BigSpoon wrote: Mon Dec 02, 2024 7:46 pm
If Ironton shuts down their run game they will win! There hasn’t been a team all year to get the run going against Ironton’s defense. South Range turned the ball over 5 times against LC. Pick six, strip six, tipped pass int and 2 other ints. I dont see Ironton making that many mistakes. I think Ironton gets #3
Agree. SR got down early, tied it up, and then came apart like cheap lawn furniture.
LC has to play turnover free, and then get a few freebies from Ironton to have a chance.
Agree that this game will be won/lost by our O line...
I think our D can contain their run game. But I don't care how good our skill people are, if their front 5 is beating our front 5, we're done, just like 2 years ago against SR
I hope we bring home #3, but anyone picking Ironton by more than 1 score doesn't know Ohio HS football.
Old Time Tiger wrote: Tue Dec 03, 2024 10:40 am
Agree that this game will be won/lost by our O line...
I think our D can contain their run game. But I don't care how good our skill people are, if their front 5 is beating our front 5, we're done, just like 2 years ago against SR
I hope we bring home #3, but anyone picking Ironton by more than 1 score doesn't know Ohio HS football.
I think this game depends on offensive.And defensive line. Also as important. Don't revert back to the 10 holding penalties per game and a bunch of dumb personal fouls. If they do that I see them winning a very close game. There is no doubt Ironton is the best d5 team south of I70. But are they good enough to take out a northern ohio team in Canton. Which if you think back that is a tall task. But I will say they are way over due to win it all. And if not this year then when. GO FIGHTING TIGERS. BRING IT HOME. YOU DESERVE IT AND IN MY OPINION THE BEST FANBASE IN THE STATE DESERVES IT TOO.
Old Time Tiger wrote: Tue Dec 03, 2024 10:40 am
Agree that this game will be won/lost by our O line...
I think our D can contain their run game. But I don't care how good our skill people are, if their front 5 is beating our front 5, we're done, just like 2 years ago against SR
I hope we bring home #3, but anyone picking Ironton by more than 1 score doesn't know Ohio HS football.
I think this game depends on offensive.And defensive line. Also as important. Don't revert back to the 10 holding penalties per game and a bunch of dumb personal fouls. If they do that I see them winning a very close game. There is no doubt Ironton is the best d5 team south of I70. But are they good enough to take out a northern ohio team in Canton. Which if you think back that is a tall task. But I will say they are way over due to win it all. And if not this year then when. GO FIGHTING TIGERS. BRING IT HOME. YOU DESERVE IT AND IN MY OPINION THE BEST FANBASE IN THE STATE DESERVES IT TOO.
Those holding penalties are usually caused by the defense if LC defensive lines starts getting to the qb then sometimes the offensive line has no choice but to try and get away with some holds and usually get caught so I think this game all comes down to who has the best lines also usually when u have turnovers they are caused by the defense but i will be rooting for ironton just hope they can get it done this time
Liberty Center has played a tough schedule. Ironton has as well. No common opponents to compare. I want Ironton to win but the Tigers from the south are going to have fight harder than the Tigers from the North to pull this off.
I’d expect surprises. I remember everyone saying Kirtland runs the ball a lot then the state finals they were throwing all over the place. Good luck to ironton I hope you bring it home. Irontons offense will have to play a great game. I think the run defense will be fine.
Ironton’s linebackers will be key in this matchup.
If they can control the run game I believe the secondary will be able to concentrate on keeping the passing game in check.
The defensive line will be tested but I believe the linebackers will be key in the game.
As for the offense Ironton will have to keep LC off balance and control the clock.
LC beat South Range handily but I believe South Range should have been beaten a week earlier.
Ironton will be tested for sure what is impressive is the fact Ironton only had 2 games this year that wasn’t a running clock game.
Ho Tigers bring it home.
Division V State Championship Preview: Ironton vs. Liberty Center
Ironton (14-1)
The Ironton Fighting Tigers are no strangers to the big stage, making their 12th all-time state championship appearance. With a rich history that includes two state titles (1979, 1989) and nine runner-up finishes, Ironton is hungry to end a 35-year championship drought. Under the leadership of head coach Trevon Pendleton, they’ve reached the title game three times in the past four seasons (2019, 2020, 2022), showcasing their consistent dominance.
