Ironton gridiron classic to return in 2023 & expand to 2 day event.

[TigerMania]

Would be cool to see some MAC teams play in it.

If they really wanted the best small school football atmosphere they should get some of the MAC schools and Kirtland to come down. Then schedule a couple of big games with big schools too.
I honestly don’t think anyone down here wants to play the MAC schools or Kirtland if they don’t have too!

[TigerMania]

Heck if we can’t get anyone to play then get IMG Academy to play us Thee Ironton University.

[formerfcfan]

MAC won’t do it because of their schedule obligations.

I imagine what will happen is the GCL-South (Elder, La Salle, Moeller and X) becomes a mainstay in the event. All four of those schools need to fill games in the middle of the year.

[LICKING COUNTY FAN]

Ben Davis (Ind)
Louisville Male (Ky)
Philly St. Joe (Pa)

[Beergogglebluez]

Last game next year Ironton vs. IMG. Let's make it happen.

That unrealistic lol. Maybe a d1 school but d5 ironton would get smashed.

[Beergogglebluez]

Would be cool to see some MAC teams play in it.

If they really wanted the best small school football atmosphere they should get some of the MAC schools and Kirtland to come down. Then schedule a couple of big games with big schools too.
I honestly don’t think anyone down here wants to play the MAC schools or Kirtland if they don’t have too!

It wouldn’t be schools around here playing them. Out of state schools would play the Ohio schools. That’s the impression I get for this event.

[Outoftowner]

Ben Davis (Ind)
Louisville Male (Ky)
Philly St. Joe (Pa)

Better choices in Indiana. Indianapolis Cathedral or Roncalli, Center Grove, Carmel

[TigerBob]

It’s going to be schools that need help filling a schedule and don’t make a ton on home games. MAC schools meet neither.

[gobucs20]

Ironton vs spring valley ?

[VetteMan]

Wasn't able to make it this year, Intend to be there next year. Especially like the 2 day event part of it.

[THEEE_GAME]

Would be cool to see some MAC teams play in it.

If they really wanted the best small school football atmosphere they should get some of the MAC schools and Kirtland to come down. Then schedule a couple of big games with big schools too.
I honestly don’t think anyone down here wants to play the MAC schools or Kirtland if they don’t have too!

Kirtland vs Martinsburg

[Beergogglebluez]

Would be cool to see some MAC teams play in it.

If they really wanted the best small school football atmosphere they should get some of the MAC schools and Kirtland to come down. Then schedule a couple of big games with big schools too.
I honestly don’t think anyone down here wants to play the MAC schools or Kirtland if they don’t have too!

Kirtland vs Martinsburg

Hmmm that would be a really fun game to watch. I would still take martinsburg by a score.

[countywide35]

The schools will come. Regardless all the matchups we wish we could see.


Ironton wants to blow this over the top.

Then go to the top to get the exposure


Ring the doorbell of ESPN and make it a ESPN High School Showcase nationally televised event.

You make that happen. This event goes off the charts.

[NYBuckeye96]

Sounds like a great event. Where does the funding come from to pay the participating schools?

[XandOs]

I was told the funding come from Event sponsor and game sponsors. I was told Western & Southern Life made a big contribution to Ironton for putting this on. Was also told they raised quite a bit of money for game sponsors and banners around stadium.

[greygoose]

MAC won’t do it because of their schedule obligations.

I imagine what will happen is the GCL-South (Elder, La Salle, Moeller and X) becomes a mainstay in the event. All four of those schools need to fill games in the middle of the year.

Yeah and honestly the MAC doesn't have to do an event like this, they play in front of those types of crowds just for their conference games and earn huge gate money, concessions and split the pot things from having 6-10K ppl at just their conference games. They don't have to travel 3 hrs and give up a home game in order to benefit from anything. When you're already the top small conference or possibly overall conference in Ohio they're good with where they are.

[MyBodyDifferent]

Fort Frye would be cool to add. They are always really good. Not sure how they travel though.

Would really like to see them in the tournament

[THEEE_GAME]

Fort Frye would be cool to add. They are always really good. Not sure how they travel though.

Would really like to see them in the tournament

Since it is Ohio vs other states how bout Fort Frye vs Raceland?
Or Fort Frye vs Cabell Midland?

[mattash]

Raceland would be fair. Fort Frye is a small school

[TigerMania]

I was told the funding come from Event sponsor and game sponsors. I was told Western & Southern Life made a big contribution to Ironton for putting this on. Was also told they raised quite a bit of money for game sponsors and banners around stadium.

That’s awesome! Sure hope this does get bigger each year.