Category: Wheelersburg

Another high stakes tilt between Pirates, Ironmen

Another high stakes tilt between Pirates, Ironmen

Jackson vs Wheelersburg

By PAUL BOGGS

 

Indeed, it’s this way with the Wheelersburg Pirates and the Jackson Ironmen once again.

 

Plenty of buildup, plenty of anticipation, plenty of hype, plenty of mutual respect, and plenty of ramifications following.

 

Oh, and absolutely don’t forget, PLENTY of computer points towards qualifying for the state playoffs awaiting the winner.

 

With Friday night’s annual week-five football clash between the two tradition-rich programs, there is – once again – much at stake.

 

This time, with Wheelersburg reviving its campaign with back-to-back victories after an 0-2 start, the Pirates travel to Jackson’s Alumni Stadium to square off against the undefeated Ironmen.

Since the renewal of this series in 2012, it has been one-sided in the win-loss column with Wheelersburg winning six of the previous seven meetings – as  Jackson’s 27-0 victory in 2014 was the only exception.

 

That was also the last time in which the Ironmen enjoyed an undefeated regular season, as they will need to knock off the improving Pirates if they are to accomplish such a feat once again.

 

Kickoff inside what should be an electric Alumni Stadium in the Apple City is set for 7 p.m.

 

The Pirates, which lead the Ironmen in the all-time series 15-7, played Jackson – prior to 2012 – in every season from 1976 thru 1989, and actually have won 11 of the past dozen meetings.

 

In fact, of the last six Wheelersburg victories, the closest the Ironmen have come was a 28-7 decision four years ago.

 

But, as 11-year Jackson head coach – and Wheelersburg graduate – Andy Hall said on Tuesday, the Ironmen aren’t shying away from playing the powerful Pirates.

 

“We’re always going to play Wheelersburg. These are teams you should want your program to play every year. It’s a measuring stick for your program, and I’m sure they look at it the same way,” he said.

 

This season’s Pirates, following the graduation of the winningest senior class in school history that produced two state semifinal appearances and the 2017 Division V state championship, have successfully righted the ship from season-opening lopsided losses against Ironton (30-6) and Columbus Hartley (44-6).

 

“The last two weeks have been extremely important for our team to grow and develop,” said Wheelersburg coach Rob Woodward. “We have been challenged in a number of ways defensively, offensively and in special teams and our guys have improved in all phases of the game.”

 

In both victories against Ashland (34-33 in overtime) and Greenup County (38-7), both Kentucky schools, the Pirates were certainly healthier – with Wheelersburg standout senior Makya Matthews the primary returnee.

Matthews, who scored the Pirates’ only points against Ironton on a 72-yard run, suffered a second-half shoulder injury in that contest – and did not play against Hartley.

 

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29
Name
Makya Matthews
Current Team
Wheelersburg
Leagues
SEO, SOC2
Seasons
2019
Matthews made a major difference against Ashland, catching nine passes for 135 yards, including a 70-yard touchdown from quarterback Aaron Masters that put the Pirates on the board.

 

He also rushed nine times for 32 yards, and was one of three Wheelersburg ballcarriers with at least that many carries and yards.

 

Against Greenup, Matthews carried just three times for 50 yards, but 40 of them went for Wheelersburg’s initial score just 37 seconds in.

 

Masters completed 7-of-13 passes for 124 yards, as Evan Horsley (10 carries for 62 yards) and Carson Williams (eight carries for 59 yards) also rushed at least three times for 50.

 

Woodward said the current Pirates, in replacing several standouts on the offensive side from a year ago, are just now settling nicely into their roles.

 

“Our guys are really starting to adjust to not only their roles, but the roles of those around them and come together as a team,” said the coach. “We continue to improve in our overall health and that in turn provides us with more depth.  Practices have been fast, loose and focused, which is just what we want.”

 

And this week, the Pirates are expected to get senior wide receiver/defensive back Hunter Ruby back from injury.

 

Hall discussed Wheelersburg’s multi-dimensional offense.

 

“They are dangerous with several playmakers. (Makya) Matthews is the go-to guy, but these guys are just as good as some of their players of the past. They played two of the best programs in the state of Ohio in any division in Ironton and Hartley, and maybe didn’t have the experience level right away of some of the past Wheelersburg teams, but they are rolling right now. They can run it well, they can throw it well, they can line up in the spread and stretch your defense out, or they can line up in a power-I two-tight with eight men on the line and run it right down your throat which they have done to us before,” said Hall. “They have good size and speed as they always do, and we’re going to have to be at our best as far as being physical and tackling their athletes in space.”

