How big and good is Ironton's line(s)

 

50 Tom Saul C-DE 6-1 208

52 Taylor Barker G-MG 6-0 285

57 Josh Moore G-LB 5-10 212

60 Chris Warner C-LB 5-11 210

61 Kevin Vermilyea C-MG 5-5 231

63 Tyler Waugh G-LB 5-11 185

64 Brandon Leach G-LB 5-8 110

65 Steve Sisler T-T 6-2 237

66 Ben Wells G-DE 6-1 205

67 Zach Kriebel G-MG 6-1 210

68 Brian Scherer G-LB 5-10 210

71 Thomas Baker T-T 6-1 320

72 Sam Cramblit T-T 6-0 265

73 John Shotsky T-T 5-10 260

74 Brad Spoljaric T-T 6-3.5 260

75 Dakota Taylor T-T 5-11 305

76 Robbie Webb G-T 6-3.5 250

77 Cameron Miller T-T 6-3 300

78 Gage Roach T-T 5-10 280

80 Casey Jones E-DE 6-4 240

 

:scared: And returning 5 starting offensive lineman from last years 8-4 team.

Ashland only has one player over 250lbs. Ironton Averages 260.

50 Tom Saul C-DE 6-1 208

52 Taylor Barker G-MG 6-0 285

57 Josh Moore G-LB 5-10 212

60 Chris Warner C-LB 5-11 210

61 Kevin Vermilyea C-MG 5-5 231

63 Tyler Waugh G-LB 5-11 185

64 Brandon Leach G-LB 5-8 110

65 Steve Sisler T-T 6-2 237

66 Ben Wells G-DE 6-1 205

67 Zach Kriebel G-MG 6-1 210

68 Brian Scherer G-LB 5-10 210

71 Thomas Baker T-T 6-1 320

72 Sam Cramblit T-T 6-0 265

73 John Shotsky T-T 5-10 260

74 Brad Spoljaric T-T 6-3.5 260

75 Dakota Taylor T-T 5-11 305

76 Robbie Webb G-T 6-3.5 250

77 Cameron Miller T-T 6-3 300

78 Gage Roach T-T 5-10 280

80 Casey Jones E-DE 6-4 240

 

:scared: And returning 5 starting offensive lineman from last years 8-4 team.

Ashland only has one player over 250lbs. Ironton Averages 260.

 

I think the starters on the O-line are:

 

74 Brad Spoljaric T 6-3.5 260

76 Robbie Webb G 6-3.5 250

60 Chris Warner C 5-11 210

52 Taylor Barker G 6-0 285

72 Sam Cramblit T 6-0 265

 

The thing of it is, though, these aren't the type of linemen who just look good on the roster but show up fat, slow, and out of shape. They look better playing on the field than they do on the roster!

 

They have a couple of "Alber-like" backs running behind them as well as a couple of speedsters. They also have an end named John Monning (#88) who is a terrific blocker. I really can't imagine that playing this team would be a whole lot of fun for anyone.

 

Everyone has talked about the great speed of this year's Ashland team. I think it is pretty obvious that utilizing that speed to the max is the only way they can win this game. The SEC always beats the Big 10 every year for that very same reason, right? :-)

It's a big test no doubt.

 

We weren't as big as Ironton in '05 either. But, the Tomcats found a way to make that 1-point game.

 

Last year's team played respectably well at Ironton. So there's that to build on.

 

It can be done. It will take a ton of heart and best efforts by every player and coach.

No the officials are assigned by an assigning secretary in Kentucky.

 

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Slick

I agree, whichever side of the bridge you play on is worth about 10 points. With that being said Ironton still wins by a TD or 2.

 

I have to disagree. Years ago I believe it was really like that. And its hard to get away from that image. But Ashland has no control over the refs they get. Its an excuse we all love to use. It's always easy to blame the refs. The team that lost will always use it. On the other hand. I don't know for sure but don't the Ohio school systems get to say who is going to ref the games. I may be wrong. Just what I've been told over the years. If so maybe by playing the game in Ashland. Ironton will lose 10 points

It's a big test no doubt.

 

We weren't as big as Ironton in '05 either. But, the Tomcats found a way to make that 1-point game.

 

Last year's team played respectably well at Ironton. So there's that to build on.

 

It can be done. It will take a ton of heart and best efforts by every player and coach.

 

 

Your right Graybeard,it can be done.:thumb:

For the first time since he left I think Ashland will miss the speed and quickness of Rachard Carter on both sides of the ball.

It's a big test no doubt.

