Jackson 28 Ironton 22

Ironton Tanks Memorial Field and Bob Lutz Field

I get a phone call last night asking if we stand a chance at making the playoffs again this year and my answer was, get ready to go on the road. Now before we get into that let’s revisit Homecoming night at The Tank.

The visiting Jackson Ironmen came into Ironton on a mission and accomplish that mission they did. The Ironmen needed a victory over the Tigers to make the playoffs and that is one victory they got even though it was a hard earned one. When it seemed like the Tigers had taken all the steam out of the Ironmen in the first half, big Mo changed in the form of a TD pass with about 6 seconds left on the clock. Our trouble started with a big kick return to about midfield. Then the jump ball TD pass with virtually no time left on the clock and the Tigers in the prevent. Like Coach Lutz says, they made the plays when they had to and we didn’t. Final score Jackson 28 Ironton 22.

Now let’s review where we stand as far as the computer race goes and what kind of chance we have at making the playoffs. First of all here is the latest standings:

1. St Clairsville (7-0)……………14.6837
2. Coshocton (6-1)………………14.4071
3. Johnstown Monroe (7-0)……13.7786
4. Amanda Clearcreek (5-2)…..12.6919
5. Ironton (4-3)……………………10.1643
6. Marins Ferry (5-2)……………..9.0143
7. Chesapeake (5-2)……………..8.5051
8. Wellston (4-3)………………….8.3786

In looking at the rest of the remaining schedule, it looks to me like this. I’ll list the teams I feel has a chance to make the playoffs and my reason for feeling that way.

Coshocton……………………Clinched home field
St Clairsville………………….Clinched home field
Johnstown Monroe………….Clinched home field

Amanda Clearcreek…………Clinched playoffs

Has the best chance at the last home field spot. They have Fairfield Union (0-7) and Bloom Carroll (1-6) left on the schedule who they should beat.They also have a very tough and undefeated Logan Elm (7-0) but with the lead they have they should eek out Martins Ferry for that final spot.

Martins Ferry…………………Clinched playoffs

The Red Riders have Edison (3-4) and rival Bellaire (3-4) left on their schedule and they should win both these games. They also have an undefeated St Clairsville standing in their way and that may not bode too well for them. Still they will make the playoffs even if they have to go on the road.

Ironton………………………….About a 90% chance at making the playoffs

The Tigers still have a very tough road ahead of them. Defending state champ Bishop Hartley (7-0) out of Columbus is the next opponent on the Tigers schedule. Then they have a D1 Simon Kenton out of Independence, Ky coming to town. Rival Portsmouth (2-5) then finishes off the season for the Tigers.I think the Tigers have to win 1 and maybe 2 of these remaining games to make it into the playoffs.

Chesapeake………………….An 85% chance

The Panthers have rival Fairland (3-4) to lay next week,South Point (1-6) the following week and they finish off the season with the Coal Grove Hornets (3-3) in what could be for the OVC championship.

Wellston………………………60%

The Golden Rockets have to contend with a very good Athens Bulldog (7-0) team and that will be quite a task. Meigs (4-3) isn’t a given either. Then they play Vinton County (1-6) who they should put away.

Indian Valley………………..50%

Don’t count these guys out yet. they have Fairless (2-5) who they should beat. Then comes two teams who can be very tough on Indian Valley. Tuslaw (3-4) and Tuscarawas Valley (4-3) will both be a very tough challenge and won’t be easy.

Well there you have it. This is just my opinion but I think we will make it into the playoffs and add to the number of times we have made it into the Ohio Playoffs.

So until later on in the week when we come back and update  what is happening with these Ironton Tigers. Everyone have a great week and as always..

Go Tigers!

Joe Holtzapfel