News Summary
The Irmo High School football team, the Yellow Jackets, is preparing for the upcoming 2025 season after a close loss in the 2024 state championship. With key players gone, including quarterback A.J. Brand, the team faces a rebuilding phase while aiming to maintain high expectations. Coach Brand is hopeful for improvement as they evaluate new talent for pivotal positions, focusing on avoiding turnovers and solid defensive performances. Despite the challenges, the Yellow Jackets are determined to return to championship contention amidst a tough schedule.
Irmo, SC – The Irmo High School football team is gearing up for the 2025 season following a heartbreaking loss in the 2024 5A Division II state championship game. The Yellow Jackets narrowly fell to the Northwestern Trojans, 34-31, in a suspenseful match that ended with a last-second field goal. Coach Aaron Brand expressed the team’s deep disappointment, feeling they were merely “30 seconds away from being state champions.”
Despite the heartbreaking end to their previous season, the Yellow Jackets finished 2024 with a commendable record of 12-2. However, the team will face a significant rebuilding challenge this upcoming season after losing key players, including quarterback A.J. Brand, who has since moved to Virginia Tech, and receiver Donovan Murph, now playing for the University of South Carolina. A.J. Brand was recognized as the Gatorade Player of the Year and was essential to the team’s offensive strategies.
Under Coach Brand’s leadership, the Yellow Jackets achieved notable success, winning 33 games over the last three seasons. However, the loss of dynamic players necessitates a reloading process. Notably, the 2025 season will mark the first time since 2020 that the team will not have A.J. Brand at the helm.
Coach Brand has acknowledged that the team’s practice sessions have started off slowly as they prepare for the season, though he remains hopeful for improvement. The strong points of the team include its offensive and defensive lines, with four returning players: standout tackle Nate Carson, who stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 280 pounds, along with Bryson Moore, Vernen Hairens, and Kieron Vauls. A fifth starter is expected to round out the lineup.
The coaching staff is currently evaluating potential candidates for the starting quarterback position, with two transfers in contention: Brookland-Cayce’s Dre Dopson and Britt Davis from Jack Britt High School in North Carolina. Dopson has faced challenges, including health issues and multiple school transfers, while Davis is noted for his exceptional throwing abilities. The team is focused on minimizing interceptions, having maintained a low count of only five over the past three seasons.
Amir White has been designated as the starting running back, with promising freshman Michael Robinson also in the mix for playing time. The search for a suitable replacement for receiver Donovan Murph is still ongoing; key options include Maleek Miller and his younger brother Corey.
Defensively, junior Jaiden Bryant, with 92 tackles last season, is expected to lead a strong unit. However, he may face double teams from opponents looking to neutralize his effectiveness. Major Taylor will play defensive end, while the interior will be bolstered by Tyrone Jennings and Devaughn Sutter. The linebacker and secondary positions will see the return of starters Jevonte Hill, Brandon Goldsborough, Zion Gates, and Jamar Grissett. Kicking specialists Tucker Williams and Will Kelly will return, with Kelly having made a significant impact on opponent field positions last season.
The upcoming 2025 season features a challenging schedule, including games against defending champions Oceanside as well as strong non-region teams like Byrnes and Butler. The Yellow Jackets compete in a stout region that includes the defending 5A champion, Dutch Fork, along with White Knoll, who eliminated them in last year’s semifinals.
Despite the substantial personnel losses, Coach Brand aims to maintain high expectations for the team this season. Emphasizing a strategy that prioritizes avoiding turnovers and solid defensive performances will be crucial as the Yellow Jackets look to navigate the trials of the 2025 season and aim for a return to championship contention.
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Additional Resources
- The Columbia Star: Irmo Yellow Jackets
- The State: Irmo High School Football
- MaxPreps: Irmo Yellow Jackets Basketball
- HSSR: Star Quarterback A.J. Brand
- Wikipedia: High School Football in the United States
- Google Search: Irmo High School Football