 

We weren't as big as Ironton in '05 either. But, the Tomcats found a way to make that 1-point game.

 

Last year's team played respectably well at Ironton. So there's that to build on.

 

It can be done. It will take a ton of heart and best efforts by every player and coach.

 

I agree totally.:thumb:

The Tomcats will battle, but i believe Ironton is still too good.

 

Ironton 35

Ashland 14

Ironton 28

Ashland 7

Ironton is too much for Tomcats.

The funny thing is everyone knows what Ironton is going to do, but they cannot stop it. They will run out of a full house backfiled, or I formation, 3 yards and a cloud of dust as the great Woody Hayes used to say! Only pass the ball a hand full of times. Coach Lutz has run this offense effectively for over 30 years. Look for alot of rushing yards to rack up on Ironton's side of the ball in this one.

 

Ironton 35

Ashland 14

Well it is hump day and friday is almost here. I am ready to make a prediction on this game:

 

I believe Ashland has improved by leaps and bounds and it is good to see them come into this old rivalry game, undefeated. Ironton has a big line and several backs of equal ability that can really carry the mail. Ironton doesnt seem to have the one real big "game breaker" that they seemingly have every year. However, that may be a positive as they are really playing as a team right now. ironton has a huge league game at home next week and they must not come into this game over confident, because most of these kids werent alive the last time Ashland won this game.

Really think Ashland needs to control the ball, play mistake free football and keep Ironton from those 10-12 play drives that will certainly wear the defense down.

I look for Ashland to be really jacked up for this game. I would hope Ironton can match that intensity the entire game.

 

I'll take Ironton 33-21.

 

Looking forward to a big crowd and a festive atmosphere, as for the first time in a long time, both schools come in undefeated.

First you write...

 

...When i was a kid in the early 70's, Ashland expected to win this game. At the same time, Ironton hoped to win this game. Since Bob Lutz and his great assistant coaches arrived at Ironton, they instilled an "expectant winning attitude." When ironton's kids roll off the bus, they don't hope to win, they expect it. Thus, so does the entire fan base. That has been lacking at Ashland for over a decade now. Ashland "hopes" to finally win this year. Ironton "expects" to win again. You can tell it by reading posts on these websites and listening to alumni and fans from Ashland. It is up to the coaches and administration to instill that winning attitude back in the minds and hearts of Ashland players. it begins in little league.

Back in the 70's you would see those maroon shirts and you expected excellence on the football field. That is the attitude and mindset that must return to Ashland. When the alumni, fans and the kids all go to Putnam stadium expecting a win, you will know the tomcats are back. Until then, you just never know what team will show up.

 

Then you post...

 

...I am ready to make a prediction on this game:

 

I'll take Ironton 33-21...

 

Well...If I buy your logic on the first quote (and I do), then it looks like the Tomcats are NOT "back" considering your expectations favor Ironton.

 

Also...unless Ashland has found a place kicker, all of these scoring predictions for Tomcat points should probably be in increments of 6 or 8...not 7.

I am hoping that the Tomcats can pull out a BIG WIN against Ironton, but I think they will come up a little short. Ironton seems to be getting back to being IRONTON. Ashland is working their way back to being the Tomcats of old, but they are not there yet. The game being at Putnam is always a plus. I think it is one of the hardest places for opposing teams to play. This will be a good test for the Tomcats since like Ironton, district foe Johnson Central will line up and come right at you. This will tell alot about Ashland's ability to stuff a power running game.

 

My Pick:

Ironton: 42

Ashland: 20

First you write...

 

 

 

Then you post...

 

 

 

Well...If I buy your logic on the first quote (and I do), then it looks like the Tomcats are NOT "back" considering your expectations favor Ironton.

 

Also...unless Ashland has found a place kicker, all of these scoring predictions for Tomcat points should probably be in increments of 6 or 8...not 7.

 

I am an Ironton alumni. My post still rings true in my opinion.

I am an Ironton alumni. My post still rings true in my opinion.

 

Well, that clarifies your perspective a bit better. I do agree with your second post on this thread however. Your insight echoes the same thoughts we “old timers” have every year on the south side of the Ohio River…The Tomcats need to BELIEVE then go out and PERFORM accordingly.

 

I recall Lutz mentioning some of his Ironton teams had a similar sense of dread when it was time to travel to Portsmouth.

 

Eventually, the tide will turn in this series…even with the current lopsided run of games, fans still turn out and support their respective programs. This Friday should be no different…in fact, it may even be turned up a notch or two.

 

BTW….I am an Ashland alumnus.:thumb: