Week 5 Previews: Russell aims to pass Tomcat test; Ironmen must slow down Tigers

FLATWOODS — Even though the school week will be over come 2:55 p.m., the Russell Red Devils will still be taking their biggest test of the week that night on the gridiron.

That test will take place at Henry R. Evans Stadium/Ivan McGlone Field on Friday night when the Ashland Tomcats come to town.

For Russell coach T.J. Maynard, this game serves two purposes.

The first is it being a rivalry game for both teams. The other is to see where the Red Devils stand ahead of district play and playoffs.

"It's a rival, so your kids excited to play it, but also as a coach, you want to where you stack up," said Maynard. "This will be our last big test before we get into district play. With Ashland, they're a really good team. So it's going to be a tough test."

Wins against Ashland have been at a premium for the Devils, as the Tomcats have won 12 of the last 13.

Russell's last win came back in 2015 during a regular season showdown with the Red Devils winning 17-14.

In order for the Red Devils to win, they're going to need another big game from their defense.

So far this season, the defense has been able to shut down opposing offenses, allowing just 23 points total through four weeks, including two shut outs, and holding a good Coal Grove team to just one score.

The defense has been able to stop those offenses, thanks to the play of their linebacking corps.

Wyatt Hudson comes into the game as the team's leading tackler with 36 tackles (18 solo). Then fellow backers Brody Smith sits with 22 (18 solo), and Kanenan Jacobs 21 (17 solo). Defensive lineman Zach Brown anchors the defensive line with 18 tackles (10 solo) and leads the team with 2.5 sacks.

Those aforementioned players will be called again on Friday night to stop Ashland's ground attack.

The Tomcats will counter with their running tandem of Cameron Davis and Brody Simpkins.

Davis enters the game with 373 yards rushing on 39 carries and a team-high 6 touchdowns. Davis has shown his ability to be very effective this season when he had piled up 177 yards and two scores in the Tomcats loss to Lawrence County.

Simpkins is second-leading rusher with 32 carries for 217 yards and two touchdowns. Simpkins also had a big performance in the Lawrence game, going for 100 yards and a score on the ground.

The Tomcats will mirror that of what Russell likes to do. Which is run the ball, control the line of scrimmage and be the most physical team on the field. One difference Maynard sees in Ashland, is their team speed especially on defense.

"They get a lot of kids that can run. They're not the biggest team, especially up front on defense, but they're all really physical and run well to the ball.

The offense will be going into the game with its full compliment of weapons with running back Kaiden Benge returning to the line up.

Benge, who was expected to be a key piece of the offense coming into the season, missed the first 3 games of the season with a lower body injury. The sophomore returned last Friday night and carried the ball 9 times for 51 yards and a touchdown in the win.

"Jordan Rowe, Anderson Haggard, Lane Osborne have ran really well for us this year. Now getting (Kaiden) Benge back, we're obviously excited about that, because he brings a different dimension to us."

With Benge's return and what he brings to the offense, Maynard feels that his committee of backs can make them much more diverse.

"All four of those guys are valuable to us and they all do something different for us. But Benge helps us to have a short yardage guy."

Regardless of the outcome, Maynard feels this game will benefit them in the long run.

"But win or lose, we're going to have some weaknesses exposed. So now once those weaknesses are exposed, we can hopefully get those corrected before district."

Kickoff is 7:30 p.m.

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Ironton Fighting Tigers vs. Jackson Ironmen

IRONTON — In the movie “Casablanca,” there is a famous line linked to the movie but it actually was never said. The line was, “Play it again, Sam.”

When it comes to the football series between the Ironton Fighting Tigers and Jackson Ironman, Jackson veteran head coach Andy Hall is happy to say, “Play it again.”

When the two teams renew their rivalry Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Tanks Memorial Stadium, Hall will be singing the benefits of their annual meeting.

“I love playing this game. It’s a great rivalry. We’ve been on the short end of it the last few years, but except for last year it’s been close. It’s a game we’ll always play,” said Hall.

“It’s a game that’s a measuring stick for your program and gets you ready for playoff competition and playoff atmosphere. Ironton, Wheelersburg and Jackson are three teams that should always play every year regardless of records.”