 

Indeed, the 3-4 Ironmen defense – especially against the pass  – must be on its ‘A’ game.

 

While Jackson’s run defense has been dominant, the Red and White have surrendered some passing yards, although against the Pirates those yards can’t result in points.

 

The Ironmen must play physical against Wheelersburg, as the Pirates will try to establish the likes of Matthews, Horsley and Williams on the ground.

 

“Our calling card has always been being physical. We have to be physical up front Friday, or they will try to do to us like they did in 2015 (28-7 Wheelersburg win),” said Hall. “We are not real big up front, but we have speed to get to the ball. But we can’t let them push us around.”

 

Expect the Ironmen to employ their ball-control, clock-consuming running attack, which has produced 1,1,27 rushing yards on 211 carries to date.

 

Three senior running backs – Jayden Spires (65 carries for 444 yards and six touchdowns), Brice Graham (55 carries for 300 yards and four TD) and Mitchell Johnson (35 carries for 251 yards and 2 TD) – have complimented senior quarterback Jared Icenhower, who has completed 28-of-50 passes for 269 yards and four scores.

 

Woodward would prefer the Pirates’ offense be on the field as much as possible, so preventing the Ironmen from offensively shortening the game will be important.

 

“This week’s test will again be a huge challenge for our players to rise and show more growth and maturity. Jackson has a great run game with the ability to stretch the field on the play-action pass,” he said.

 

Hall hailed the Pirates’ defense, which is just as strong as their offense.

 

“Their defensive line sheds blocks so well, their linebackers play downhill and swarm to the football, and their secondary is always making plays around the ball,” he said. “We have to be able to hold onto the ball, and we really have to eliminate penalties.”

 

Eliminate the penalties, cut out the turnovers, and pick up the playoff points.

 

With the initial release of the official Ohio High School Athletic Association computer ratings, the Ironmen are seventh in Division III, Region 11, while Wheelersburg is sixth in Division V, Region 19.

 

The Pirates picked up valuable points in defeating the two Kentucky clubs, which are the equivalent of OHSAA Division III programs.

 

Wheelersburg especially benefited from four-win Ashland’s overtime victory against Ironton, which is already a three-win program and tied for the top ranking in Region 19 with Minford.

 

The Fighting Tigers already own 39-and-a-half Level 2 points, and a win over the Ironmen amounts the Pirates even more.

 

However, Jackson can pretty much say the same thing should it defeat the Pirates, which according to some observers are favored for Friday night’s outcome.

 

Indeed, it’s this way with Wheelersburg and Jackson once again.

 

“It’s a non-league game, but so much is always at stake,” said Hall. “Regardless of record, this game is great for both programs to see where you are at.”

 

Wheelersburg @ Jackson Game Thread

Jackson Leading Rushers

Wheelersburg Leading Rushers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Games of the Week: Pirates aim for another win after 0-2 start; Portsmouth West @ Wellston, Northwest @ Oak Hill

By PAUL BOGGS

Photo’s by Kent Sanborn

 

Greenup County KY vs Wheelersburg

The Wheelersburg Pirates, and Makya Matthews, got knocked down.

#
29
Name
Makya Matthews
Current Team
Wheelersburg
Leagues
SEO, SOC2
Seasons
2019

However, against Ashland last week, they got up.

Now, will Wheelersburg stay up and make something serious of its season, which started at 0-2 with blowout opening losses against Ironton and Columbus Hartley.

This week, following their dramatic 34-33 overtime comeback victory over previously-undefeated Ashland, the Pirates travel across the Ohio River into Kentucky to take on the Greenup County Musketeers.

Kickoff on “The Farm” for Friday night is set for 7:30 p.m.

The Pirates are attempting to follow the pattern of their Southern Ohio Conference Division II brethren, the Minford Falcons, whose read-option offense burned the host Musketeers for 410 yards on 43 carries last week – en route to a 45-27 win.

Greenup County comes into the contest at 2-2, and still has standout quarterback and Marshall University signee Eli Sammons.

