Irmo football finds its offensive rhythm
Yellow Jackets look to carry momentum into regular-season finale and playoffs
By Thomas Grant Jr.
IRMO — For much of the season, Irmo football has sought to regain its offensive identity. With the regular-season finale approaching, the Yellow Jackets appear to have found their rhythm.
Irmo lost wide receivers Corey and Maleek Miller, who transferred to Dutch Fork, and running back Amire White, who transferred to Gaffney. The Yellow Jackets then lost Alabama commit and North Carolina transfer running back Tai Phillips to a season-ending injury.
Now, as Irmo (6-3, 3-1) prepares to play its regular-season finale Friday at Fox Creek, the offense appears to be clicking under first-year starting quarterback Brittain Davis.
After consecutive losses to North Augusta and Dorman, following a three-game stretch in which the Yellow Jackets averaged 50 points, Irmo has scored at least 50 points in each of its last two games.
Davis has led the resurgence through the air. In the past two games against Midland Valley and Aiken, he has thrown for 551 yards, completing 23 of 34 passes for eight touchdowns with no interceptions.
“We have played well, and I hope we’ve found our stride,” Irmo head coach Aaron Brand said. “I hope we’ve found our little mojo, pizzazz back.
“It’s just been a lot more fun the last couple of weeks tossing it around a little bit and finding a way to get the ball to Ethan (Singletary), D(amarion Arrington) and (Jay) Eaddy’s hands a little more frequently than we did at the beginning.”
Brand believes opening up the passing game has allowed the Yellow Jackets to get back to their roots by spreading the ball among their playmakers. As Davis’ confidence has grown, the receivers have gained more freedom to make plays and become bigger contributors.
With Irmo looking to use its passing attack to open up the running game, junior Zay Chew and freshman Jaion Mickens have sought to capitalize on their opportunities to carry the ball.
The offensive resurgence also could help ease the burden on a defense that has recorded three shutouts this season.
With the playoffs approaching, the Yellow Jackets are preparing for the possibility of playing on the road. The latest MaxPreps RPI ratings place Irmo 12th overall in Class 4A and sixth in the Lower State.
That position sets up the possibility of a first-round rematch with Wilson, which Irmo defeated 60-13 at home Sept. 11. A victory could then set up a road matchup against Region 5-4A champion North Augusta, giving the Yellow Jackets an opportunity to avenge an earlier loss.
Brand hopes his team is ready for the challenge as it pursues a third consecutive appearance in the state championship game in Orangeburg.
S.C. Prep Football Media Week 10 Poll — Class 4A
- Westside (13 first-place votes)
- Gaffney (3)
- T.L. Hanna
- North Augusta
- Hilton Head Island
- South Pointe
- Lugoff-Elgin
- Indian Land
- South Florence
- Irmo
Others receiving votes: Lancaster.
Photo by GoFlashwin.com – Irmo quarterback Brittain Davis
