Ironton dominates tough opening stretch, moves to 3-0 with win over Fairland
By: Parker Kopronica
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PROCTORVILLE, Ohio (WOUB) – It was all smiles for the Ironton Tigers after their OVC bout in Proctorville against the Fairland Dragons. Led by senior quarterback Tayden Carpenter and some staunch defensive play, Ironton outscored Fairland 20-6 in the second half on their way to a 34-13 victory against the Dragons.
Early on, the Dragons looked like the favorites. On their first drive, quarterback Peyton Jackson hit Brycen Hunt on a 24-yard touchdown pass for an early lead. Fairland then forced an Ironton fumble on the ensuing drive.
The Tigers put a halt to the Dragons’ momentum quickly. At the end of what looked like a chunk run play for Fairland, *blank* forced a fumble. However, Ironton was unable to capitalize on this play, leading to a dull period for both teams.
At the end of the 1st quarter, Ironton’s C.J. Martin was able to force a fumble at the end of a long reception for Fairland’s Steeler Leap. However, the Tigers were again unable to make the most out of their opportunity, ultimately turning the ball over on downs. On the ensuing drive, Ironton appeared to snap out of it.
After forcing a punt and a long return from senior Landen Wilson, Ironton drove up the field. Taylor Carpenter led the team with poise and always making the right play. Carpenter eventually ended the drive off with a 24-yard touchdown pass to Ty Perkins.
When Ironton got the ball back, it became the Jaquez Keyes show. The senior running back carried the Tigers down the field, capping the drive off with an outside run for a touchdown. That play would end the scoring in the first half, with a score of Ironton 14, Fairland 6.
Jaquez Keyes would start the scoring again in the third quarter with his second rushing touchdown of the night. At this point in the game, Ironton looked like they were about to pull away.
Fairland quarterback Peyton Jackson did his best to keep Fairland in the game. Driving down the field with his arm and capped the series off with a 10-yard scramble touchdown. This was his second score of the night and brought the game to within one score of each other.
On the next drive, it was evident the Tigers’ running game was starting to wear on the Dragons. Keyes pulled the team down the field, and senior Amari Felder bulldozed into the endzone to extend the lead back to two scores.
With an opportunity to keep fighting, Fairland got the ball back with 11 minutes left and the chance to bring the game into their reach again. On the first play, Ironton’s Landen Wilson jumped a pass, picked off Peyton Jackson and ran the ball back to the endzone for a pick-6.
That touchdown brought the score to 34-13, a mark that would stand for the rest of the game.
For Ironton, Tayden Carpenter had a solid game, going 14-23 for 194 yards passing with a touchdown. Jacquez Keyes took 17 carries for 94 yards and two touchdowns. Senior receiver Ty Perkins had four receptions for 64 yards and a touchdown.
On the Fairland side of things, Steeler Leap turned eight touches into 123 total yards. Peyton Jackson finished the game with 159 yards passing and a touchdown. Kam Kitts also had a solid game, with six receptions for 88 yards and a TD.
Ironton (3-0, 1-0 in conference) will take on Johnson Central (Louisville, KY) at home next Friday in a non-conference matchup. Fairland (2-1, 0-1 in conference) will travel to Trimble next week to take on the reigning TVH champions.