Class 4A Lower State Final Preview

Ian Guerin November 21, 2023 @ 03:09 PM

For somewhere in the neighborhood of six weeks, we knew this was a possibility. South Florence had started to take care of business in Region VI-4A, and Irmo was doing the same in Region V.   Now, the matchup we've all been waiting for is here.   The Yellow Jackets and Bruins remain undefeated, with only the other lone undefeated team in the classification standing in each other's way of playing for a state title. This one is going to draw attention from every corner of the state and beyond.   NO. 3 IMRO (13-0) AT NO. 1 SOUTH FLORENCE (13-0)   Time: 7:30 p.m., Friday   About the Yellow Jackets: Statistically, you're going to be hard-pressed to find a better team in Class 4A, or anywhere for that matter. The Yellow Jackets' offense is averaging 51.8 points per game - second in all of Class 4A to only now-dispatched Northwestern - thanks to a monster year from junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='272713' first='AJ' last='Brand']  (2,782 passing yards, 1,047 rushing yards, 59 total touchdowns) and tailback [player_tooltip player_id='267430' first='Jaden' last='Allen-Hendrix'] (2,148 yards, 25 touchdowns) and receiver [player_tooltip player_id='377560' first='Donovan' last='Murph'] (1,009 yards, 16 touchdowns). Defensively, Irmo is even stronger. The top-ranked unit in the class is allowing a paltry 6.4 points per game, with a strong mix of seniors and underclassmen all playing big role. From defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='1142508' first='Isaiah' last='McClary'] to linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='996940' first='Jylil' last='Favor'] to defensive linemen [player_tooltip player_id='755914' first='Jaiden' last='Bryant'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1146256' first='Xavier' last='Montgomery'], this defense is a complete package that few in the state can compete with. There's a reason only three teams on the schedule so far have reached double digits on the scoreboard.    About the Bruins: The defending Class 4A state champs changed gears offensively and look nearly as strong as they did a year ago. Case in point, last year, the Bruins ran for 3,802 yards and threw for another 3,010 behind the spirited efforts of LaNorris Sellers. This year, with Sellers gone to the SEC, South has rushed for 3,751 (and thrown for another 1,075) despite losing its top two ball carriers. [player_tooltip player_id='272722' first='Zion' last='Gilbert'] (1,161 yards, 11 touchdowns) and Syree Livingston (1,034 yards, 20 touchdowns) have led the way, and Raleigh Jett (748, six) has provided a third prong to the attack. It all folds into the new mantra nicely because the Bruins' defense has been lights out for the entirety of the season. [player_tooltip player_id='816736' first='Terry' last='Gordon'] and [player_tooltip player_id='652832' first='Noah' last='Moore'] have locked down the middle, while [player_tooltip player_id='996915' first='Dirrick' last='Goodman'] and [player_tooltip player_id='208353' first='Quincy' last='Rhodes'] have provided more than ample support on the back end. The combination of offense and defense has allowed South to gain nearly 3,100 yards of offense more than opponents this season.    Key Matchup: In looking at South Florence's defensive line against Irmo's offensive line, get ready for a true heavyweight matchup that will likely determine the outcome. Bruins' linemen Mason Mudge (nose) and ends Deshaun Carroway and [player_tooltip player_id='809742' first='Amare' last='Adams'] (pictured), will get plenty of help from outside linebackers Brian Brownless and [player_tooltip player_id='208354' first='Chantwan' last='Harkless'] - two experienced edge rushers. They've been pretty good, but so, too, has the Irmo offensive line led by left tackle [player_tooltip player_id='771219' first='Elijah' last='Williams'] and left guard/center [player_tooltip player_id='996935' first='Bryant' last='Ham']. Those two have made other strong defensive lines appear overmatched at times throughout much of the season to this point and have spurred 6,200 yards of offense this year already.    X-Factor: Kemonte Rose DB, South Florence - With so many standout defensive stars, Rose often gets overlooked for his big-play potential. Part of it is that South is often playing with a lead and teams are forced to throw more. Either way, his team-leading four picks and and two defensive touchdowns this year have been game changers. When he's not doing that, he's often slowing down some of the best weapons opposing teams have on the outside.

For somewhere in the neighborhood of six weeks, we knew this was a possibility. South Florence had started to take care of business in Region VI-4A, and Irmo was doing the same in Region V.