#1 NW vs #2 IRMO - AAAA FINAL

Lets Compare the two.

Keepers: NW's starter is the same from last year that won state. He has only allowed 5 goals this season. Irmo's keepers have allowed 11 goals. I do not think this game will come down to goalkeeping, though I do think NW might have the advantage because of experience.

Defense:
NW's centerback Robbie Benson, an All-State selection, is one of, if not the best centerback in the state. The other centerback is young but very good. NW's outside backs are both very talented as well. Irmo landed two of their defenders on the All-Region squad, but none on all state. They are a very talented unit, but not quite as good as NW.

Midfield:
NW's Alex Martinez is the best midfielder in the state, bar-none. The way he controls the game reflects his All-State selection. Shawn Ferguson, another All-State selection, dominates the physical aspect of the game with his 6'5" frame. Irmo's midfield is very talented as well. Mukofsky and Acree, both All-State selections, are a force. Both quick and very smart. At the end of the day though, I just don't think they can handle Alex.

Forwards:
NW has Enzo. Need I say more? Oh yeah I should also mention the most talented sophomore in the State Ricardo Garbanzo and junior ODP Region Team standout Dennis Moore. These guys are ridiculously good. Irmo will have lots of trouble containing Enzo, and if they do they still have two other studs to worry about. Irmo also has great talent up top. With senior All-State selections in Varney and McEwan, the Trojan Defense will have to play a very good game to contain them.

There is so much talent on both teams. From my observations, I think NW is the better all around team. This does not mean that NW will win though. These are two of the best teams to ever come out of SC and it should be a match a lifetime. Looking forward to it. I understand I am a little bit biased. Don't bash me for my opinion, I think both teams are good. I just bleed purple!

Prediction:
NW 4
Irmo 2

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Sullivan gets more time than Arneson. I'm going with a 2-1 Irmo victory, Seiverding and Acree for Irmo and Enzo for Northwestern. Should be a great game!

Really? Now that's interesting, because last year it appeared that Arneson got more time.

I predict an Irmo victory as well, but it really is up in the air.

irmo could barely get past wando...they are going to get run by Northwestern in the finals

cmon, all state means nothing...especially when your on a undefeated team. Im not saying Northwestern defense is bad im just pointing out weak spots on their team in comparison to the rest of the squad.

well thats not saying very much at all

I wouldn't even say they are weak..they're one of the strongest places on the field other than enzo, when you dont give up a goal in playoffs or the last 7 or 8 games theyve played, i dont call that very weak

Arneson got more time earlier in the year but seemed to lose confidence as the year wore on with some shaky play. Gave up one horrific goal in the White Knoll 9-4 victory (misplayed a ball passed back with it going either under or around his foot as it trickled over the goal line. Sullivan has seen the earlier action since then although both have played all the games up to the Wando game...not sure who played that one.

I would say Irmo's two keepers both play well in doses but i don't feel either one is consistent enough to be considered a strength. Also Irmo's backline is gonna have to play better than what they have recently to neutralize Northwestern's attack. Seems when Irmo pushes numbers forward they are very open to the counter attack.

NW - 5
Irmo - 2

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Arneson got more time earlier in the year but seemed to lose confidence

Arneson and Sullivan have actually spilt time all year. It would have been a horrific goal in the White Knoll game if it ended there, however since then Arneson has worked specifically on footwork and balls dropped back and has actually gained significant confidence due to that event. His shakey play, as you stated GSdad, has resulted in a total of 3 goals against him all season.
Arneson, Sullivan, and Prim have complimented and pushed each other throughout the season resulting in better skills by all three keepers.

NW 4 IRMO 3 glad to see the two best teams in the final, Enzo's senior year, no let down, good luck

2391,how can u say nhs has a weak defense? 9 goals and only 5 against the first defense? two allstate defenders? three of their defenders signing college scholarships and they are weak? if u look at their game by game stats, very few teams even got off shots on goal. weak defense? get real, their defense was good enough for the last three years to produce three state finals. this defense is the same one that limited mighty irmo to one goal and defending state champion and number one ranked spring valley to no goals and no shots on frame. weak defense my #@&%$.... trojans 3-1.

