Ironton Claims Division V State Championship, First Title Since 1989, in Thrilling 28-17 Win Over Liberty Center
Ironton capped off a historic season by defeating Liberty Center 28-17 in the Division V state championship game, securing their third state title and first since 1989.
Ironton quarterback Brayden Schreck delivered a dominant performance, igniting the Tigers’ offense with two early touchdown passes to standout receiver Shaun Terry. The first score came on a 35-yard strike, giving Ironton a 6-0 lead. Minutes later, Schreck found Terry again, this time for a 46-yard touchdown. Beckham Waginger’s extra point extended Ironton’s lead to 14-0.
Liberty Center responded in the second quarter with a 1-yard rushing touchdown by Waylon Rentz, but a missed extra point left the score at 14-6. Liberty Center trimmed the deficit further with a 39-yard field goal just before halftime, bringing the score to 14-9 in favor of Ironton.
In the third quarter, Schreck added to his stellar night with a 4-yard rushing touchdown, pushing Ironton’s lead to 21-9. Liberty Center refused to back down, as quarterback #8 connected with Garrison Kruse for a 10-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter. A successful two-point conversion made it a four-point game, 21-17, setting the stage for a tense finish.
With less than two minutes remaining, Liberty Center recovered an Ironton fumble at the Tigers’ 39-yard line, appearing poised for a potential game-winning drive. However, Ironton’s defense rose to the occasion once again. Brycen Mullins came up with a clutch fumble recovery at the Ironton 33-yard line, shifting the momentum.
On the very next possession, Shaun Terry sealed the victory in dramatic fashion. Taking a sweep, Terry sprinted 67 yards to the end zone for his third touchdown of the game, extending Ironton’s lead to 28-17 with just 46 seconds remaining.
As the final seconds ticked away, Ironton celebrated a long-awaited championship, ending a 35-year drought. The Tigers’ resilient performance on both sides of the ball delivered a storybook ending to a remarkable season.
Final Score: Ironton 28, Liberty Center 17.
Ironton’s Speed Overpowers West Liberty-Salem in State Semifinal Victory
CHILLICOTHE — On a cold Friday night at Herrnstein Field, Ironton’s explosive speed and offensive prowess overwhelmed West Liberty-Salem, securing a decisive 63-21 victory in the Division V state semifinal. With the win, Ironton advances to the state championship, continuing their impressive postseason run.
Ironton set the tone early, scoring 29 points in the first quarter alone. Quick strikes and efficient drives left West Liberty-Salem struggling to contain their high-powered offense. By halftime, the outcome was essentially decided, with Ironton holding a commanding 56-7 lead.
West Liberty-Salem, in their first-ever state semifinal appearance, faced an uphill battle from the start. They fought valiantly, with two kickoff returns for touchdowns by Jack Bahan and a late fourth-quarter score by Josh Wilcoxon providing bright spots in an otherwise challenging game. Despite the loss, the team ends their season with a commendable 13-2 record, marking a historic milestone for the program.
The game began with West Liberty-Salem returning the opening kickoff to their 41-yard line. However, their first possession ended with an interception, quickly converted into a touchdown by Ironton’s Jacob Hughes. Ironton’s offense, led by quarterback Braden Schreck and key plays from Shaun Terry and Zayne Williams, continued to dominate, scoring four more touchdowns in the first half.
In the second half, Bahan’s second kickoff return touchdown and Wilcoxon’s rushing score demonstrated West Liberty-Salem’s resilience. However, Ironton’s early dominance had already put the game out of reach.
Ironton now looks ahead to the Division V state championship game in Canton, boasting a 14-1 record and momentum on their side. Meanwhile, West Liberty-Salem reflects on a historic season that set a new standard for their program, inspiring future teams to strive for similar success.
The 17 seniors on the West Liberty-Salem roster leave behind a legacy of hard work and achievement, having propelled the team to unprecedented heights. Their dedication and performance this season will serve as a foundation for the program’s future ambitions.