Week 3 Previews: Ironmen pose different challenge for Pirates

JACKSON — When Jackson Ironmen head coach Andy Hall looks to circle the Wheelersburg Pirates key players they must stop, he circles more players than there are Olympic Rings.

When Jackson hosts Wheelersburg Friday night in their annual rivalry game, Hall said it’s going to be hard to pinpoint just one or two players that they must stop which is causing a lot of headache for his defense.

“They’re Wheelersburg. They’re kids are disciplined, they play hard, and they run the football well. But they have a lot of different weapons,”said Hall.

“They don’t have a ‘go to’ guy on offense. They have a lot of kids. They have two different running backs. They played two quarterbacks last week. They have a couple of nice receivers, so they can spread the ball out.”

Regardless of any predictions, Hall said it’s hard to determine the better team because they are evenly matched and this has become a heated rivalry.

“This is a true rivalry. We’ve won five years in a row, BUT, it’s been the last play of the game, a missed field goal, a win in overtime, a Hail Mary. It’s not even that it’s been just one score game, but the last play of the game. So, I expect nothing different,” said Hall.

Wheelersburg coach Rob Woodward said Jackson presents a lot of challenges for his team, especially quarterback Bodhi Wolford and wide receiver and running back Ryan Seimetz.

“This two are athletic. We’ve got to account for them and not let that offensive line push us around,” said Woodward. “We’ve got to fly around defensively and keep plays moving offensively.”

Hall said he expects a tough game and he knows they must contend with senior quarterback Braylon Rucker, wide receiver Kenyon Evans, and running backs Stephen Hall and Elijah Brown.

“They have some good skilled players and play their tails off and it’s always a close game. We can’t turn the ball over. If we take care of the ball, we’ll be okay. If we turn it over, we’re going to be in big trouble because it’s going to be hard enough as it is,” said Hall.

One player who can help keep the Ironman from turning the ball over is Wolford, a senior quarterback and Division I commit. Hall said the 6-foot-2, 198-pound Wolford has thrown for 50 touchdowns during his career and only been intercepted seven times.

Another key player is Seimetz (5-11, 185) who is both a wide receiver and a running back. Last season, Seimetz — a senior — caught 36 passes for 631 yards and nine touchdowns.

The Ironman graduated Nolan Johnson who rushed for 1,142 yards and 12 touchdowns and is now playing at Army.

“Wolford has a chance to be the best I’ve ever had and I’ve had some good ones. He’s smart and doesn’t turn the ball over,” Hall said of the Bryant University recruit.

“Seimetz broke all our school records last year at receiver but he’s playing some running back. We don’t have a true running back this year. It’s running back by committee.”

Jackson is 2-0 and coming off a 56-3 rout of Gallipolis while Wheelersburg stunned Cincinnati McNicholas 10-7 last week with a last-second touchdown.

The only score McNicholas had was a scoop and score off a Wheelersburg fourth down fumble.

“They’re 2-0 and they got a great win last week. That was a great win,” said Hall. “(Coach) Rob (Woodward) does a great job. Their defense didn’t give up a point against a really good team.”

Four of the five linemen return including right guard and UNC-Charlotte commit Jacob Allen (6-3, 290) plus all three receivers are back.

“This is probably the biggest team I’ve had size-wise,” said Hall. “Allen had 15 or 16 Division I offers. Four of the five linemen are 300 pounds or more. So, we have to take advantage of that if we can and try to dominate up front.”

Woodward said Jackson is huge.

“They are big up front. It was a physical game last year and they’re physical and big this year,” said Woodward.

Jackson has eight starters back on offense and eight on defense, but Hall said the returning starters on defense is misleading.

“It’s on the defensive side we had to rebuild everything. We only had about six returners, but three were moved to new positions because of need, so we have eight kids playing new positions.”

Both teams have excellent placekickers. Wheelersburg has Division 1 prospect Cooper Heimbach and Jackson has Thatcher Brown. Both kickers are three-year starters.

“Brown has been pretty automatic for us. Both kickers are pretty good,” said Hall.

Manchester Greyhounds (2-0) @ Green Bobcats (0-1)

Time: Friday, September 5, 7:00 PM

Where: Bobcat Stadium, Franklin Furnace, OH

The Bobcats were forced to cancel last week due to injuries out of their control. But they should have back most of the players missing from last week. The Greyhounds are off to a 2-0 start for the first time since 2015, and will look to showcase their speed at the skill position.

Key Matchup to Watch:

Green special teams vs. Manchester special teams

The Greyhounds used to returns to beat the Bobcats last season. Well, the Greyhounds have shown they have a dangerous return man and he could make a major impact on Friday if he's not contained.

Impact Players to Watch:

Amillion Brown, Manchester

The junior is dangerous in more ways than one. So far this season, Brown has thrown a TD pass, returned a kickoff for a score and ran an interception back for a TD this season.

