SC Soccer Forums SCSoccer.com Forums Boys Varsity Soccer Irmo all the way

I'm saying that they, and virtually all teams rely on big time players in the playoffs. South Aiken has a big time player in Travis(what's his last name) who has been a major part of their attack for the past few years. Although South Aiken has had success in the 3A division, I don't think that one or two academy or premier players will do it for them when going up against a team like Irmo. Irmo also has its 'go-to' players in senior captains Emmett Lunceford and Matt Sieverding, but their excellent supporting cast is what makes Irmo so dangerous. If say Emmett gets hurt or is just off for a game, guys like Dunbaker, Freeman, Jenkins, Manter, and others have the ability to also take over a game. On the defensive side of the ball Bivona is more than capable of leading the back line if Sieverding were to go down. Basically South Aiken and pretty much every other team in the state, maybe apart from Wando, simply doesn't have the depth or weapons that Irmo has, which really shows in the playoffs when seasons are on the line.

No one on SA's team played higher than challenge soccer in 09 when they beat the all powerful Eastside. I agree that Irmo will roll, but an upset can always happen. And remember, these Irmo kids, along with the past two teams, dont know how to win a state championship

That's true, an upset always can happen, and Irmo has had its trouble in the past two state championships. I think the difference this year is that the supporting cast of Irmo's younger and very talented group have grown into their roles. Last year, as mostly sophmores, players like dunbaker, bivona, jenkins, and freeman weren't capable of being true threats and stepping up under the state championship lime light. However, this year I think their better skilled, bigger, stronger mentally, and ready for the challenge. I'd love to see them, lead by sieverding and Lunceford, to play to their potential. If that happens, I don't think anyone can hang with them.

I tend to agree with Tri Force about Irmo this year. We've played them twice and about as good as anyone can play them this season. They're just so deep!

However, you noticed last year when Dom came up with a great game plan that totally neutralized Lunceford and they put the clamps down on the glove wearing guys throwing the ball in over at Memorial. It will have to be something similar and some goals are going to have to be scored because you won't beat Irmo 1-0 or 2-1.

Last year Irmo relied heavily on Lunceford, Acree, and the throw ins which were all neutralized by Northwestern's style of play (sit back and counter). This clogged the middle and put pressure on the supporting cast of Irmo to step up, which didn't. Also Savitz left Irmo's Defense 3 on 3 back against some of the best forwards in the state in the past decade with Dennis Moore and Ricardo Garbonzo. Northwestern held off Irmo's attack and then punched a few goals in, good bye state ring. I think the only team that could play this type of a game would be Lexington, with freiburger in the middle, their big strong forward, and an above average defense.

Although, If 'supporting cast' of irmo is tested, I think they'll step up and do the job this time around.

"THERE'S ONLY ONE NORTHWESTERN" never count them out, they are back rolling!! Don't ever count coach Wren out and his amazing ability to coach and put out a formation to win the game. Remember this.

I'm sorry but northwestern this year is not making it to the state championship. Quite frankly they are just not that good this year ad lack true stars to carry the team and help motivate others. They don't have the same offense firepower as they've had the past few years as with defense.

I'm going to have to agree with Gucci Mane on this one. Theres no way NW can do it this year, let alone challenge Irmo.

Winning state championships at the high school level doesn't confer greatness, much less prove it.