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but i'm not saying they are awesome team either IRMO was not playing up to their potential last night at all. That team is capable of so much more and many people have witnessed it and know that. And it didn't help that they were basically playing on a beach

Yea agreed, Irmo was playing on a beach while wando played on the field with the perfect grass. This explains why irmo didnt dominate. Mike day you are so smart

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Irmo is the best team in the land bar none. The determination of the squad in the win they had last night over a strong wando squad shows they can get it done when it needs to get done. It should be a great game and will should be close down to the end but Irmo has Jah's blessing and we will come out on top.

Your pothead remarks are worthless, Irmo is going to need help from more then your Jah to beat NW.

YellowJacket, it's time for you to look forward to next year. I understand it was an "off year" for your school, but it's time to play club and get ready for a good year in 2010.

Let's show some sportsmanship and stop the personal attacks on the players

actually we went 6-2 this year in our conference and I wont be playing club, I will just be training with the team in the offseason. So you can stop making your assumptions about which school I attend since you obviously have no idea

Y'Jacket, Don't let jealousy get the best of you, it's not healthy.

Just be proud of your school and don't let Irmo's success eat at you

yes yellow jacket you are always right

What does me being proud of my school having anything to do with NW beating Irmo? and i dont think i am jealous of a high school soccer team. And since you edited your post. we did not have an off-year this year, we actually had a very good team

me having team pride has nothing to do with the fact that NW will bear spirmo. My team actually did not have an off year we had a very good team. Its too bad the NCAA doesnt play high school teams.

your an idiot yellow jacket

but back on topic IRMO will win 3-1 in regulation time.. in the high light of the the goals from the news it looked like fm wasn't playing aggressive enough defensivly against a quality team like nw, not going in for balls that could have been won (but that was just from that little clip). IRMO will bring the intensity, take everything and leave nothing. Its going to be a very intense match. Finish it up boyz its the game ya'll have been preparing and waiting for... to show who is really #1 in SC. IRMO! real

was Northwesterns sweeper all state?

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but back on topic IRMO will win 3-1 in regulation time.. in the high light of the the goals from the news it looked like fm wasn't playing aggressive enough defensivly against a quality team like nw, not going in for balls that could have been won (but that was just from that little clip). IRMO will bring the intensity, take everything and leave nothing. Its going to be a very intense match. Finish it up boyz its the game ya'll have been preparing and waiting for... to show who is really #1 in SC. IRMO! real

Perhaps you need to look a little closer at FMHS stats for D for the year! They are a shutdow D and stopped most everyone they face this year. In fact they survived on defense because they have not been a big scoring machine this year. From the discussion I have seen I would say FMHS keeper is far and away better then what Irmo brings he did have a bad game against NWHS but so have mmost keepers this year.
I go back to the point I made earilier, if you can just barely get by a team FMHS beat in regular time... How are you going to win 3-1 against a team that DOMINATES FMHS 3 out 3 games this year (won 6-1,5-0,2-0)?
Explain using some kind of logic please, or just admit your using your lucky rabbit's foot

manchester just confirmed ESPN coverage...

this game is huge!!!

im gonna say nw 4-3 after pks

YJ44 you like boys. your comments are ridiculous. time to hang up scsoccer if your playing college in georgia

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was Northwesterns sweeper all state?

Yes, centerback Robbie Benson was all-state. Shawn Ferguson, who was also all-state, who usually plays center-mid, will also probably start in the back. Zack Clark has been slightly injured and has not been starting in the midfield. I'm pretty sure he will be ready saturday. And don't forget, he was also all-state last year and is headed to Liberty to play. So watch out for that stout NW Defense Irmo!

still all the same i think irmo will exploit nw's d

If by exploit you mean score a couple of goals, then yes you are right. Irmo might score 1 or 2 goals, but I guarantee NW will "exploit" Irmo's defense and score 3+. I'll stick with my prediction, NW 4 Irmo 2.

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Slow down there Robert. How can you say Irmo is the best "bar none"? I mean do you honestly think they are that much better than NW? And unless your some sort of prophet, your comment about Jah, as you call him, just takes all credibility away from you. Get real my friend. Northwestern shall reign!

I do not honestly think that either team is better. They match up pretty evenly on paper and i think it will boil down to how well Irmos backfield can contain enzo and alex. But on the comment about Jah, i do not think im a prophet, all im doing is getting my team pumped up. By the way, you even know what Jah is lad?