Last season, Ironton won 51-14 at Jackson but in 2021 Ironton won 13-10 and 29-26 in 2022 before winning 35-14 in 2023. In the 13-10 win, Ironton trailed 10-7 with 14 seconds left and Ty Perkins returned the kickoff 70 yards for the winning touchdown.

“We need to use this game to get ready for what seems to be one of the most athletic leagues we’ve been in for a while,” said Hall. “Our league has some really good athletes this year. Running backs, receivers, quarterbacks. So, we’re going to see some good athletes in the next five weeks plus this week, so this (game) gives us a chance to prepare for that.”

Ironton is 4-0 and ranked second in the Ohio Prep Sports Media weekly poll. The Fighting Tigers are coming off a big 55-21 win over Canisius, N.Y.

Jackson (3-1) blasted Western Brown 49-14 last week without senior quarterback Bodhi Wolford (6-2, 195) who was injured late last week. Junior C.J. Crabtree — Hall’s stepson — got the last-minute starting call. Hall said that Crabtree (6-4, 180) is a good athlete but Wolford is the starter as long as he’s healthy.

Pendleton said he is preparing for both quarterbacks.

“It’s hard to replace a kid like Bodhi. I’ve had the privilege of knowing him. He’s a great young man,” said Pendleton. “He works really hard and he’s becoming more and more skilled at that position.

“His growth on film, even last year, is tremendous. C.J. just doesn’t have enough snaps like Bodhi does to be as polished as him. He’s a very talented kid and very smart. He’s more than capable.”

The key player for Jackson is senior Ryan Seimetz (5-11, 185) who was a record-setting receiver last season but has moved to the backfield this year. Pendleton is impressed with Seimetz’s abilities.

“He’s a ultra talented kid who can play multiple positions. We obviously know he can play receiver. He’s done that for the last few years. He can play running back. He’s really good with the ball in his hands. And I’m sure he can even throw the ball,” said Pendleton.

“We’ve kind of repped everything. We’ve moved him around in practice — our version of him — and kind of repped him being in different scenarios and different positions and how we’re going to react to it.  But ultimately at the end of the day, he’s a good athlete and they’re going to find ways to get the ball in his hands. We’ve got to get him down.”

Hall said a 17-7 week 3 loss to Wheelesburg was a bitter pill to swallow because of his team’s inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

“We had three chances to score in the first half and didn’t capitalize on them,” said Hall. “In the second half, (Wheelerburg) took control and just nickel and dimed us and played ball control.”

Ironton got big rushing performances from quarterback Kayden Edwards and running back Zayne Williams as they both eclipsed 100 yards rushing and had 3 touchdowns each.

Although the duo worry Hall, he said Ironton had even more to offer.

“They’re really athletic, they’re very disciplined in what they do, they’re physical and they have better athletes than anyone in the area. They can hurt you in space,”said Hall.

Pendleton said Jackson has plenty of size up front and he expects the Ironnen to continue doing what they do best.

”They want to run the ball. That’s what they hang their hat on. They’re a gap scheme team. They run power, counter,” said Pendleton. “They really want to get behind their pads and they’ve got some road graders up front, some big linemen. They really come off the ball well and they went to get behind their pads and they want to run the football.”

Hall doesn’t hide what his team’s game plan is.

“We’re big and strong. We have to play ball control and keep it out of the hands of their big play guys,” said Hall. “They’re very skilled.”

Pendleton said Jackson will play a 3-4 and shift players around on defense. He said Ironton just has to be ready for anything.

“Seimetz is a ball hawk. They play a lot of guys (inside) and they rotate a lot of guys in there. We know number 10 (Tate Rosier) is a really high effort, A guy we know we have to get a body on him when we’re in our run game and have to account for him,” said Pendleton.

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Grandview Heights Bobcats (4-0) @ Chesapeake Panthers (0-4)

Time: Friday, September 19, 7:00 PM

Where: Panther Stadium/Phil Davis Field, Chesapeake, OH

Things don't get any easier for the Panthers this Friday, as they face another run oriented team in Grandview Heights. The Bobcats are averaging nearly 300 yards on the ground. So the Panthers will need to keep the ball out of their hands and keep this one managable.

Key Matchup to Watch:

Chesapeake passing attack vs. Grandview Heights pass defense

The Panthers will need to get their offense going early and find its rhythm. This means the passing game will meed to be clicking early. So expect a fast tempo and some high percentage passes.