But Wheelersburg has much-needed momentum, and the Pirates picked themselves up by rallying past the Tomcats.

Ashland scored the opening 13 points, prior to Wheelersburg scoring the next 21 over the next two quarters.

In the fourth quarter, Wheelersburg kicker Braxton Sammons booted a pair of field goals – including the 45-yarder with nine seconds remaining to force the 27-27 tie and the extra period.

#
80
Name
Braxton Sammons
Position
2022
Current Team
Wheelersburg
Leagues
SEO, SOC2
Seasons
2019, 2020, 2021

In the overtime, the Tomcats scored first, but Matthews – who was injured against Ironton and didn’t play in the Pirates’ 44-6 loss to Columbus Hartley – had the winning touchdown run with Sammons kicking the extra point.

Matthews made a major difference, catching nine passes for 135 yards, including a 70-yard touchdown from quarterback Aaron Masters that put the Pirates on the board.

He also rushed nine times for 32 yards, and was one of three Wheelersburg ballcarriers with at least that many carries and yards.

While Matthews’ return was indeed an individual highlight, Wheelersburg coach Rob Woodward discussed the importance of the Pirates overcoming early-season adversity as a team.

Head Coach Rob Woodard

Current Team
Wheelersburg
“Last week’s win was huge for us. All the work our players have put in paid off in a tough battle with a great team in Ashland,” he said. “The all-out effort that was displayed by so many different players on our team showed how they have grown in the face of adversity. We have now faced top talent in the first three weeks of the season and we have to continue to improve in our level of play.”

 

 

The Pirates plan on doing that against the Musketeers.

If they can follow the Falcon blueprint, Matthews, Carson Williams (nine carries for 33 yards vs. Ashland) and Evan Horsley (12 carries for 46 yards) may have big rushing games.

Minford’s only ballcarriers, quarterback Elijah Vogelsong-Lewis (266 yards on 23 carries) and running back Ty Wiget (144 yards on 20 carries), combined for the 410 yards with the read-option attack.

In addition, a ground assault prevents the six-foot, six-inch tall Sammons from going on an aerial raid.

Sammons completed 15-of-34 passes for 233 yards and three touchdowns in the loss to Minford.

“Eli Sammons is an outstanding player for Greenup who can sling the ball all over the field. He is also a vital part of their running game this year,” said Woodward. “We must continue to improve and control the things we can control as a team and work to improve.”

And, another win would put the Pirates right back to 2-2 – with another important and colossal contest looming next week at undefeated Jackson.

 

Portsmouth West at Wellston

Wellston vs Portsmouth West

A pair of 2-1 squads looking to continue a solid start to the season meet for the fifth consecutive campaign come Friday night.

In one of the more interesting matchups this week, the Portsmouth West Senators – after defeating Jay Lucas’ current club – travel to face his former squad in the Wellston Golden Rockets.

West will also aim to extend its winning streak over Wellston to four, as this series started four years ago – with West winning the last three (34-8 in 2016, 31-6 in 2017 and 35-0 in 2018) by a combined score of 100-14.

The Golden Rockets recorded the series’ first victory – a 46-6 romp in 2015.

Kickoff inside Wellston’s C.H. Jones Field is set for 7:30 p.m.

The Senators, after a turnover-plagued performance against Portsmouth, bounced back nicely with a 21-12 triumph last week at Coal Grove.

Coal Grove is coached by Lucas, who returned to his alma mater after spending the past two seasons leading Wellston.

The Senators’ patented ground game got going with William Journey, who rushed for 112 yards on 23 carries.

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13
Name
William Journey
Height
5-07
Weight
160
Current Team
Portsmouth West
Leagues
SEO, SOC2
Seasons
2019

Their defense also pitched a shutout over the final 31 minutes and 46 seconds.

The Golden Rockets, after a 23-6 season-opening setback at Jackson, have handled rebuilding programs Piketon (44-22) and Hebron Lakewood (30-7) in their two tilts since.

This will be Wellston’s first home bout this season, as the Senators are indeed a step up in competition for the Blue and Gold.

But Ben Johnson, the Senators’ head coach, knows Wellston and first-year head coach Mike Smith present a difficult challenge.

Wellston senior Rylan Molihan had his second straight 100-yard rushing game last  week – after the Golden Rockets totaled just 48 offensive yards at Jackson.