I'm not really a big fan of either of this teams. But i have seen and played them. NW is a great team and so is Irmo. Saying that i hate what im about to say but i believe irmo is goin to pull out with the W. They have the all around players besides in the goal. But neither teams are strong in that position. And i hope ESPN is there bc south carolina has great soccer all over the state.

Irmo 2
NW 1

Northwestern:
Combined W-L-T record of Opponents: 196-127-6
Goals Scored: 144 - Goals Allowed: 9

Irmo:
Combined W-L-T record of Opponents: 197-139-11
Goals Scored: 152 - Goals Allowed: 11

Should be a great matchup with lots of opportunities and hopefully goals for both sides, want to look good for the rest of the nation on ESPN. Having said this i give an unbiased edge to Northwestern becuase they know what it is like to play in these big games with the big pressure i think theyll put it out and bring home their third championship under the guidance of Enzo.
4-2 NW

Irmo vs. Northwestern

Each team proves their offensive prowess by averaging 6+ goals per game and their defensive stability by averaging less than .5 goals against per game.

Enzo and Alex will provide NHS with a lot of options in the attacking third by engaging defenders and playing through the lines.

Acree, Leo, and Emmitt will be able to control the ball and break down NHS defense through passing and movement off the ball. This combined with the holding capability of Kyle M. and the pace of Varney will work in Irmo�s favor.

As said before, each team has a solid defense. This being the case, I still feel as though it will be an offensive transition game. A stellar offense verse a solid defense will provide the crowd with a lot of goal scoring opportunities.

Final score:
Irmo � 5
Northwestern � 3

The ability of Irmo to break down defenses through movement on and off the ball will be too much for NHS to handle. Enzo and Alex will find a way to keep NHS in the game through individual moments of brilliance.

No way Enzo loses his last high school game.
NW 4
irmo 1

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No way Enzo loses his last high school game.
NW 4
irmo 1

I think that many people only think that this is Enzo last game. There is a whole squad of Irmo seniors that want to bring the CHAMPIONSHIP back to Irmo and for themselves. All I am saying is that there are going to be 15+ seniors on both teams that will do anything to win this game(not just one player)

Really one person is not gonna make a difference against a team like IRMO and then you got hubbard man marking him making his touches as minimal as possible. As good as enzo is he won't win them the game

a player does change the game in these big games, look how many times ronaldo has changed it for manu by one simple kick or drogba has changed it by getting a dumb card or missing a chance.....i realize that is professionals, but the same reasoning applies one shot out of the blue can change the game, their is no way how good the irmo defense is that they will be able to stop northwestern and especially enzo

sorry guys didnt mean to spark a debate. I was just saying that this is Enzos last game. Who, is considered possibly by some the best HS player in SC ever.

I'm pretty sure hubbard did a very good job of shuting him down last time these teams met in upper state.

I'm sure these little debates will go on untill the final result

He may have (who won that game by the way), but has hubbard scored about a bazillion goals and won two state championships while playing in three.

I'm sure even after the winner is decided on Saturday, debate will continue til the following state championship in 2010. Also if you think about..... debate will never end because theres always opinions that are going to be expressed and will continue for eternity.

That wasn't my point sholes and I'm not gonna start about that game last year IRMO will settle it on sat.

RobertT
Of course I know who Jah is. It means God and is most commonly used in the Rastafari movement, which most people do not agree with. That is why I said what I said.

To everyone who thinks Irmo is going to drop more than two goals on NW, every one of you are lunatics. I'll say it again, All-STATE DEFENDERS ROBBIE BENSON AND SHAWN FERGUSON, will not give that many goals up. The way they control that third of the field is very rare. Their communication, knowledge of the game, skills, and never say die attitudes, will not allow Irmo's offense to take over this game. Its just not going to happen. Northwestern shall reign!!! NW 4 Irmo 2

It's going to be a good game, but Northwestern has never beaten Irmo when playing at Memorial Stadium

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It's going to be a good game, but Northwestern has never beaten Irmo when playing at Memorial Stadium

Ha that is irrelevant.

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It's going to be a good game, but Northwestern has never beaten Irmo when playing at Memorial Stadium

None of these players were in high school the last time they played each other in the state championship game at memorial stadium. In fact, as it has been said before, the current irmo players have never even been this far while this is Northwestern's 4th straight championship game, so experience could be a big factor as well.