Impact Players to Watch:

Henry Ohlinger, Grandview Heights

The senior RB comes into the game with nearly 600 yards rushing and is the focal point of the Bobcats offense. Ohlinger has big play capabilities, as he's had 3-straight games with a run over 60+ yards.

Aeden Nester-Howard, Chesapeake

Nester-Howard will need to manage the offense well. This means good decisions with the ball and knowing when to tuck it and run it when needed.

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Gallia Academy Blue Devils (2-2) @ Fairland Dragons (1-3)

Time: Friday, September 19, 7:00 PM

Where: Jim Mayo Memorial Stadium, Proctorville, OH

The Dragons have had to regroup all week after their heartbreaking loss last weekend. The Blue Devils got a boost of momentum last week with their win over Portsmouth. This will be a huge make-or-break game for either team when it comes to the OVC race.

Key Matchup to Watch:

Fairland defensive line vs. Gallia Academy offensive line

The Dragons need to make the Blue Devils options on offense very limited. This means the front seven will need to get penetration and disrupt their execution. The Dragons cannot afford to let Gallia have free reign with their play calling.

Impact Players to Watch:

Max Canaday, Gallia Academy

Canaday had a solid performance in last week's win over Portsmouth. His dual threat ability will be a challenge for the Dragons defense.

Connor Black, Fairland

Black has been a steady target in the Dragons passing game the past weeks. His athleticism will be needed to find holes in the defense and help give the Dragons some big play opportunities.

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Wheelersburg Pirates (4-0) @ Valley Indians (4-0)

Time: Friday, September 19, 7:00 PM

Where: Valley Indians Stadium, Lucasville, OH

This midseason contest might end up deciding the SOC title. The Indians have been building this team to this opportunity to challenge for a league crown. For the Pirates, they mustn't get caught looking ahead to next Friday.

Key Matchup to Watch:

Wheelersburg defensive line vs. Valley offensive line

The Indians will lean on their ground attack to set the tone. The Pirates have been nothing but stellar against the run so far his season. This will be a major test for both teams on Friday.

Impact Players to Watch:

Cooper Heimbach, Wheelersburg

Heimbach allows the Pirates a chance to score on any possession that gets inside the opponents 35. His punting could be crucial to giving the Indians less-than admirable starting field position.

Anthony Aaron, Lucasville Valley

The senior RB is one of the main threats for the Indians offensively. He's durable enough get plenty of carries and got enough ability

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Green Bobcats (0-3) @ Belpre Golden Eagles (0-4)

Time: Friday, September 19, 7:00 PM

Where: Ralph Holder Stadium, Belpre, OH

The Golden Eagles are relying on their junior class this season, and they'll expect them to make the necessary plays to win on Friday. The Bobcats have a chance here to get some momentum ahead of SOC play coming up.

Key Matchup to Watch:

Green's run defense vs. Belpre's run game

The Golden Eagles will look to run the ball and control the clock from their Wing-T. This means the Bobcats will need to firm up and control the line of scrimmage.

Impact Players to Watch:

Connor Blanton, Green

The Bobcats will need to have someone step up and make plays. Well, there's no better candidate than a senior to step up and make that happen.

Malik Currie, Belpre

The Eagles may be a run-oriented team, but Currie will be a key asset. The junior QB has got enough athleticism to make plays on his own or when his number is called.

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Coal Grove Hornets (2-2) @ Portsmouth Trojans (2-2)

Time: Friday, September 19, 7:00 PM

Where: Trojan Coliseum, Portsmouth, OH

The Hornets got their rushing attack going last week and are aiming to continue that trend. The Trojans suffered a disappointing loss last Friday and aim to make up for that at home. This series has has its share of exciting games, and Friday could be just as eventful.

Key Matchup to Watch:

Coal Grove run defense vs. Portsmouth ground attack

The Hornets need to flex their muscle and show that they're the more physical team. If they can control the line of scrimmage on Friday night and force the Trojans into throwing more, they can control the game.

Impact Players to Watch:

Caden Turner, Coal Grove

The way the Trojans play, works right into the hands of a player like Turner. If they try to throw it, Turner can use his speed off the edge to get pressure and swat down passes. If they run it, the senior can be physical enough to plug holes .

