Locals on the national stage

Photo courtesy of ASU Appalachian State center Brett Irvin looks for someone to block as quarterback Armanti Edwards launches a pass against Michigan last year. Irvin made his first career start in Appalachian State's shocking win over Michigan and recorded 10 knockdown blocks against the traditional Division I football power. Irvin and the Mountaineers will play on ESPN2 Friday against Wofford and Andy Strickland, a former Gaffney High teammate of Irvin's. Appalachian State center Brett Irvin had two words to describe Friday's nationally-televised meeting with Wofford and former Gaffney High teammate Andy Strickland. "It's cool."

And he wasn't referring to the frigid temperatures expected Friday night in Boone, N.C.

"You'll have two players from a big-time high school program on a big-time game on ESPN2 who are representing their hometown," Irvin said.

Both players have represented their hometown well.

Strickland, a 2005 GHS graduate, is having another standout year, leading the Terriers in receptions with 21 catches for 415 yards and five touchdowns.

After splitting time at guard and backing up All-America center Scott Suttle a season ago, Irvin, who graduated from Gaffney High in 2006, has settled nicely into the starting center role for the two-time defending Football Championship Subdivision national champions.

Irvin has made a favorable impression from the start, as the only redshirt freshman to accompany the team on road trips.

"That allowed me to get to know what college football is all about," Irvin said.

Last season, Irvin replaced an ailing Suttle in the team's biggest regular-season win ever over the University of Michigan.

"It was exciting getting to play last year and making my first start at Michigan. It was a good experience," he said.

This season, Irvin had another memorable experience when the Mountaineers opened at the home of the defending national champion LSU Tigers. In that game, Irvin was matched against three likely first-round NFL draft picks.

"It's been challenging this year," he said. "A lot of teams are playing more of the 50 defense with me having to block a nose tackle every play."

Both Irvin and Strickland should be involved in a lot of big plays on Friday - Strickland on the receiving end of passes from Wofford quarterback Ben Widmyer and Irvin opening holes for Appalachian State quarter- back Armanti Edwards. But the similarities don't end there. They also started and starred on the GHS baseball team. They were both selected to play in the prestigious Shrine Bowl. And they are the sons of coaches. Irvin's father, Larry, is the Indians' running backs coach, while Andy's father is Gaffney High head coach Phil Strickland.

Irvin said he recalls both he and Andy tagging alongside their dads to practice as well as playing pickup basketball games with Andy.

But the stakes will be considerably higher on Friday. A possible Southern Conference championship, national rankings, and for Strickland and Irvin, hometown bragging rights will be on the line. The teams are currently ranked No. 2 and 3 in the national polls.

"This is definitely the biggest Wofford and Appalachian State game," Irvin said. "And it will be one of our biggest games of the season."

Strickland agrees.

"It's huge, probably the biggest stage we'll play on this year. It doesn't get much bigger than this. Not only is it a big game, but you are playing for a championship and the playoffs," Strickland said.

The game will begin at 8 p.m.