By WADE SNOW, Gazebo Staff Writer

Jourdain Irvin has burst onto the scene at Stratford in more ways than one.

Affectionately known as “Big Boat” — a take-off on rapper “Lil’ Yachty” — the 5-foot 10, 260-pound junior defensive end and nose guard already has made his mark on the school.

This is Irvin’s first year at Stratford after transferring from Covenant Academy.

“The best part is meeting all the new people because everybody is pretty cool,’’ he said. “The most difficult part has been adjusting to all the school work that Stratford has.”

Irvin has had no problems making friends, and has also thrived on the football field.

After playing the first three games of the season at nose guard for the Eagles, Irvin rotated places with Tobe Umerah and played most of the game against Lincoln County at defensive end.

How would he handle the pressure of replacing the highly touted Umerah? With a career game, of course.

Irvin finished with seven tackles, a tackle for loss, a sack, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and an interception — a rare feat for a lineman. To top it all off, after his stat-sheet-stuffing performance, he was recognized as the Macon Touchdown Club Lineman of the Week earlier this week.

“The Touchdown Club has been an award I’ve been chasing for three years now, ever since I got in high school and started playing varsity,” said Irvin. “It was a great feeling for sure.”

Although such a seamless transition from noseguard to end is impressive to say the least, Irvin himself was not surprised.

“I’m quicker than most people realize. I like end because it allows me to use my strength and quickness a little bit more.”

Irvin has an impressive combination of a 315-pound bench press and 4.8 second time in the 40 yard dash.

So far this season, the Eagles defense has been impressive and, at times, even dominant.

With players such as Umerah and Irvin making a name for themselves, the Eagles hope to continue to improve, with the ultimate goal being a trip to the state championship in the Georgia Dome.

“I want more tackles, more sacks, and more than anything I want to go to the (Georgia) Dome and win a championship with my team,’’ he said.