Molihan went off for 266 yards on 22 carries at Lakewood, and has three rushing touchdowns in his last two games.

“Wellston has a new coach, and they are running a lot more spread offense than what you typically would see out of a Wellston team,” said Johnson. “It’s 2-1 vs. 2-1, so it’s going to be a big game up there. We have to go to their place, it’s like this (Coal Grove) it’s a hostile environment, and we have to be ready to play our ‘A’ game.”

 

Northwest at Oak Hill

Oak Hill vs Northwest

For the past five seasons, this was often the game which decided the Southern Ohio Conference Division I championship.

Although, Oak Hill – thanks largely to winning the numbers game – won each of those five meetings against Northwest, part of four SOC I championships for the Oaks over the same span.

But now, Northwest is the biggest fish in the SOC-I pond, as Oak Hill has moved up to the larger-school SOC II.

Still, this week’s now non-league encounter in Oak Hill is indeed intriguing, as the Mohawks are off to a 2-1 start while the Oaks are 1-2.

Kickoff inside Oak Hill’s Davis Stadium is set for 7 p.m.

Northwest won its last two games in easy fashion (35-7 over McClain and 52-16 at Huntington), while Oak Hill – coached by first-year mentor and 2009 Northwest graduate Paul Carver – had a 20-0 shutout of Rock Hill for its first victory.

Both clubs are young overall, playing primarily juniors and sophomores and even a few freshmen, and both prefer to run the ball.

The Mohawks must defend Oak Hill senior running back Triston Diltz, who went off against the Redmen for 198 yards and two touchdowns on only 10 carries.

His two TD covered 83 yards on the first and 65 on the second.

Northwest will likely run by committee – with junior Nathan Rivers, sophomore Brayden Campbell and freshman Wyatt Brackman.

That trio combined for 417 yards on 42 carries in the Mohawks’ scalping of Huntington last week.

Oak Hill has won the last seven meetings in the series, as the two – prior to the past five years – previously played in 2007 and 2008.

Those two years were also non-league affairs, as Northwest was the one in the SOC II.

In the other six all-time meetings, Northwest has won four (1973, 1974, 1982 and 1985), while Oak Hill has taken two (1978 and 1983).

Pirates, Fighting Tigers ready for another epic battle

Pirates, Fighting Tigers ready for another epic battle

 

By PAUL BOGGS

Photo’s by Kent Sanborn & Tim Gearhart

 

When there’s almost 40 pages of Internet message board chatter, and it’s still 48 hours from kickoff, then you REALLY have one hyped-up football game.

Such is the case for Friday night’s 2019 lid-lifter between the Wheelersburg Pirates and Ironton Fighting Tigers, which once again renew their annual season-opening rivalry.

And, while Wheelersburg’s winningest senior class in school history has graduated, Ironton’s optimism is indeed high that its highly-touted and talented team is primed to snap the Fighting Tigers’ eight-game losing streak to the Pirates.

Still, the Pirates – with a roster of 69 strong – are reloading for what could be another strong season for them.

The winner will obviously be off to a great start, as kickoff inside what should be an overflow and electric Tanks Memorial Stadium in Ironton is set for 7 p.m.

Wheelersburg enters off six consecutive seasons of no worse than as a regional runner-up, including the Division V state championship two years ago and the Division V state semifinals last year.

Those six straight seasons coincide with a victory over Ironton, including a pair of 38-7 routs in the 2014 and 2015 playoffs for eight total triumphs.

In addition, Ironton has only averaged 7.875 points against the Pirates in those eight matchups, including a touchdown or less in the last six.

The Fighting Tigers took the previous four meetings (2009 thru 2012) before that, as Ironton actually leads the all-time series 17-13.

The two tradition-rich and proud programs have opened their seasons against each other every year for the past two decades.

For the Fighting Tigers, amid much ballyhoo in head coach Trevon Pendleton’s second season, it’s an excellent opportunity to not only narrow what has become a growing gap on the scoreboard with the Pirates, but capture what would arguably be the program’s most important victory in recent memory.

“We know all about Wheelersburg and what their kids have accomplished, especially that senior class that just graduated,” said Pendleton. 

Head Coach Trevon Pendleton

Current Team
Ironton
Past Teams
Portsmouth West
“They’ve been an unbelievably strong program and are always well-coached. These kids have played a lot of snaps against them the last few years and they know what’s at stake this time around. We are going to work hard, not let Wheelersburg outwork us, and put ourselves in position to win the game.”

