The Ironton HIgh School Tigers make the trip to Somerset to take on the Briar Jumpers on Friday night. It promises to be a big crowd at the Briar Patch. Both teams come into the game at 3-0. The Tigers travel well, and should bring a big crowd. It is also Hall of Fame Night, and also the Jumper Walk which seems to get larger and larger each year. Hopefully the game can live up to the festivities surrounding it. Ironton comes into the game with wins over Williamsburg (OH) by a score of 42-0, Salem (NJ) 55-14, and Archbishop McNicholas 17-10. The Tigers are ranked 3rd in Ohio's Division V, and 70th overall in Ohio by MaxPreps. This will be the Jumpers biggest test so far, and likely the biggest test of the season. Somerset is coming in off of lackluster 21-3 win over crosstown rival Southwestern. The Briar Jumpers didn't seem to play with a lot of fire until Southwestern had a chance to take the lead in the 4th quarter. The team was dealing with a lot of sickness last week, and maybe looking past the Warriors. They can't start out slow against the Tigers, or they will be looking at a running clock. Can Somerset pull off the upset, or are the Tigers just too much?

I'm afraid this one won't be close I think Ironton will be quite a bit better I'm not predicting a running clock but I could see it being 3 or 4 scores.

Ironton is tough. They always have a handful of kids with FBS offers. Watch out for Kayden Edwards, a WR/DB that's committed to Boston College.

This is Somerset's only true litmus test as a contender in 2A. If they can win or even push Ironton for four quarters, it puts 2A on notice.

What's the travel time for this one from Ironton to Somerset?

31 minutes ago, Bac2369 said:

What's the travel time for this one from Ironton to Somerset?

It's around 180 miles and over three hours.

2 hours ago, DevilMayCare said:

Ironton is tough. They always have a handful of kids with FBS offers. Watch out for Kayden Edwards, a WR/DB that's committed to Boston College.

This is Somerset's only true litmus test as a contender in 2A. If they can win or even push Ironton for four quarters, it puts 2A on notice.

I would say their week 10 game at Christian County would be a litmus test as well. But that's just my opinion.

I like this Somerset team but idk if they have enough to knock off Ironton.

From last week and Wendy caught my attention!

They're going to lose by 4+ scores if they play like they did the first three quarters at Southwestern. The run defense is solid but prone to misdirection fooling them as shown a few time last week. But the secondary is the main weak point.

The Ironton QB looks very poised in the pocket and I'm sure the team is well coached. The receivers are going to have a field day if they get an opportunity. Somerset may show flashes on offense but the play calling has also been a hindrance. Not sure if there's a lack of trust with the personnel or what but they have done this every season and I've had a front row seat...

1) start slow against decent competition.

2) The play calling gets shuffled around some and they start doing better

3) they stay innovative and trusting of but not overly reliant on the playmakers and the offense goes on a roll

4) they play increasingly more solid against OCath but come up short. (Hopefully this part they can finally get over the hump on this season)

Would love to be proven wrong, I expect Somerset to get caught in the headlights and lose by 4+ scores if the Ironton staff doesn't choose to play with their food.

I am thinking this game has running clock potential.

Really interesting scheduling. Ironton usually only crosses the river to play 16th region schools.

13 hours ago, citycat said:

Really interesting scheduling. Ironton usually only crosses the river to play 16th region schools.

Late add for Somerset after Paris dropped them. Not sure how it came together though. This is a good measuring stick game for the Jumpers. They will be superior to their district teams, so this will be really good for them in the long run to have a good opponent come to town and get good tape to learn from it.

Somerset Athletics will be brining you coverage of the game! https://www.youtube.com/live/UnXG9rDUVE0?si=Oz6B3AFjrvlE8Z72

The Boys from the Buckeye State win this one.