Join SOC: Ironton or Portsmouth?

[Axe N Shield]

If one of the moderators could put a vote option on this I would appreciate it!

Ok folks, what if the SOC did this;

Move Northwest down in to SOC I. {Providing Northwest agrees to their moving to SOC !}

Allow Ironton to join the SOC II; or Allow Portsmouth to join the SOC II.

My take on my choice:

IRONTON

Bring Ironton in to the SOC II. They bring big gates, concessions and the points from playing them and beating them is tremendous! Minford, Valley & Wheelersburg already have programs competive enough to survive Ironton most years! Even if it's a loss! Ironton too, would be helping build great river city engagements of gridiron and of the other major sports programs that all of these schools have solidly created!

The Burg/Ironton game is the biggest game of the year in our area! Imagine if Valley, West & Minford played them as well! Alot, of great games and great history within the conference. SOC II could be one of the strongest congerences in the state; at least top 10!

Portsmouth... sorry, you just don't have what it takes to be in the SOC II anymore! Hit the road jack!!! Of course IMO!

[Burg_Grad_77]

Have you been hiding under a rock??

Northwest is already moving down to SOCI in I believe either next season or in 2014.

Ironton or Portsmouth will never be voted into the SOCII. Portsmouth has tried several times and always gets voted down by the smaller schools, so I'm sure they wouldn't put Ironton in either.

[noles_fan]

Where have you been the last year? Northwest to the SOCI is a done deal starting next year. And for your information West was one of the first SOC schools to play Ironton on a regular basis back in the early 90's and again a few years ago. Most fans from West have been wanting to see them back on the schedule. And for your information West with the exception of this year have been as competive as any team in the SOC for the last decade.

It will never happen so its a moot point. This topic has already been discused at length in another thread. Here is the short version, The majority of SOC schools have to agree with them entering the conference. All schools have a vote SOCI and SOCII schools alike, because the other sports have a different conference break down. So that is why it hasnever or will never happen but it definitely would be worth looking at but you will never get enough votes!!!

[Endzone_Warrior]

I would Vote for both if it ever happened.... nothing to be scared of, it's just two schools IMO. Ironton is really the only one who is dominating anymore anyhow. SOC II board members need to get there heads outta there butts and just make it happen. Quit being scared, They need to be in the conference I mean they are both in Southern Ohio for Godsake.... I don't care if Hitlers great grandson is the Tennis coach just get it done.

[Westfan]

Ironton would get in before Portsmouth.

Ironton has a declining enrollment. Transfer rules have/will hurt them more than in the past. Those things and the retirement of Lutz will take a big toll on their program going forward. They will always be football crazy and field a good team, but just as a shadow of what they once were.

Portsmouth made their bed. Lay in it. They will never be voted in. Too many burnt bridges.

[dreamweaver]

Ironton isn't dominating anymore. They lose 21 seniors this year that will be hard to replace. They have a new staff. Transferring to Ironton to play is a thing of the past. Good solid coaching staffs and new schools and stadiums just about everywhere. Portsmouth problems will eventually go away too. So both need a conference and the best fit is the SOC 2. I think it is a great idea, all sports, basketball, baseball, track would all benefit. It will take a few more years, but it may happen.

[dreamweaver]

Ironton isn't dominating anymore. They lose 21 seniors this year that will be hard to replace. They have a new staff. Transferring to Ironton to play is a thing of the past. Good solid coaching staffs and new schools and stadiums just about everywhere. Portsmouth problems will eventually go away too. So both need a conference and the best fit is the SOC 2. I think it is a great idea, all sports, basketball, baseball, track would all benefit. It will take a few more years, but it may happen.

[Axe N Shield]

Have you been hiding under a rock??

Northwest is already moving down to SOCI in I believe either next season or in 2014.

Ironton or Portsmouth will never be voted into the SOCII. Portsmouth has tried several times and always gets voted down by the smaller schools, so I'm sure they wouldn't put Ironton in either.

