Class 5A Division II State Championship Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The rematch is set.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Northwestern (12-1) and Irmo (12-1) meet for the second straight year in the 5A Division II state championship game on Friday night at 7:36 p.m. at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium in Orangeburg, after last year's instant classic <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/what-we-saw-northwestern-34-irmo-31/">which saw Page Wofford's team win on a walk-off field goal</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Trojans have rolled through a challenging regular season slate with games against Ridge View, South Florence and Spartanburg with relative ease, with their only loss of the year coming to cross town rival South Pointe, who will be playing for <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/class-4a-state-championship-preview/">the 4A championship on Saturday</a>. First-year starting quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='232624' first='Xavier' last='Means'] </strong>has taken the reins of the Trojans' Air Raid offense and has managed it well. But the thing that has separated him in 2025 is his ability to run the football, running for 1179 yards and 23 touchdowns. Combine that with a healthy dose of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1823340' first='Nigel' last='Smith'] </strong>(1130 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns) and this offense has been tough to try and slow down, as they've averaged 48 points per game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>And now the junior quarterback has a chance to help the Trojans win back-to-back state titles for the first time in school history.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“It means a lot to me, especially being a first year starter and coming off of JV. It definitely (helps me) make a name for myself. And to start for Northwestern and a coach like Coach (Page) Wofford, it means a lot, just to have a chance to two-peat for the first time in Northwestern history. It's really my offensive line that makes holes and my receivers too on the outside running. (The) coaches call the plays and I just execute to the best of my ability,” Means told Prep Redzone SC over the weekend on the state title and the run game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Means has thrown for 2686 yards and 28 touchdowns, averaging 206.6 passing yards per game. His top targets have been Shrine Bowl selection <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1267334' first='Kameron' last='Vance'] </strong>(79 receptions, 943 yards and 11 touchdowns), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1823336' first='Jonathan' last='Spurgeon'] </strong>(46 catches, 466 yards and 7 touchdowns) along with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1817848' first='David' last='Flood'] </strong>(35 catches, 462 yards and 3 touchdowns).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Trojans' defense has been dominant throughout the year as well, allowing 23 points per game led by Texas A&amp;M commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1267200' first='Tamarion' last='Watkins']</strong> who is second on the team in tackles with 56.5 total on the year. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1149051' first='Kamerin' last='McFadden'] </strong>leads the Trojans defensively with 70 total tackles and 19.5 of them for a loss. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1823343' first='Malik' last='Darby'] </strong>leads the team in tackles for a loss with 22, to go along with 7 sacks. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1820778' first='Jeremiah' last='Cannon'] </strong>(47 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1820772' first='Nolan' last='McKinnon'] </strong>(38.5 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss)<strong> </strong>have been stingy on the defensive line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Yellow Jackets faced a difficult non-region slate with wins against Oceanside Collegiate, Byrnes and Carolina Forest. Their lone loss came at the end of the regular season to Dutch Fork, <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/class-5a-division-i-state-championship-preview/">who will be playing in the 5A Division I title game on Saturday</a>. One of Irmo's leaders on offense is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='755890' first='Amire' last='White'] </strong>who<strong> </strong>has been the workhorse on the ground with 1275 yards and 12 touchdowns on 158 carries in 2025. Their big playmakers at receiver are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1422528' first='Maleek' last='Miller']</strong> (50 catches, 883 yards receiving and 8 touchdowns) and <strong>Jay Eudy </strong>(33 catches, 515 yards and 10 touchdowns). They've battled injuries up front on the offensive line, but <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='756223' first='Nate' last='Carson'] Kieren Vauls Jackson Livingston Vernon Hairness </strong>and <strong>Mason McGill </strong>held their own last week, and will look to open up holes against the Trojans on Friday night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Irmo's defense has been stingy in the playoffs, not allowing more than 16 points per game led by <strong>Brandon Goldsborough </strong>at linebacker, who averages 8.3 tackles per game along with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1678174' first='Javonte' last='Hill'] </strong>who is second on the team in tackles with 7 tackles per game. The Trojans will need to be aware of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1604012' first='Jamar' last='Grissett'] </strong>who has 7 interceptions on the year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>LEGACY GAME</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='860400' first='Drevon' last='Dopson']</strong> (pictured above) has had a stellar season as Irmo's starting quarterback, coming over after spending last year at Brookland-Cayce. He has thrown for 2366 yards and 27 touchdowns on the year. He excels in making throws on the run and has the athleticism to be a dual threat and he knows where to find the open grass. He has run for 382 yards and three touchdowns on the ground as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The senior has been through the gauntlet of a non-region slate, as we mentioned and he told Prep Redzone SC on Monday that he's grown as a passer with the talent that surrounds him. Now that growth has led to where he has the chance to help his team accomplish the ultimate goal – a state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“When I came here from Brookland Cayce, I knew I was surrounded by talent so getting to the state championship was a personal goal I set for myself this year so I'm happy that I was able to come here and do that, but that job is not finished,” Dopson said.