The Wheelersburg (OH) varsity football team will face Ironton (OH) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7:00 PM. This game is part of the 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (Ohio) – Region 19 tournament.

Wheelersburg vs Ironton Football Game Info:

What: Ohio High School Football
Who: Wheelersburg vs Ironton
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (Ohio) – Region 19
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Game preview: Wheelersburg vs Ironton

As the Ohio high school football season winds down, the highly anticipated playoff matchup between Ironton and Wheelersburg promises to deliver another thrilling chapter in this storied rivalry. The two teams, each boasting impressive records, are set to square off in a neutral site game on Friday, November 22 at 7 p.m. at a time when every play counts.

Ironton’s Dominance

Ironton enters the game with a 12-1 overall record, having had a near-perfect season. The Fighting Tigers have proven themselves a dominant force, both at home and on the road, finishing 5-0 at home and 5-0 away, with a single loss on the year. Their total offensive output of 616 points across the season averages out to 47.4 points per game, showcasing their high-powered offense. With a defensive unit that has allowed just 145 points, their well-rounded game has allowed them to cruise through most of their matchups.

Key players include Brayden Schreck, who has been impressive with 187.8 passing yards per game, and Shaun Terry, who averages 91.3 receiving yards per game. Austin Bump has been a standout on defense, leading with 7.5 tackles per game and contributing with one sack per game. Ironton’s success has come from a balanced attack, making them formidable in all phases of the game.

Wheelersburg’s Strong but Challenging Season

Wheelersburg, on the other hand, has faced a slightly bumpier path to the playoffs. With a 9-4 record, the Pirates have been perfect in conference play (6-0), but struggled in non-conference games, posting a 0-4 mark. Despite the challenges, the Pirates have shown they are capable of explosive performances, averaging 28.6 points per game. However, their season has been marked by inconsistency, particularly in matchups against tough non-conference opponents like Harvest Prep, who handed Wheelersburg a tough 12-6 loss.

While Wheelersburg has excelled at home with a 4-2 record, their performance on the road has been more mixed. They will need a strong all-around game to compete against a high-powered Ironton squad.

Head-to-Head: Ironton Takes Round 1

In their first meeting of the season on August 23, 2024, Ironton cruised to a 37-7 victory in a dominant performance. Ironton’s offense put up 37 points, and their defense stifled Wheelersburg, holding them to just seven points. The game was a clear indication of Ironton’s strength, and Wheelersburg will be looking for redemption in this high-stakes playoff game.

Key Matchup to Watch

Both teams have showcased their ability to play tough, high-scoring football, but Ironton’s well-rounded offense and stingy defense give them the upper hand. Wheelersburg will need to find a way to slow down Ironton’s dynamic passing game and limit big plays. They’ll also have to overcome their past struggles in the face of elite competition.

On offense, Wheelersburg has relied on balanced play, but Ironton’s top performers, particularly Brayden Schreck and Shaun Terry, will be tough to contain. Defensively, Austin Bump’s leadership and ability to disrupt opposing offenses will be critical in containing Wheelersburg’s attack.

Common Opponents: Ironton Prevails

When looking at common opponents, Ironton has had a clear advantage, posting victories against Jackson (51-14) and Harvest Prep (41-13), while Wheelersburg lost to both teams, including a 28-24 defeat to Jackson and a 12-6 loss to Harvest Prep. This head-to-head comparison further highlights Ironton’s overall strength and preparedness for this matchup.

The Bottom Line

This neutral-site playoff game will undoubtedly be a battle of wills, with Ironton looking to continue its dominant season and Wheelersburg aiming to pull off an upset. While Ironton has been the more consistent team overall, Wheelersburg’s ability to rally in big moments cannot be underestimated.

With everything on the line, expect a hard-fought contest between these two Ohio high school football powerhouses.