If Northwest is in fact being placed into the SOC I Division of the conference then, there has to be plans of moving somebody in to replace them in the SOC II. Who is it? Does anybody know? Or are they trying to keep it secret as a Portsmouth City Council meeting would over a Martings Bldg. plot?

I can understand why not sanctioning Portsmouth's access to the SOC II. Because of the cruddy way the acted years ago when they were asked to join; said they didn't need the SOC and that they were fine. And, at this point... the SOC doesn't need them either and really never did! Also, with how they treated East back in the day when, they were apart of their district and, how they have treated them since the split 12 years ago! I wouldn't give them the perspiration off a certain male poke! My opinion of course!

Where have you been the last year? Northwest to the SOCI is a done deal starting next year. And for your information West was one of the first SOC schools to play Ironton on a regular basis back in the early 90's and again a few years ago. Most fans from West have been wanting to see them back on the schedule. And for your information West with the exception of this year have been as competive as any team in the SOC for the last decade.

It will never happen so its a moot point. This topic has already been discused at length in another thread. Here is the short version, The majority of SOC schools have to agree with them entering the conference. All schools have a vote SOCI and SOCII schools alike, because the other sports have a different conference break down. So that is why it hasnever or will never happen but it definitely would be worth looking at but you will never get enough votes!!!

And, I think I did mention West in my post... maybe not at the top where you think they should be! I remember the 90's when West played them; twice in one season in a mud bowl once. I think that was the only year West had ever beat them wasn't it? If so, then why would you think West should be considered top of the list when mentioning this? Anyway, yes--I think West would be good games also, honey! Happy!

As I stated earlier Portsmouth needs to be passed over for this round and allow Ironton to come into the SOC II and move Northwest to SOC I. It appears that half of this deal is already done so, the next part is up to the committees!

[maniac66]

I have to agree ports or Ironton will never be voted in.
One reason I think most are happy with the size of the league now the other politics pure and simple.
I do believe Ports will be heading to the ovc and be welcomed with open arms.
As for Ironton they will still be Nomads and roam for teams to play reguardless of size.
Be nice to see Ironton in a league again but they are not and I understand why but still wish they was in one.

[Axe N Shield]

I have to agree ports or Ironton will never be voted in.
One reason I think most are happy with the size of the league now the other politics pure and simple.
I do believe Ports will be heading to the ovc and be welcomed with open arms.
As for Ironton they will still be Nomads and roam for teams to play reguardless of size.
Be nice to see Ironton in a league again but they are not and I understand why but still wish they was in one.

I think that Portsmouth is hopping from league to league like most people in Scioto Co. Pill Mill or Doctor shop! The heat gets on them and they find that they can't win championships in that league so, they are trying to find one that they can!

This question pertains to the bold highlighted above. Does this mean that the SOC II doesn't plan to replace Northwest in their division?

[YOU'RE TIGER BAIT]

MANIAC I AGREE WITH YA, I THINK WE'LL STAY ROGUE, TAKE OUR LUMPS WHEN WE DO , AND STILL KEEP ON KEEPIN ON.
I HAVE NO QUALMS WITH A LEAGUE. BUT THE SOC IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MAKES SENCE IF THEY DO.MUCH MORE COMPETITIVE THAN OVC, ALL AROUND. BUT I DON'T SEE IT HAPPENING WE HAVE NO ILL FEELINGS TO MY KNOWLEDGE WITH ANY SCHOOL.FRANKLY I THINK PORTSMOUTH/IRONTON BOTH WOULD BE A GOOD FIT, I FOLLOW ALL THE LOCAL SCHOOL'S I JUST LOVE FOOTBALL. IRONTON IS OPEN NEXT WEEK, I THINK I'M HEADING TO WATCH VALLEY/MINFORD.

[ManitouDan]

would love to see both schools admitted , dont punish todays athelets and family's , heck the whole community , because of wrongs from a decade ago. Thats entirely small minded .

