Jackson slips by Wheelersburg in low scoring battle
By: Ayden Crowley, Shane Scalfaro
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WHEELERSBURG, Ohio (WOUB) — Two defending conference champions go head to head in a big-time matchup, the Wheelersburg Pirates (3-1) and Jackson Ironmen (2-2) both look to keep their crowns at the top and repeat as champions.
From the opening kickoff, it was clear that the story of the game would be the defenses. With Jackson getting the ball first, they would find out the hard way. Quarterback Jacob Winters could not get the offense moving early, and the Ironmen were forced to punt.
Wheelersburg then got their turn and was knocking on the door of the endzone, but quarterback Eli Jones would throw an interception to give Jackson the ball back.
The Pirates were hungry and looking for the first points of the game. After their drive stalled out, they elect to go for a field goal, putting them up 3-0 towards the end of the first quarter. With the Ironmen getting the ball back, they again would be unable to generate much on offense and be forced to punt the ball.
The defensive effort would continue throughout the second quarter, with not much going for either offense. The Wheelersburg defense, however, would pick off Jacob Winters and give themselves the ball back. The Pirates would move down the field and take the 37-yard field goal however and put themselves up 6-0 to end the half.
The second half would be a completely different game. The Pirates would start with the ball and get down the field for another field goal, to put them up 9-0. Jackson had other plans, however, and would answer back with a touchdown, shortening their deficit to only 2 points.
Wheelersburg would keep their field goals going, adding one more to the scoreboard. The Ironmen would not slow down, as Jacob Winters threw a 70-yard touchdown pass to Cade Wolford. Their two-point conversion attempt would fail, but they would still put themselves up 13-12.
Jackson was not satisfied with their lead though and on 4th down, Winters would throw another touchdown to Cade Wolford, ending the game 20-12 in the Ironmen’s favor. Wheelersburg’s defense held strong, but eventually, the Jackson offense found a way to break through and win the game.
Jackson’s next game is at home against Miami Trace. Meanwhile, for Wheelersburg, their next game is at home against Minford.