostick, Gavin Strom and many more. 

“They'll be my first senior class as a head coach, so that means tons,” Cole said. “A lot of them have a great future, whether it's college football, whether it's a lawyer, whether it's a doctor, whether it's an auto mechanic, these guys will be great. My goal is always to put somebody out in society, that’ll make it better, and these 37 seniors will definitely do that.”

For Irmo, the win improves its record to 11-1 this season. It is the team’s second straight season advancing to the third round of playoffs. 

“In Charlotte, we used to talk about when the grass turned a different color, you want to still be playing and Thanksgiving is upon us,” Coach Brand said.”We're happy to be having us a great Thursday morning practice. That was the goal, trying to get to Thanksgiving. And then after that, we’ll let the chips fall where they may.” 

Irmo will host West Florence in the next round of the playoffs with a trip to the lower state championship on the line. 

“I like the coach,” Coach Brand said. “I think he's a good guy, but we’re going to whoop them.” 

Playoff Area Scoreboard 

Dutch Fork: 42, Boiling Springs: 14

River Bluff: 34, Rock Hill: 17

White Knoll: 39, Myrtle Beach: 14

Gilbert: 36, Bishop England: 30

Batesburg-Leesville: 49, Andrew Jackson: 14