Ironton uses second half surge to defeat Hartley
By: Jake Collins
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IRONTON, Ohio (WOUB)- The Ironton Fighting Tigers (5-0) captured victory in a prestigious showdown against the Bishop Hartley Hawks (3-2) with a 41-0 score. A major win that includes important computer points to help Ironton’s journey to potentially claiming the one seed in Region 19.
While both teams struggled to find points in the opening half, both offenses found success driving down the field, however, they struggled to convert those opportunities into the score sheet. The teams combined for three drives that failed to score inside their opponent’s 30-yard line in the opening half.
Despite the offensive struggles in the first half, Ironton outscored Bishop Hartley 28-0 in the second half to win in convincing fashion. Thanks to the Tigers’ defense withstanding every test that the Hawks created; meanwhile, the offense continued off their late second-quarter success.
The tone of the football game begins with the outcome of your opening drive. Ironton found success following a double pass from receiver Shawn Terry to fellow receiver Tyler Roach to reach the 10-yard line. After the big play, Junior running back Zayne Williams dove across the plane for the game’s first touchdown for seven yards. Leaving the Tigers with a 6-0 lead after a failed two-point conversion.
For the Hawks, they soared down the field with ease in their first offensive opportunity until their arrival in the red zone. Being held to fourth down on two separate occasions inside the 20-yard line and failed on the latter attempt. A situation that would be their only opportunity to put points on the board within reach.
After the teams traded giveaways and failed fourth down conversions to begin the second quarter, Ironton’s offense began to produce several explosive plays to advance down the field. Ironton endured their penalties, however, completed the drive as quarterback Braden Shreck found wide receiver Nick Sites down the field and outside the numbers for a 35-yard touchdown within the opening half’s final minutes.
The Ironton offense only built off their explosive touchdown in the second with four more scores in the second half to propel to the 41-point victory.
Ironton will begin the second half of their season against Football North Chargers (2-1) from Ontario, Canada, which the Fighting Tigers will be the first of four Ohio teams that the Chargers face.
Bishop Hartley will return to Columbus to face fellow Region 11 opponent Bishop Watterson (5-0) in the Hawks’ first conference matchup.