The Irmo (Columbia, SC) varsity football team will face Chapin (SC) in a neutral playoff game today at 7:30 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) – Class AAAAA Football: Division 2 tournament.

Irmo vs Chapin Football Game Info:

What: South Carolina High School Football
Who: Irmo vs Chapin
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Bracket: 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) – Class AAAAA Football: Division 2
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Game preview: Irmo vs Chapin

As the 2024 high school football season winds down, the Chapin Eagles and Irmo Yellow Jackets have shown contrasting paths to their current positions. The teams are gearing up for a key matchup, with both sides boasting strong performances, though one has dominated the other in recent contests.

Chapin’s Season So Far
The Chapin Eagles enter the game with a 6-5 overall record, having had a mixed season in region play. They hold a 1-4 region record, with two wins at home and three losses away. While their offense has put up an average of 32.1 points per game, they’ve faced challenges defensively, giving up 393 points on the season, averaging 35.7 points allowed per game. Their most notable offensive player is senior Cole Martin, who leads the team in rushing with 76.7 yards per game, while quarterback Brady Albro has thrown for an impressive 227.9 yards per game. Chapin’s defense is anchored by linebacker Gavin Stam, who averages 10.4 tackles per game, while Tanner Short has contributed with 0.6 sacks per game.

Irmo’s Dominance
On the other side, the Irmo Yellow Jackets have had a standout season, posting a 9-1 overall record. They have been dominant in region play, with a 4-1 record and an undefeated 5-0 mark at home. Irmo’s offense has been firing on all cylinders, averaging 37.1 points per game, and their defense has held opponents to just 175 points, or 17.5 points per game. The Yellow Jackets’ success is led by their star running back Aaron “AJ” Brand, who has been a force on the ground with 139.7 rushing yards per game and 204.7 passing yards per game. Meanwhile, receiver Donovan Murph has been a standout with 99.1 receiving yards per game. On defense, Matthew Blocker has contributed 7.6 tackles per game, and Jaiden Bryant has been effective with 1.1 sacks per game.

The Head-to-Head Showdown
In the most recent meeting on November 1, Irmo handed Chapin a tough loss, winning 55-21. The game was a decisive victory for Irmo, as they dominated on both sides of the ball, outscoring Chapin in every quarter. The Yellow Jackets were efficient and explosive, with a strong showing from Brand and their offense, while Chapin struggled to keep pace despite solid performances from Martin and Albro.

Looking at the team stats, Irmo clearly has the upper hand in overall yardage, averaging 491.9 total yards per game compared to Chapin’s 368.8 yards. While Chapin’s passing game (265.6 yards per game) has been a strong point, Irmo’s ability to rush the ball (287.2 yards per game) has been a key factor in their success. The Yellow Jackets have also shown greater consistency, especially in their region games, where they have only one loss compared to Chapin’s four region defeats.

Common Opponents
Both teams have faced off against some of the same opponents this season, and their results have differed. Chapin has gone 1-3 in those matchups, including tough losses to teams like Dutch Fork (63-10), Lexington (33-32), and River Bluff (30-6). Irmo, in contrast, has fared much better, winning 3 of their 4 common matchups, including a decisive 34-8 victory over Lexington and a 35-14 win over River Bluff.

Looking Ahead
As both teams enter the playoffs, Irmo will undoubtedly carry the momentum of their stellar regular season, while Chapin will need to regroup after a tough loss to their regional rivals. While Irmo has been the more consistent team this year, Chapin’s ability to generate offense, especially through the air, could make them a dangerous opponent. Their defense will need to step up if they hope to slow down Irmo’s potent attack in their next matchup.

Conclusion
With Irmo’s impressive 9-1 record and Chapin’s 6-5 season, the Yellow Jackets come into this game as the heavy favorites, but high school football can often be unpredictable. As the two teams meet for another thrilling chapter in their rivalry, fans can expect an exciting game full of explosive plays and intense competition. Whether Chapin can bounce back or Irmo will continue their dominance remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: this is a game that will be hard to miss!