[Jesco White]

As far as replacing Northwest goes, you also have to keep in mind that Eastern started a football program at the junior high level this year. So, around the same time that Eastern is ready to field a varsity level football team, it will also be time for the league to re-evaluate Northwest's progress in the SOC 1 in football. I would fully expect either Northwest or Oak Hill will be in the SOC 2 when that happens which will give both divisions of the league 6 football teams while not messing with the alignments in all other sports that would come from adding another school.

[Westfan]

Portsmouth's program is in deep crap. They need a league, but the SEOAL is too good for them. They want to play the SOC schools for the big gates that they loose out on playing in such a spread out league. If the SOC schools let them in, then they could schedule 5 non-conference games that they could win, possibly turning their program around.

My question is why should we help them? Portsmouth needs us, we don't need them. Let em die the slow death.

I'll get jumped I'm sure for saying it, but I'm not the only one that thinks it.

One other thing about it. West has sucked at basketball lately. We don't duck and run though like Northwest is doing in football, but staying put in the sports that they are competitive in. Portsmouth has struggled in football, so they want help. Why would all the SOC schools want to schedule 2 more probable losses in basketball, to help Portsmouth football?

Oak hill should be SOC 2 football or out. One or the other. Same with Northwest. Its wrong for D4 and D5 schools to play in a D6 league.

[Mr.Nubington]

I think the soc II should let them both in. I completely understand not wanting to deal with some of the fans from either, but it would be a great idea. why not just make the strongest league in Southern Ohio? Portsmouth west, Wheelersburg, Lucasville Valley, Minford, Waverly could play with Ironton or Portsmouth MOST years. Nobody is scared of big bad Ironton or Portsmouth anymore. Every school has good athletes and very nice stadiums. Northwest is leaving, and everyone could have great games every week for most of the season. Every school would play to the level of each other and it would be an evenly matched league in no time. That's also the kind of preparation needed to compete in the playoffs every year against the schools up north.

[Bleeding Red]

As far as replacing Northwest goes, you also have to keep in mind that Eastern started a football program at the junior high level this year. So, around the same time that Eastern is ready to field a varsity level football team, it will also be time for the league to re-evaluate Northwest's progress in the SOC 1 in football. I would fully expect either Northwest or Oak Hill will be in the SOC 2 when that happens which will give both divisions of the league 6 football teams while not messing with the alignments in all other sports that would come from adding another school.

This. Oak Hill should eventually take place of Northwest. I dont see Northwest coming back into the SOC II in my lifetime. They need to make serious changes at NW for them to ever become competitive with the SOC II schools on a regular basis. The people that need replaced are not going anywhere for a long time.

As far as Portsmouth, forget it. They will always get voted against. The SEOAL is on life support and when it goes under Portsmouth will have to schedule SOC II schools and also play some of the teams Ironton has been playing.....which isnt going to be good unless Portsmouth does a 180 with their football program.

I could see Ironton coming in to the league before Portsmouth. They bring a crowd. They would raise the bar across the entire SOC II in football and basketball. Heck their baseball team is normally strong too. And they havent burnt bridges with several of the "powers that be" at the SOC II level.

[Crab's Brother]

I have no problems letting either one of them in, but from a basketball prespective, it would have to be both or neither. You don't want a league with odd teams. I don't like the fact that SOC II schools will be looking for games weeks 6-10 in football because there are only 5 teams.

[blue53]

With northwest dropping down there is the opportunity for any school to add ironton to their schedule without the commitment of voting them in the Soc. One step at a time.

[ManitouDan]

As far as Oak Hill and SOC1 football ... the first text i sent my friend when I arrived at Oak hill's campus ... They have more kids in their BAND than we do in our entire school . and that makes it tough on the football side of things where more injuries occur and depth is more important . They need to go SOC2 .

[Dean]

darn good band, too!