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22484748/6906c6b76c4b96816ed09b91' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-692f512905c8c"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>MATCHUP WITHIN THE MATCHUP</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We think this game will come down to the battle in the trenches. Much like Irmo's offensive line, Northwestern's offensive line has led the way in running the football, averaging 229 yards per game and has created holes for Means at quarterback in an offense that historically has put up huge numbers through the air under head coach Page Wofford. The Trojans are a veteran unit, led by Charleston Southern University commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1394980' first='Chris' last='Coleman'] [player_tooltip player_id='1820779' first='Nasir' last='Hannah'] [player_tooltip player_id='1823337' first='Noah' last='McCoy'] Elijah Prophether </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1820781' first='Beau' last='Chumley'] </strong>will face another stiff challenge with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='755914' first='Jaiden' last='Bryant'] [player_tooltip player_id='1172366' first='Tyrone' last='Jennings']</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1734510' first='Major' last='Taylor'] </strong>and <strong>Devaughn Sutter </strong>up front on the Yellow Jackets' defensive line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bron'zier Nicholson </strong>is a starter on the Trojans' defensive line as a sophomore and has made his presence felt. He has 16 total tackles including four tackles for loss and two fumble recoveries. He can clog up running lanes and is tough to block on the inside from his defensive tackle spot. He has a good first step once the ball is snapped and doesn't stop until he gets to the ball carrier and makes the tackle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22729501/6904fded463a680a36e704f2' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-692f512905cc5"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>X-</em></strong><em><strong>FACTOR</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keep an eye on Northwestern wide receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1718680' first='Payton' last='Vining'] </strong>(35 catches, 380 yards and five touchdowns in 2025). He had a breakout game in the Trojans' <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/10/northwestern-routs-indian-land-behind-means-7-tds/">regular season finale against Indian Land</a> and has proved to be a viable outlet for Means in the quick passing game. Look for them to get it to them when the matchups present themselves. He has good hands and gives Irmo another receiver to be aware of.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19736361/68cfe8c9c12d426b65c2338a' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-692f512905ced"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>TENTATIVE STARTING LINEUPS</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td><em><strong>NORTHWESTERN DEFENSE</strong></em></td><td><em><strong>IRMO OFFENSE</strong></em></td><td><em><strong>NORTHWESTERN SPECIALISTS</strong></em></td><td><em><strong>IRMO DEFENSE</strong></em></td><td><em><strong>NORTHWESTERN OFFENSE</strong></em></td></tr><tr><td>DB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1267200' first='Tamarion' last='Watkins']</strong></td><td>QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='860400' first='Drevon' last='Dopson']</strong></td><td>K <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1824470' first='Alex' last='Bendt']</strong></td><td>DL <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='755914' first='Jaiden' last='Bryant']</strong></td><td>QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='232624' first='Xavier' last='Means']</strong></td></tr><tr><td>DB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1734419' first='Josh' last='Singleton']</strong></td><td>RB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='755890' first='Amire' last='White']</strong></td><td></td><td>DL <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1734510' first='Major' last='Taylor']</strong></td><td>WR <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1267334' first='Kameron' last='Vance']</strong></td></tr><tr><td>DB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1823338' first='Amarian' last='Coleman']</strong></td><td>WR <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1422528' first='Maleek' last='Miller']</strong></td><td></td><td>DL <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1172366' first='Tyrone' last='Jennings']</strong></td><td>WR <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1820777' first='Evan' last='Harrison']</strong></td></tr><tr><td>DB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1283361' first='Jaylon' last='Richardson']</strong></td><td>WR <strong>Corey Miller</strong></td><td></td><td>DL <strong>Devaughn Sutter</strong></td><td>WR <strong>Jonathan Spuregon</strong></td></tr><tr><td>DB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1652528' first='Jayden' last='Baxter']</strong></td><td>WR <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1820287' first='Ethan' last='Singletary']</strong></td><td></td><td>LB <strong>Caden Hall</strong></td><td>WR <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1718680' first='Payton' last='Vining']</strong></td></tr><tr><td>DL <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1820772' first='Nolan' last='McKinnon']</strong></td><td>WR <strong>Dee Arrington</strong></td><td></td><td>LB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1678174' first='Javonte' last='Hill']</strong></td><td>RB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1823340' first='Nigel' last='Smith']</strong></td></tr><tr><td>DL <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1820776' first='Kobe' last='Neely']</strong></td><td>TE <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1467834' first='Jay' last='Eady']</strong></td><td></td><td>LB <strong>Brandon Golsborough</strong></td><td>OL <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1820781' first='Beau' last='Chumley']</strong></td></tr><tr><td>DL <strong>Bron'zier Nicholson</strong></td><td>OL <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='756223' first='Nate' last='Carson']</strong></td><td></td><td>DB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1604012' first='Jamar' last='Grissett']</strong></td><td>OL <strong>Elijah Propheter</strong></td></tr><tr><td>LB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1149051' first='Kamerin' last='McFadden']</strong></td><td>OL <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='209335' first='Kieron' last='Vauls']</strong></td><td></td><td>DB <strong>CJ Currence</strong></td><td>OL <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1823337' first='Noah' last='McCoy']</strong></td></tr><tr><td>LB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1820778' first='Jeremiah' last='Cannon']</strong></td><td>OL <strong>Jackson Livingston</strong></td><td></td><td>DB <strong>Antwan Pierce</strong></td><td>OL <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1820779' first='Nasir' last='Hannah']</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>OL <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1267313' first='Vernen' last='Hairens']</strong></td><td></td><td>DB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1821835' first='Jayden' last='Arrington']</strong></td><td>OL <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1394980' first='Chris' last='Coleman']</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>OL <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1816905' first='Bryson' last='Moore']</strong></td><td></td><td>DB <strong>Zion Gates</strong></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->