JACKSON, Ohio (WOUB) — The Jackson Ironmen hosted the Tri-Valley Scotties looking for revenge from last year’s playoffs. This game was a late change for both teams as each team had their previous opponent forced to cancel due to COVID-19 protocols.
The Ironmen defense held the high-powered Scotties offense completely in check as they avenged their postseason loss with a decisive 24-3 victory.
The game started out as a defensive slugfest, as each team struggled to move the ball. The first quarter ended without a score from either team. Jackson was able to score first on a 36-yard field goal from Ethan Crabtree.
It was the Ironmen defense that helped get their offense going. Xander Karagosian hauled in a tipped pass from Tri-Valley quarterback Drew Burkhart and took it down to the one yard line. On the very next play, Jacob Winters scored the first touchdown of the game. The Ironmen weren’t done there, as quarterback Evan Spires connected with Cade Wolford on a tough catch-and-run into the endzone to put the Ironmen up 17-0 at the half.
Tri-Valley had a long drive to start the second half, taking up over half the quarter. They got on the board with a field goal that put them within two touchdowns. Jackson turned around and put the nail in the coffin in the fourth quarter as Evan Spires made a few defenders miss on an 18-yard touchdown run.
Members of the Jackson high school marching band perform prior to the start of the football game against Tri-Valley Football, Jackson, Ohio, on Friday, Sept. 3, 2021. The Jackson Ironmen go on to defeat Tri-Valley Football 24-3. [Joseph Scheller | WOUB]
Members of the Jackson high school marching band wait for the football game against Tri-Valley Football to start, in Jackson, Ohio, on Friday, Sept. 3, 2021. The Jackson Ironmen go on to defeat Tri-Valley Football 24-3. [Joseph Scheller | WOUB]
Allie Bradbury, a sophomore, bottom, rings a cowbell while cheering after the Jackson Ironmen score a touchdown in their game against Tri-Valley High School, in Jackson, Ohio, on Friday, Sept. 3, 2021. The Jackson Ironmen go on to defeat Tri-Valley 24-3. [Joseph Scheller | WOUB]
Jackson Ironmen Evan Spires, center, is tackled by members of the Tri-Valley Football Team, in Jackson, Ohio, on Friday, Sept. 3, 2021. The Jackson Ironmen go on to defeat Tri-Valley Football 24-3. [Joseph Scheller | WOUB]
Jackson Ironmen Cade Wolford, center, dodges a tackle by Tri-Valley Football’s Rogan Brown , in Jackson, Ohio, on Friday, Sept. 3, 2021. The Jackson Ironmen go on to defeat Tri-Valley Football 24-3. [Joseph Scheller | WOUB]
DJ Lambert, a sophomore, waves a flag in the stands while he supports the Jackson Ironmen with his friends at their football game against Tri-Valley High School, in Jackson, Ohio, on Friday, Sept. 3, 2021. [Joseph Scheller | WOUB]
Jackson Ironmen Holden Blankenship, right, misses a catch after being blocked by Tri Valley’s Drake Durst, in Jackson, Ohio, on Friday, Sept. 3, 2021. The Jackson Ironmen go on to defeat Tri-Valley Football 24-3. [Joseph Scheller | WOUB]
The Jackson Ironmen defeat Tri-Valley Football 24-3 in Jackson, Ohio, on Friday, Sept. 3, 2021.
Cheerleaders for Tri-Valley High School football team perform in front of a crowd prior the start of the game against the Jackson Ironmen, in Jackson, Ohio, on Friday, Sept. 3, 2021. The Jackson Ironmen go on to defeat Tri-Valley Football 24-3. [Joseph Scheller | WOUB]
The Jackson High School Ironmen run onto the field at the start of the football game against Tri-Valley, in Jackson, Ohio, on Friday, Sept. 3, 2021. The Jackson Ironmen go on to defeat Tri-Valley Football 24-3. [Joseph Scheller | WOUB]
This victory for the Ironmen was in large part due to the dominant defensive performance. Giving up as many points as they forced turnovers, Jackson stifled the Scottie offense for the full 48 minutes. Holden Blankenship and Eli Broermann both had interceptions for the Ironmen.
Grant Mastin, Jackson’s star linebacker, said the intensity the defense brings onto the field every game is a big part of their defensive success.
“I love the energy we play with,” Mastin said. “Everyone makes plays and I just love it.”
The Ironmen defense has only given up 10 total points this season, and they will look to keep bringing that energy into all their games this season.
Tri-Valley will look to bounce back next week at home against the New Lexington Panthers, and Jackson will travel to Mt. Orab to take on the Western Brown Broncos.
