The Ironton (OH) varsity football team will face West Liberty-Salem (West Liberty, OH) in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 29, at 7:00 PM. This matchup is part of the “2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (Ohio) – Division V Final Four” tournament.

Ironton vs West Liberty-Salem Football Game Info:

What: Ohio High School Football
Who: Ironton vs West Liberty-Salem
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (Ohio) – Division V Final Four
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Game preview: Ironton vs West Liberty-Salem

As the 2024 high school football season reaches its climax, the upcoming clash between Ironton and West Liberty-Salem promises to be an electrifying showdown. Both teams, boasting identical 13-1 records, have dominated their respective schedules and displayed exceptional skill and tenacity on the gridiron. Here’s a closer look at how these Ohio powerhouses compare ahead of their highly anticipated matchup.

Season Records and Scoring Trends

West Liberty-Salem (13-1, 7-1 Conference)
The Tigers have been a force in Division 12, with a balanced record across home, away, and neutral games. West Liberty-Salem averages 36.9 points per game while allowing 19.1, demonstrating both offensive firepower and defensive resilience. Key contributors like quarterback Brayden Schreck and wide receiver Shaun Terry have fueled the team’s consistent performance, especially in conference play.

Ironton (13-1, Division 1)
Ranked 19th in the state, Ironton has been nearly unstoppable, scoring an impressive 47.9 points per game and limiting opponents to a meager 10.4 points per contest. Their ability to dominate on both sides of the ball is underscored by their 671 points scored this season compared to just 145 allowed. The Fighting Tigers’ playoff pedigree is evident, with a perfect 4-0 postseason record.

Offensive Showdown

The offensive dynamics of these teams set the stage for an intense battle:

• West Liberty-Salem: Led by quarterback Brayden Schreck, who averages 200.1 passing yards per game, the Tigers have leaned on a pass-heavy attack. Shaun Terry, their top receiver, averages 99.4 receiving yards per game, making him a key player to watch.
• Ironton: Boasting a balanced attack, Ironton has averaged 178 rushing yards and 227.8 passing yards per game. Their efficiency is reflected in their ability to close games strong, scoring an average of 9.7 points in the fourth quarter.

Defensive Matchup

Defensively, Ironton holds a clear edge. They allow only 10.4 points per game compared to West Liberty-Salem’s 19.1. The Fighting Tigers’ defensive front has been relentless, with a high tackle rate and the ability to control the line of scrimmage. For West Liberty-Salem, linebacker Austin Bump leads the charge with 7.4 tackles per game, but they’ll need a collective effort to slow down Ironton’s high-octane offense.

Key Players to Watch

• West Liberty-Salem:
  • Brayden Schreck (QB): The offensive catalyst with 200.1 passing yards per game.
  • Shaun Terry (WR): A playmaker, averaging 11 points per game.
  • Austin Bump (LB): Defensive leader with 7.4 tackles per game.
• Ironton:
  • Versatile Offense: Their balanced rushing and passing attack will challenge the opposition’s defense.
  • Dominant Line Play: Ironton has controlled games with superior blocking and defensive disruptions.

The Verdict

Both teams are evenly matched in terms of records and playoff experience, but Ironton’s superior scoring and defensive stats make them the favorite. However, West Liberty-Salem’s dynamic passing game and resilience can’t be underestimated. The game promises to be a classic battle of strength versus finesse, with a state championship berth likely on the line.

Fans can expect a hard-fought contest between two of Ohio’s finest teams, where every play will count. Will Ironton continue their dominance, or will West Liberty-Salem pull off a season-defining upset? Stay tuned!