Jackson Ironmen Fall to Explosive Pioneers Offense in Regional Semi-Finals
By: Jack Demmler
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ASHVILLE, Ohio-The Jackson Ironmen faced their toughest opponent of the season Friday in the Jonathan Alder Pioneers. The Pioneer’s air attack and efficient ground game haunted the iron curtain defense as they defeated Jackson 38-13.
The Jackson offense could not get anything going as they finished with only 33 plays and 176 total yards.
Defensively, the Ironmen were vulnerable. The Pioneers offense utilized star running back, Garret Proxmire, and playmaking receiver, Jackson Izzard, effectively.
Following an Ironmen three and out, the Pioneers showed early signs of great offense. The first drive was highlighted by a 20-yard pass to Izzard to help set up in Jackson territory. The drive ended with a 14-yard touchdown run by Proxmire with two broken tackles in the process.
The 10 play, 58-yard drive took four minutes off the clock. Jonathan Alder opened with an early 7-0 lead with 6:12 left to be played in the quarter.
Jackson would come back with a touchdown of their own. Jared Icenhower connected with Treylan Davis for a 45-yard touchdown pass. A missed point after attempt would make the score 7-6 with two minutes to play. This would be last time Jackson would find the end zone in the first half.
The Pioneers continued to run up the score as they led 17-6 going into halftime.
In the second half, Jonathan Alder started where they left off. After a one-yard touchdown run from Proxmire, the Pioneers led 38-6 resulting in a running clock. Jackson would put an end to the running clock with a six-yard rushing touchdown from Icenhower.
It was a rough night for Player of the Year candidate, Jayden Spires, who ended with 13 carries with only 53 yards to show for it.
The run game for the Pioneers was a different story. Proxmire had 30 carries for 172 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Jonathan Alder quarterback JT Keith did not shy away from throwing the ball either. Keith completed 18 of his 23 passes for a total of 181 yards and two passing touchdowns. Of Keith’s 18 completions, 11 were to Jackson Izzard who tallied 155 yards and two touchdowns.
Jackson’s incredible year comes to an end after seeing its first defeat of the season at an inconvenient time.
Jonathan Alder will look to stay alive as they take on Bishop Hartley in the regional finals.