Ironton’s only loss this season came in a nail-biting 28-27 game against Clarkson North (Ontario, Canada), a contest that was impacted by Hurricane Helene and played at Green High School instead of their home field. Despite the setback, the Fighting Tigers have been virtually unstoppable, outscoring their playoff opponents 271-48.
Their defense has been a fortress, recording three playoff shutouts, including a 55-0 rout of Wheelersburg in the Region 19 final. Even in their semifinal win over West Liberty-Salem (63-21), the first-team defense didn’t allow any points—West Liberty’s scores came from special teams and against the reserves.
Offensively, Ironton boasts a star-studded roster. University of Missouri commit Shaun Terry, the Southeast District Offensive Player of the Year, leads the charge, while Penn State-bound Josh Johnson anchors the defense. Lineman Aiden Layne and Coach of the Year Trevon Pendleton add to the team’s accolades.
Liberty Center (15-0)
Liberty Center is back in the Division V state championship for the second consecutive year after falling short to Perry 21-14 in 2023. The Tigers are seeking their first title since 1997 and fifth overall appearance in the finals. Known for their physical, run-heavy approach, Liberty Center has dominated the postseason, boasting an impressive 17-3 playoff record over the last four seasons.
This season, the Tigers are led by a trio of potent running backs. Senior Waylon Rentz has been a workhorse, rushing for 1,784 yards and 29 touchdowns. Junior Thomas Mohler (903 yards, 8 TDs) and sophomore Garrison Kruse (843 yards, 15 TDs) provide depth and versatility in the backfield.
While the passing game is less frequent, it remains efficient. Senior Grady Miller and junior Kaden Kreinbrink share quarterback duties, combining for 987 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Defensively, Liberty Center has been a wall, allowing just 5.5 points per game and recording seven shutouts. The unit is led by Rentz and Zander Zeiter, who have combined for 35 tackles for loss. Sophomore standout Garrison Kruse has added 15 TFLs, while senior Cam Kahle has eight interceptions, returning two for touchdowns. Kahle’s versatility extends to special teams, where he has multiple kick return touchdowns.
Head coach Casey Mohler, in his eighth season with a 91-15 record, has built a powerhouse that thrives on disciplined defense and an unstoppable ground game.
The Matchup
This Division V championship game is a clash of titans, with both teams bringing elite defenses and explosive rushing attacks. Ironton’s experience in big games and their defensive dominance will be tested against Liberty Center’s relentless ground game and suffocating defense. The key battle will be in the trenches—can Ironton’s offensive line withstand Liberty Center’s aggressive front seven?
Expect a hard-fought, physical battle where field position and turnovers could be the deciding factors. With two storied programs vying for glory, this game has all the makings of an instant classic.
Liberty Central will not score a single point in this game. I guarantee it. For those who think I’m wrong I say put your money where your mouth is. I stand by my statement.
"Rocking a pair of 1985 gray coaching shorts that are now yellow in the front and brown in the back"
The Nature Boy wrote: Tue Dec 03, 2024 5:17 pm
Liberty Center has played a tough schedule. Ironton has as well. No common opponents to compare. I want Ironton to win but the Tigers from the south are going to have fight harder than the Tigers from the North to pull this off.
Ironton played the #2 and Liberty Center played #26 toughest D5 schedule
I believe many of you are spot on in regards to this game. Ironton had better control the L.O.S. or they'll be heading south empty handed. I do believe they finally get it done and bring that elusive title home! Go Tigers! Do it for your community and everyone in the forgotten land that is SEO!
Old Shorts wrote: Thu Dec 05, 2024 8:11 am
Liberty Central will not score a single point in this game. I guarantee it. For those who think I’m wrong I say put your money where your mouth is. I stand by my statement.
I guarantee they will score, multiple TD’s not just points. Let’s bet
Old Shorts wrote: Thu Dec 05, 2024 8:11 am
Liberty Central will not score a single point in this game. I guarantee it. For those who think I’m wrong I say put your money where your mouth is. I stand by my statement.
I guarantee they will score, multiple TD’s not just points. Let’s bet
I guarantee you that Liberty Central will not score a single point but I will bet that Liberty Center will score a touchdown
Old Shorts wrote: Thu Dec 05, 2024 8:11 am
Liberty Central will not score a single point in this game. I guarantee it. For those who think I’m wrong I say put your money where your mouth is. I stand by my statement.
I guarantee they will score, multiple TD’s not just points. Let’s bet
I guarantee you that Liberty Central will not score a single point but I will bet that Liberty Center will score a touchdown
