Sports
Recap: Jackson Wins Over Warren In SEOAL Opener [w/VIDEO]
By: Abbey Carnivale
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The Jackson Ironmen and Warren Warriors battled on Friday night in the first week of SEOAL play, and during the game came a downpour of rain that would affect both teams. In the end, the Ironmen came away with the 28-5 victory, but not after a few slippery missteps made it hard to get started.
On the first drive of the game, Jackson (6-0, 1-0 SEOAL) was unable to earn a first down and fumbled on their punt attempt, setting the Warriors (1-5, 0-1) with good field position. But even with great field position, Warren was unable to capitalize and both teams would end the first quarter scoreless.
The first half was marred with fumbles and interceptions as both teams struggled to keep their hands on the ball. But Jackson was the first to come out with points as they earned their first touchdown, when Austin Leach earned a 33-yard reception and his first touchdown of the night to put the Ironmen up 7-0.
Warren would get it together in the second quarter, sustaining a drive that resulted in a 31-yard field goal to get the Warriors on the board and cut the Ironmen lead to 7-3.
The Ironmen answered on the following drive as quarterback Hunter Sexton earned 60 of his 185 yards on the drive, which culminated in a nine-yard touchdown run by Andrew Crabtree, increasing the Ironmen lead 14-3.
The rain cleared up at halftime, which allowed the Ironmen to find a rhythm, outscoring the Warriors 14-2 in the second half.
In the third quarter, Leach earned his second touchdown of the night, this time taking it in 46-yards out. His catch put the Ironmen up 21-3 with 4:29 left in the quarter.
Although Jackson’s offense had a solid showing overall, their defense struggled penalties throughout much of the game.
The Ironmen walked out of the matchup still undefeated and are paired up next week against Logan (3-3, 1-0). Meanwhile, Warren has a break in league play next week as they return home to challenge Martins Ferry (5-1).
Gridiron Glory' airs every Friday night at 11:30 p.m. on WOUB. You can follow the show on Twitter @gridironglory, like the Gridiron Glory page on Facebook, and follow along on Instagram @woubsports. You can also join the conversation throughout the season by using the hashtag #GridGlory!