PRZOH Team Previews: Ironton Fighting Tigers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>July is here, and that brings us to team preview season! Throughout the entire month of July and into early August, I will be releasing team previews to prepare everyone for the upcoming season and highlight key players to watch. Articles will be published daily, so be sure to check back to see if your favorite program is featured! In this article, we will highlight the reigning D5 state champions, Ironton.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading">Ironton Fighting Tigers</h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Head Coach: Trevon Pendleton (82-14)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Last Season (15-1)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2024 was a storybook season for the proud 740 program. Starting the season against Wheelersburg and Jackson, most southeastern programs hope to split that series, but Ironton asserted early dominance in 37-7 and 51-14 wins. Cabell Midland (WV) and St. Francis (NY) were next up on the chopping block, and chopped they were. D3 Bishop Hartley would fall 41-0, and the sights were set on a massive matchup with Clarkson North (AK). Ironton was the underdog heading into the contest, but they gave Clarkson North everything they could. Down 28-27 with a minute left, Ironton would fall short on a 2-point conversion attempt and go on to lose their only game of the season. After a 48-33 win vs Pikeville (KY), Ironton wouldn't play another close game until the state championship game vs Liberty Center. In one of the best games of the championship weekend, big game performances from Ironton's best led them to a state championship win, 28-17, to give Ironton their third state championship and their first since 1989. They were dominant in their wins, showcasing elite big-play potential and an athletic defense that could swarm opponents.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2025 Season Outlook</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ironton will have to replace two P4 players on their roster from last season, Shaun Terry and Josh Johnson. Ironton has plenty of talent to return this season, but their losses will be tough to replicate during the 2025 season. I expect to see Ironton return to a run-based offense that can control the game's tempo and rely on its defense to get off the field quickly. With two quarterback prospects in the fold who are opposite in playing style, it will be interesting to see who wins that battle. Ironton will still be the best team in the 740 this season, but we could see that gap close a little with their 2024 senior class out of the picture. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Losses</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WR Shaun Terry (Missouri)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DB Josh Johnson (Penn State)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>QB Brayden Schreck (Findlay)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>OL/DL Bowen Gossett (Morehead State)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Players to Watch</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["826899"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6869864727a45"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kayden is the starting quarterback many expect to see for the Fighting Tigers. He is explosive as a runner and is a playmaker with the ball in his hands. He has previous starting experience as a freshman, and has gotten reps throughout the years in the many blowouts Ironton has been apart of. He also plays safety, and his athleticism shines in the secondary. He has good play recognition and is quick to break on balls his way. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["866253"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6869a2f1f2df8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kylan is a transfer from Hurricane (WV). Coming from a state final four team in WV, Grace rushed for over 1,300 yards and 15 touchdowns. He's a powerful runner who can mow over defenders. He covers the ball well and will be a dominant rusher in the redzone area. It will be interesting to see how different defenses in Ohio handle him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1178336"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68698647279eb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Zayne has been a solid prospect for Ironton for several years now. As a linebacker, he is an active player. He can be active as a plugger, quarterback spy, or a great zone coverage defender. He plays physical and is not afraid to be the first man to his gap. As a running back, he excels at shaking off tackles and has great contact balance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1689110"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6869a2f1f2ecb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wheeler's power and burst off the line yield results. He has power in his hands and uses them well to get around linemen. He can rush from inside and the edge and win. He's athletic and provides a fun watch from his film.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1182178"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6869864727aca"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jacobs is a powerful blocker for the right side of Ironton's offensive line. He plays strong and often upstands his man in pass protection. As a run blocker, he does well at getting position in Ironton's run blocking scheme. As an interior defender, he's quick to shed and operates as a great run defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1221842"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6869864727a8b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brock has gotten high praise from many people I have talked to. He doesn't have game film, but he has impressed. He throws with accuracy and has put together good results at some prevalent P4 camps. Working with Brad Maendler, Biggs feels confident in his current growth and development. He has good size for a 2028 prospect and will be someone who you might see a bit of this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">More Names to Know</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 RB/DB Tyson Harvey</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 DL [player_tooltip player_id='1705026' first='Aiden' last='Hensley']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 WR Thomas Crawford</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 WR/DB Bryson Kerns</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 OL Carson Akers</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2029 OL Finn Gossett</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2028 OL/DL Luca Silva</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 DB Brycen Mullins</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2025 Schedule</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8/23</strong>&nbsp;– at Shelby Valley (KY)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8/30 (Sat.)</strong>&nbsp;– Ironton Gridiron Classic vs Liberty Christian Academy (VA)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9/5</strong>&nbsp;– at Archbishop McNicholas</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9/13</strong>&nbsp;– Canisius (NY)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9/19</strong>&nbsp;– Jackson</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9/26</strong>&nbsp;– at Wheelersburg</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10/</strong>4&nbsp;– at Uniontown (PA)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10/10</strong>&nbsp;– Fairland</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10/17</strong>&nbsp;– at Gallia Academy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10/24</strong>&nbsp;– Portsmouth</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->