The Fighting Tigers are actually returning more overall experience than the Pirates, including their entire starting backfield, which has attracted interest from several colleges.

All three are returning first-team all-Southeast District selections from a year ago – senior Gage Salyers (6-1, 205) at quarterback, junior Reid Carrico at tailback (6-3, 225) and senior Seth Fosson (6-1, 235) at fullback.

 

Salyers has verbally committed to Youngstown State, but it’s Carrico collecting offers from most of the major college football factories in the country.

The 16-year-old’s list of pursuers includes Ohio State, Notre Dame, Clemson, Alabama, Texas, Michigan, Florida, Wisconsin, Ohio, Kentucky and Marshall.

As a linebacker, he is listed as the 11th-best by Rivals and 34th nationally, including first in Ohio.

#
28
Name
Reid Carrico
Position
2021
Height
6-03
Weight
225
Current Team
Ironton
Leagues
OVC, SEO
Seasons
2019, 2020
Carrico is the third-highest rated overall prospect in the Buckeye State by 247Sports.

“Ironton is a rivalry game and we certainly uphold with respect any rivalry game that we have,” said Wheelersburg coach Rob Woodard. “Games like this and players like whom Ironton has make us take the talent that we have and challenge it.”

The Pirates are entering this rivalry affair with a newer cast of characters, but the coach said his club is doing what needs done to carry on the Wheelersburg banner.

Head Coach Rob Woodard

Current Team
Wheelersburg
“I’ve been really pleased with the senior class leadership that we’ve had,” said Woodward, entering his 12th year heading up the Pirates. “They continue to do what they can do and have the ability to do, and that is be competitive and strong and fast and have themselves ready to go out and play the game of football. We’ve got some holes to fill, but one thing our assistant coaches do such a great job of is developing players.”

One of those holes is replacing the quarterback position, as Trent Salyers graduated as a two-time first-team Division V all-Ohio signal caller.

Salyers is either first or second in several Wheelersburg offensive records, including second in career total yards (6,945) and touchdowns (82) – and first in career passing yards (6,219), career passing touchdowns (66) and career pass completions (376-of-590 for 63.7-percent completion rating).

“Our offense is one that allows us to place an athlete at quarterback, and decide whether we want to be more of a power team or more elusive in terms of misdirection or spread. It’s a multiple-formation, multiple-style offense,” said Woodward. “We can really adapt to what we have.”

This season, there are four quarterbacks listed on the roster, while Woodward said five have worked out under center in preseason camp, including senior Makya Matthews (5-9, 175, Sr.).

Matthews is a first-team all-district all-purpose performer, and first-team all-Ohio wide receiver.

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Name

“Makya (Matthews) is such a versatile running back, but he understands the offense where we can put him at quarterback and make our team that much more successful,” said Woodward. “He is absolutely electric offensively, and is that guy that can take it to the house at any time. Defensively, he is lights out breaking on the ball. Special teams, he is lights out when he fields a good punt or kickoff. He makes that big play, whether it is running, receiving or returning, but his private discipline is unmatched.”

The Pirates’ third all-Ohio first-teamer from last season – linebacker Evan Dahm – also graduated, along with second-team all-staters Tanner Holden (wide receiver) and Baylen Haywood (offensive lineman).

In last season’s state semifinal against Johnstown-Monroe, which the Pirates lost 32-14 and only scored on the second play from scrimmage and again late in the game, the Johnnies succeeded by being physical up front – and dominated Wheelersburg with running the ball right at them.

Look for the Fighting Tigers to try and play physical as well, with Fosson – a first-team all-district end – anchoring Ironton’s defense.

Ironton did graduate linebacker Ethan Duncan, who shared the Southeast District Division V Defensive Player of the Year award with Dahm.

Regardless of the outcome, one of two streaks will in fact continue for the Pirates.

Wheelersburg will win its ninth consecutive contest against Ironton, or will lose its second straight game overall – such a streak that last occurred in 2011, when Wheelersburg went 7-3, lost its final two games and last failed to qualify for the playoffs.

That streak stretched to three thanks to the Tigers’ triumph in the 2012 season opener – Ironton’s most recent victory over the Pirates.