And now that I think about it, that state championship game was the last time irmo actually beat Northwestern.

Sorry sG, but ya can't ignore history. I don't know, it might be a curse or something.

Northwestern lost a heart breaker to IRMO the last time they played there.

Yeah I was there, but come on lets be serious. It does not matter where they play unless you believe in curses or superstitions or bad luck or omens or whatever. It does not matter. Like MUnited said, none of the players on either team have played in a championship at Memorial. And if NW loses, it will not be because of some "curse," it will be because NW shot themselves in the foot and choked. Nonetheless, NW is not going to lose. Northwestern shall reign!!!

You have a point sG. It may just be the difference in the grass in the Upstate and the Midlands.

The Memorial field plays a lot faster when it doesn't "reign".

The are a few differences in the Graveyard and Memorial. The dimensions of Memorial, I believe, are significantly smaller and obviously the surface is not as good as the Graveyard. I do not believe this will play a big role in the game, but you never know. NW's home field is as good as it gets. It has a great surface and its width and length are as big as regulations allow. Irmo's pitch is high quality as well. Playing at Memorial will be a downsize for both teams, but I don't think it will matter.

NW 4 - Irmo 1

The only way Irmo will score is off a throw in. they couldnt even get build up against Wando. They scored all of their goals from set pieces. If the field is not very wide. Irmo may be able to put in more than one. With a wide field, they wont even score one. Irmos defense has been penetrated by multiple teams in their region, which their offenses dont even compare to NW. NW offense will dominate the game. and Their defense wont be broken down.

3-2 NW

NW is just has an unreal attack. They will create many chances and eventually start to put those chances away. At times it seems like they are playing 4 up top.

While their offense is legit, their defense is average which will allow irmo to burry a few but not enough to keep up with NW attack

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They scored all of their goals from set pieces.

YJ44... if you pay attention to the NCAA National Tournament you will find that most goals are scored off of set pieces, not too many during the run of play.

Northwestern's defense is way above average.

You people make me laugh.

dare I say the irmo players on here are almost as bad as wandos and bc parents????????????????????

how can you fault a team for taking their chances??? every professional player loves it when they get opportunities with corners and throw in or free kicks it ridiculous to criticize a team for scoring on set plays...youre just jealous cuz bc or cn did one of their ridiculous set plays on your team

and sG you are completely wrong by saying irmo has a better pitch that memorial... of course memorial is not as big as the graveyard but no high school stadium is and their pitch is top quality and prolly the best i seen in cola, no dirt patches or bumbs at all on the field and their seeting on both sides unlike the graveyard so that is an advantage

Zola have you been to W.C. Hawkins to see Irmo play this year, the pitch is absolutely fantastic. I've seen college fields that aren't as nice as what Irmo got to play on this year.

sadly no i have not, i was hoping their game against wando would be there but oh well:( but i do know that their drainage system their is below par

i have been to memorial and richland one, dreher and the soccer board have done everything they can to keep the field in top shape and it certainly has worked because this season their field has been pristine, immaculate, etc....;)

GianFranco - NW has the maximum dimensions the schsl will allow. I'm guessing that that is the size of the graveyard... just saying

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and sG you are completely wrong by saying irmo has a better pitch that memorial... of course memorial is not as big as the graveyard but no high school stadium is and their pitch is top quality and prolly the best i seen in cola, no dirt patches or bumbs at all on the field and their seeting on both sides unlike the graveyard so that is an advantage

I'm pretty sure I'm right on this one. Like someone just said, Irmo's pitch is quality and playing at Memorial is definately a downgrade. Not as much as it is for NW though. And you are right about the seating situation. It has more seats, but I will bet anything it will be packed out.

This link is posted in another thread, but it bears repeating...nice coverage. Too bad WIS-TV chose to focus on hair color instead of soccer...ESPN wrote a much more interesting story.

http://sports.espn.go.com/highschool/rise/news/story?id=4197621

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dare I say the irmo players on here are almost as bad as wandos and bc parents????????????????????

WTH!!!

I've been on here all year and I can't recall one condescending remark made by a BC parent. Please backup your statement.

You on the other hand must really like hearing yourself talk. Not really saying anything worthwhile and then replying to your own post.

Just curious, why did you decide to change your name?

