Class 4A Lower State Final Preview
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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…
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Continue ReadingFor 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 AJ Brand AJ Brand 6'2" | 185 lbs | QB Irmo | 2025 State SC (2,782 passing yards, 1,047 rushing yards, 59 total touchdowns) and tailback Jaden Allen-Hendrix Jaden Allen-Hendrix 6'2" | 230 lbs | RB Irmo | 2024 State SC (2,148 yards, 25 touchdowns) and receiver Donovan Murph Donovan Murph 6'3" | 180 lbs | WR Irmo | 2026 State SC (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 Isaiah McClary Isaiah McClary 6'1" | 175 lbs | DB Irmo | 2024 State SC to linebacker Jylil Favor Jylil Favor 6'1" | 215 lbs | LB Irmo | 2024 State SC to defensive linemen Jaiden Bryant Jaiden Bryant 6'2" | 195 lbs | DL Irmo | 2027 State SC and Xavier Montgomery Xavier Montgomery 6'1" | 210 lbs | DL Irmo | 2024 State SC , 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. Zion Gilbert Zion Gilbert 6'0" | 195 lbs | RB South Florence | 2025 State SC (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. Terry Gordon Terry Gordon 6'0" | 220 lbs | LB South Florence | 2026 State SC and Noah Moore Noah Moore 6'0" | 215 lbs | LB South Florence | 2024 State SC have locked down the middle, while Dirrick Goodman Dirrick Goodman 6'2" | 200 lbs | LB South Florence | 2024 State SC and Quincy Rhodes Quincy Rhodes 5'11" | 155 lbs | DB South Florence | 2024 State SC 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 Amare Adams Amare Adams 6'4" | 305 lbs | DL South Florence | 2025 State SC (pictured), will get plenty of help from outside linebackers Brian Brownless and Chantwan Harkless Chantwan Harkless 6'3" | 220 lbs | DL South Florence | 2024 State SC – two experienced edge rushers. They’ve been pretty good, but so, too, has the Irmo offensive line led by left tackle Elijah Williams Elijah Williams 6'5" | 270 lbs | OL Irmo | 2024 State SC and left guard/center Bryant Ham Bryant Ham 6'2" | 275 lbs | OL Irmo | 2024 State SC . 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.