Sports
Old SEOAL Foes To Battle Friday Night
By: Will Collins
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On Friday night, the Jackson Ironmen are set to play another historic rivalry, this time against the Blue Devils of Gallia Academy, their old foe from the recently disbanded SEOAL.
Both teams have gone on to join other leagues, but this rivalry is going to give fans another epic game as both Jackson and Gallia Academy come in at 2-0.
The Ironmen have won both their games in convincing fashion this season, beating 105-year rival Wellston 54-14, and their second win was a shutout of Fairfield Union 34-0. Gallia Academy has scored over 40 points in their first two games with a 47-34 victory over Meigs, and a shutout of River Valley 46-0.
Jackson looks to come into their first home game at Alumni Stadium this season and continue their winning ways.
Their offense, led by the powerful ground game of Brice Graham and company, looks to carve more yards out of the Gallia Academy defense. No matter who they hand the ball to, Jackson is able to gain yards in the running game. Their offensive line is young, with just one returning starter, but has been blocking well for backs out of the backfield, and has been able to open big holes in opposing defensive lines.
The running game isn’t the only bright spot for the Ironmen, Quarterback Jared Icenhower has been making plays for the Ironmen as well. In their game against Wellston, he hit two touchdown passes of over 50 yards. Receivers Reid Evans and Brody Landrum have been able to provide for the Jackson offense as well. Evans and Landrum provide the speed and toughness after the catch that every passing game needs to be successful.
Despite taking a step back in the passing game last week, the Ironmen are looking to improve on last week’s miscues, and keep getting better passing the ball according to head coach Andy Hall.
The Ironmen also look to keep to their stingy ways on defense as well. In their first two games they have allowed just 14 points. With Gallia Academy scoring over 40 in their first two contests, Jackson’s defense is going to look to coral Justin McClelland, the Blue Devils’ Senior Quarterback, who has been lighting defenses up with his arm. He already has a 73-yard touchdown pass under his belt that he threw in their game against Meigs.
Coach Hall gives credit to his defense for their strong showings so far this year. He said, “From early on in the summer, we knew that our defense would be a huge part of our game, guys are making plays in space and forcing turnovers that set our offense up nicely.”
Tune in to WOUB at 11:30 PM on Friday night to catch the highlights and analysis of this game on Gridiron Glory, and follow @gridironglory on Twitter to stay up to date on this game.