See you at the games

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I'm pretty sure I'm right on this one. Like someone just said, Irmo's pitch is quality and playing at Memorial is definately a downgrade. Not as much as it is for NW though. And you are right about the seating situation. It has more seats, but I will bet anything it will be packed out.

Irmo's field in the past has been garbage. Their AD/football coach likes to run downhill so it will always have that football crown and the touchlines usually are dirt due to that's where the football players stand during the game. It's pretty narrow too for today's high school soccer standards. It looked better this year from some pictures I saw posted on here with the Barbie blonds running all over it.

I haven't seen Northwestern's new field but remember the red clay of Rock Hill vividly from years ago. That place was a dump. I hear the new place is really nice (just like that awesome program they have up there now).

Memorial gets a bad wrap but it's a good high school facility. Kind of reminds me of old Sirrine Stadium in Greenville. Richland School District One has put a lot of money into the remodeling of that entire athletic facility in Rosewood and I don't see where it will be a problem tomorrow night.

Now if only Dreher could get some decent Blue Devil teams to return to playing on that pitch!

I propose a wager. If NW wins then pinger has to run out onto the field and dye his hair purple. If irmo wins then pinger doesnt have to do that. Whos in

im not saying it condescending i was just referring to how much talk they have done since the wando game, its unheard of, i expect parents to do that but i dont like it when the players do

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I propose a wager. If NW wins then pinger has to run out onto the field and dye his hair purple. If irmo wins then pinger doesnt have to do that. Whos in

i like your thinking scholes!

true or false: pinger is the most-hated poster on scsoccer

should be alot closer than i thought. heard irmo boys are fired up for this one!!

if you aren't fired up, you don't belong in the state championship game. it will come down to execution.

Not sure about years in the past but this season, Irmo's field was "like butter".

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I propose a wager. If NW wins then pinger has to run out onto the field and dye his hair purple. If irmo wins then pinger doesnt have to do that. Whos in

despite this being the most hilarious post of the season, pinger will already be on the field either crying or thanking acree and mucofsky for his new ring

the message boards have really dried up, i guess the irmo coaches told their players to take a day off from the message boards

Prediction
Northwestern 4
Irmo 2

Although a lot of the talk has been about Enzo, I feel that his supporting cast will prove themselves and be too much for Irmo to handle. My prediction is that Enzo will break free to put at least one away but Garbonzo/Moore will add a few as well. If anyone has game footage/video available please let me know, for I unfortunately will be unable to attend the match. Thanks

I heard their selling scalped tickets in the parking lot 5 for 45!

Wow....That head Ref has quite an EGO

Final NW 3 - Irmo 1

Quite simply, the better team (and the best I've ever seen on the final weekend in Columbia) won last night. What an atmosphere! Say what you will about Stone Stadium but Memorial Stadium is the best setting for the High School State Championships. Having the two teams on each side of the field is tremendous and the 8,000 on hand last night saw an intense battle for 7/8 of the match.

I've never seen a soccer team so fit and powerful as Northwestern. They dominated the midfield, especially #2, and their forward trio of #10, #14, and #17 just proved to be too much for Irmo. #3 is a hammer in the back and plays the game with such awareness. #7 is a workhorse who goes 100 miles per hour and has some deadly throw-ins (so did #8 for Irmo - geesh, 40-yard throw-ins on absolute ropes). #24 is a towering figure and really dominated in the air. #8 is strong on the ball and #12 seemed ready every time he was called on. Impressive!

When it was 3-0 it might have well been 10-0 because even though there is a gulf between NHS and IHS this year compared to everyone else, there is a definite gap between #1 and #2. Any other Irmo team would have taken home the title, but the run that the Trojans are enjoying right now is simply unbelievable. 3 state titles in 4 years and a 4A Upper State Championship every season since 2003 except for 2005 when they lost in the finals of that playoff stage.

I don't want to discredit Irmo - they are fantastic, too. But, really no comparison this season. #10 was outstanding. #4 was very good. I never saw #7 and thought that Irmo looked suspect with #9, #16, and #20 in the back - but who wouldn't against NHS? One weak spot looked to be in the net especially in the second half. A couple of reflex saves, but not much presence in the box for such a big match.

It was a joy watching Enzo for the last time and I'm sure we will see him excel at Chapel Hill as will all the other guys going wherever they are headed.

3-1... yaaaaa