Big Walnut defeats Ironton after trailing all four quarters
By: Jackie VanHoose
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IRONTON, Ohio (WOUB) – Homecoming in Ironton, Ohio brought the Big Walnut Golden Eagles to the home of the Fighting Tigers in a cross-divisional matchup of two undefeated teams. Through an explosive offensive performance and crucial stops, Ironton dominated throughout all four quarters until a tie going into overtime pushed Big Walnut to a close win 47-40.
The Fighting Tigers got possession at kickoff and started off with a statement touchdown within six plays. Quarterback Wyatt Wolfe ran 19-yards to the endzone with seeming ease. Big Walnut was not about to let that be the theme of the game, with running back Nolan Buirley taking a 36-yard run to get them on Ironton’s side of the field and quarterback Eli Stumpf finishing the job from the four-yard line. The Golden Eagles opted for and completed a two-point conversion, putting them up 8-7. Ironton had to take control after mistakes on defense allowed Big Walnut to score so quickly, and starting from their 18-yard line, which meant that would take some effort. W. Wolfe found his connection in wide receiver Nolan Wolfe and threw to him for two consecutive first downs to help them march down the field. A string of impressive first downs by the Fighting Tigers would lead to a rushing touchdown by running back Easton Caudill, breaking through the defense and taking the ball 30-yards to put them up 14-8. The Golden Eagles would take their turn with the ball to try and regain the lead, and while Ironton gave them a few automatic first downs thanks to penalties, some good blocking left Big Walnut with a field goal opportunity which they took to put themselves within three points of Ironton.
The Eagles kicked off, and Kayden Edwards took it and ran for a whopping 98-yard touchdown. Ironton was now up 21-11, and for the first time in this game the teams had some back and forth. The Golden Eagles got as close as fourth and two on the two-yard line, but great defensive strategy thwarted their shot. Ironton would take the ball but turned it over, and the Golden Eagles capitalized leading to a Stumpf to wide receiver Gavin Harrington connection for a touchdown, putting them up to 21-18. Nail-bitingly close, Ironton brings it up to their red zone the next drive and after a few close calls, Caudill takes it for a rushing touchdown yet again to put them up 27-18 at the end of the half.
The second half was also close thanks to these two teams’ very similar talents, but Big Walnut ended up scoring at the end of regulation, forcing overtime. Scoring in overtime and an Ironton fumble finally ended this one in favor of the Eagles 47-40. Big Walnut will go on to play Worthington Kilbourne next week, and Ironton will have a chance to pick themselves back up against Bloomington South on Oct. 3.