Caleb Lewis, Green

With some players still banged up from last week, Lewis might be a key to the Bobcats' success on Friday. More precisely at LB, where the senior will need to patrol the middle of the field and stop the Greyhounds offense.

Chesapeake Panthers (0-2) @ Northwest Mohawks (1-1)

Time: Friday, September 5, 7:00 PM

Where: Mohawk Field, McDermott, OH

The Panthers showed a lot of improvement from last week, but still came up short of their first win. This week will be another test to see if the Panthers can get over the hump for win number one. The Mohawks will be riding into the game on the momentum of their win over McClain last week.

Key Matchup to Watch:

Northwest run game vs. Chesapeake run defense

Led by senior QB Jake Brown, the Mohawks will try to control the game on the ground. The Panthers will need to limit their success and force Northwest into obvious passing situations. The good news is the Panthers did well last week against the Minford run offense.

Impact Players to Watch:

Jon-Cooper Barker, Chesapeake 

Barker moved into the QB spot last week and provided a spark for the Panther offense. Whether he's back behind center or moved back to RB, Barker will be needed to make some plays for the Panthers.

Jake Brown, Northwest

The duel-threat QB will be a big task for the Panthers. Brown does a lot of damage with feet, which puts pressure on any front seven to contain that threat.

River Valley Raiders (0-2) @ Symmes Valley Vikings (2-0)

Time: Friday, September 5, 7:00 PM

Where: Viking Stadium, Willow Wood, OH

Symmes Valley's Gradee Holland makes a catch during the Vikings week 1 win over Chesapeake (Photo by Kayla Niece)

The Vikings are rolling along with a 2-0 start and a lot of points on the scoreboard.

Key Matchup to Watch:

Symmes Valley rushing attack vs. River Valley run defense

The Vikings haven't had much need to run the ball a lot as of late (might have something to do with the passing attack). But this could be a good night to get the ground game firing on all cylinders ahead of league play.

Impact Players to Watch:

Cordai Craycraft, River Valley

The Raiders will need to take the air out of the ball and keep this game manageable. Craycraft runs hard enough to make that possible if the holes are there.

Tucker Ross, Symmes Valley

The senior lineman has played a part in the success up front in the first two weeks. This could be one of those games where he can really make his presence known on both sides of the ball.

Fairfield Union Falcons (0-2) @ Fairland Dragons (1-1)

Time: Friday, September 5, 7:00 PM

Where: Jim Mayo Memorial Stadium, Proctorville, OH

Former Chesapeake coach Andy Hall returns home to face his old rival from his days playing/coaching with the Panthers. Both teams need this win to build momentum ahead of their conference schedules. This could be a a solid match up.

Key Matchup to Watch:

Fairland offensive line vs. Fairfield Union defensive line

The Dragons will have to give Burcham time to throw and open some lanes for him to run. The Falcons will pose a huge challenge up front.

Impact Players to Watch:

Grant McPherson, Fairfield Union

The senior LB leads the team in tackles and has 3 blocked field goals to boot (pun intended). He should be a key emphasis on Fairland's game plan and could be a huge challenge in the middle.

Xander Collins, Fairland 

Last week, Collins racked up 3 touchdowns as he had a big night rushing. Just like last Friday, he'll be needed to do much of the same. If Collins can find the running lanes early, he could have a big night.

Rock Hill Redmen (1-1) @ Oak Hill Oaks (0-2)

Time: Friday, September 5, 6:00 PM

Where: Davis Stadium, Oak Hill, OH

Last season's edition of the Battle for Route 93 was a dandy, as the Oaks made a furious comeback in the second half. The Redmen might be a little motivated after last weeks' setback, meaning this could be a different game this Friday.

Key Matchup to Watch:

Oak Hill's rushing attack vs. Rock Hill's run defense

Oak Hill has gone to the single wing, hoping to use some misdirection and quickness to counter opponent defense. This will test the Redmen and their abiiliy to stay with their keys and read.

Impact Players to Watch:

Daniel Medinger, Rock Hill 

The Oaks have some size up front, but they will be tested by the senior lineman. Medinger will also be needed to plug up the holes in the Oaks run game.

Landon Osborne, Oak Hill

The single-wing look allows Osborne to be effective with his legs. If the misdirection works, then Osborne can pick up big chunks of yards for the Oaks.

Wellston Rockets (1-1) @ South Point Pointers (1-1)

Time: Friday, September 5, 7:00 PM

Where: Alumni Stadium, South Point, OH

The Pointers got a much-needed win last Friday. This week, they'll face an opponent much like Eastern in week one. That experience from opening night should be beneficial in preparing for this key game in their season.

Key Matchup to Watch:

South Point pass defense vs. Wellston's aerial attack

The Rockets have a QB with a strong arm and some decent speed at the WR positions. This will be a major test to the Pointer DBs, as well as the pass rush. They'll need to make the Rockets one-dimensional Friday night.

Impact Players to Watch:

Wes Briggs, Wellston

The junior QB has some good size and a goo enough arm to put pressure on the defensive backfield. If Briggs has the time to settle in the pocket, he'll find his WR.

Landon Vance, South Point

Last week, Vance had a breakout performance with nearly 300 all-purpose yards. This week, he'll be asked to the same against the Rockets.

Russell Red Devils (2-0) @ West Carter Comets (2-0)

Time: Friday, September 5, 7:30 PM

Where: Comet Stadium, Olive Hill, KY

A battle of un-beatens will square off in Olive Hill on Friday. The Red Devils have battled along without some key players in the opening weeks, but shouldn't get in the way of them going for their 5th-straight win over the Comets.

Key Matchup to Watch:

Russell run game vs. West Carter's defensive front seven

The Comets have been stingy against the run in their first 2 games, but their first 2 opponents aren't anything to write home about. The Red Devils' run game has improved, but still needs to get fine tuned as big games against Ashland and East Carter still loom ahead.

Impact Players to Watch:

Wyatt Hudson, Russell

The junior LB has been a big part of the success of Russell's defense so far this season. He'll need to have a big game stopping West Carter's run game and forcing them to be one-dimensional.

Hayden Hall, West Carter

Hall has been a key asset to the Comets 2-0 start, amassing over 400 all-purpose yards. The senior QB will have to put the ball in the air and stretch the Russell defense on Friday.

Coal Grove Hornets (1-1) @ Nelsonville-York Buckeyes

Time: Friday, September 5, 7:00 PM

Where: Boston Field, Nelsonville, OH

This is a crucial game for both teams in terms of playoff seedings. The Hornets missed out on Russell, but can make amends for that with a win on Friday. This game should be very physical and could have plenty of scoring as well as both teams have explosive running backs with big play ability.

Key Matchup to Watch:

Nelsonville-York aerial attack vs. Coal Grove pass defense

The Buckeys have some good backs, but they'll try to stretch the defense out through the air. The Hornets have enough speed and athleticism in the secondary to limit their success. If Coal Grove can force N-Y to become one-dimensional, that could be a difference maker.

Impact Players to Watch:

Caden Turner, Coal Grove

Turner has the size and athleticism to wreak havoc on the Buckeyes offensive game plan from the DE position. His tough-running and blocking will also be key to the Hornets ground attack against a physical N-Y defense.

Austin Gautier, Nelsonville-York

The Buckeye RB has a good mix of speed and some power behind his pads. He ripped off some big runs last week against Logan and will be a concern for the Hornets defense.

Ironton Fighting Tigers (2-0) @ Archbishop McNicholas Rockets

Time: Friday, September 5, 7:30 PM

Where: Penn Station Stadium, Cincinnati, OH

Ironton senior Maddix Markel fights for extra yardage (Photo by Jeremy Holtzapfel)

McNicholas will be coming off an emotional loss last week at Wheelersburg. But being at home can sometimes fix those ailments. For the Tigers, this will probably be their stiffest challenge of the regular season. So the long road trip adds an extra layer to the challenge.

Key Matchup to Watch:

McNicholas offensive line vs. Ironton defensive line

The Rockets were able to run the ball last week, but never had any sustained success. McNicholas was also provided pretty good protection in the passing game. So Ironton's defensive line will be a major challenge for them. Likewise, Ironton will need to get pressure and set the tone.

Impact Players to Watch:

Maddix Markel, Ironton

Markel has been

Caleb Naumann, McNicholas

Naumann led the GCL in rushing last season for good reason. The Colgate-commit features a good mix of speed and toughness, which should guarantee that his name will be called a lot on Friday.

Game of the Week: Wheelersburg Pirates (2-0) @ Jackson Ironmen (2-0)

Time: Friday, September 5, 7:00 PM

Where: Alumni Stadium, Jackson, OH

This will be another step in the Pirates' progression this season. The Ironmen will look to play their physical brand of ball and dominate the line of scrimmage. But make no mistake, Wheelersburg has plenty of weapons to use on offense, a stout defense, and a lot of momentum coming into this week.

Key Matchup to Watch:

Wheelersburg defensive front seven vs. Jackson offensive line

Jackson really prides itself on being able to run the ball, so it's expected that we'll see them try to be physical on Friday. This will be the most physical test to-date for the Pirates defense. How they play will depend on how multi-dimensional the Ironmen will be offensively.

Impact Players to Watch:

Kenyon Evans, Wheelersburg

Last week, Evans was a big factor on the defensive side of the ball against the pass. The senior WR/DB could be a factor again in stopping the Jackson's ability to throw the ball and run outside.

Ryan Seimetz, Jackson

Jackson was in need of a replacement for the departed Nolan Johnson. Well, Seimetz has done a good job of helping be that replacement. The senior RB has some breakaway speed, making him a threat on Friday.