Fernando Poxes, Portsmouth

The Trojans will turn to Poxes to help establish the run game and set the tone. If Poxes can get some holes opened up for him, then it will help the Trojans be more balanced on offense.

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Rock Hill Redmen (3-1) @ South Point (2-2)

Time: Friday, September 19, 7:00 PM

Where: Alumni Stadium, South Point, OH

The Redmen are riding high on their comeback win last week. For the Pointers, they're regrouping after a tough setback last week. This will come down to turnovers and who is more effective with their ground games. And conversely, it could mean a fast-moving clock.

Key Matchup to Watch:

Rock Hill defensive line vs. South Point offensive line

This will be a major test for both teams. Both teams are pretty equal when it comes to a mix of size and athleticism. The key will be which one can establish the line of scrimmage first.

Impact Players to Watch:

Dallin Cox, Rock Hill

Cox has been instrumental in managing the offense. His ability to run the ball has helped provide an extra layer to the spread attack.

James Carey, South Point

Despite the loss, Carey emerged last week as a solid target for his young quarterback. His height and speed make him a good asset for the Points ability to stretch the defense.

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Symmes Valley Vikings (4-0) @ Fairfield Christian Academy Knights (2-2)

Time: Friday, September 19, 7:00 PM

Where: Fairfield Christian Stadium, Lancaster, OH

The Vikings make a long trip up north to keep their win streaking going. The offense has been putting up good numbers, but the defense has been doing its job as well during the early season.

Key Matchup to Watch:

Symmes Valley passing game vs. Fairfield Christian pass defense

Statistically speaking, the Knights haven't been able to get a lot of pressure on opponent QBs. Coming into Friday, they've yet to record a sack, but do have two interceptions on the season. If the Viking offensive line holds up, it could be a bad night to be a Knight.

Impact Players to Watch:

T.J. Blair, Fairfield Christian

Blair is one of the top targets in the passing game, averaging 6 catches per game. They'll need him to make some plays on the outside and help stretch out the Viking defense

Levi Russell, Symmes Valley

With the WR corps having some guys dinged up as of late, Russell has been put into the line of fire and performed very well. Last week was his best game yet, going over the century mark in receiving with a pair of scores.

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Game of the Week: Ashland Tomcats (2-2) @ Russell Red Devils (4-0)

Time: Friday, September 19, 7:30 PM

Where: Henry R. Evans Stadium/Ivan McGlone Field, Russell, KY

This will be a major test for both teams. The Tomcats have been up and down this season and need to put a 4-quarter game together against a good team. Meanwhile, Russell aims to meet the challenge and break the losing skid against Ashland.

Key Matchup to Watch:

Russell offensive line vs. Ashland defensive front seven

The Red Devil offensive line have been coming along pretty well, but they'll be really tested on Friday night. The Tomcats will use their quickness along the defensive line to disrupt Russell's game plan.

Impact Players to Watch:

Brody Simpkins, Ashland

Simpkins comes into the game as the Tomcats leading tackler from the linebacker position. The senior has shown a great ability to locate the ball. This means the Red Devils will need to get a hat on him in order to get their backs running.

Jayden Pennington, Russell

You could put either Pennington brother here, but Jayden gets the nod this week. His speed and ability to find the holes in the defense will be needed on offense. Then on defense, that speed can translate into closing the running lanes down for Ashland's backs.

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Game of the Week: Jackson Ironmen (3-1) @ Ironton Fighting Tigers (4-0)

Time: Saturday, September 19, 7:30 PM

Where: Tanks Memorial Stadium, Ironton, OH

For the most part, this series has been a very entertaining one. The Ironmen are looking to make amends for their loss to Wheelersburg a couple weeks ago and show they're one of the top teams in southeast Ohio. For Ironton, this will provide them with the physical test they need at the mid point of the season.

Key Matchup to Watch:

Jackson offensive line vs. Ironton defensive line

Jackson likes to play physical up front and they'll do much of that again this Friday. The Tiger defense has been very stout against the run this season. This has all the makings of a good matchup to watch.

Impact Players to Watch:

Charlie Woodard, Jackson

Woodard is a Swiss Army Knife when it comes to his contributions to the offense. He can run the ball and catch the ball from any position on the field. His versatility will needed for Jackson.

Mason Wheeler, Ironton

If the Ironmen look to pound the ball inside and control the clock, this plays into the hands of a player like Wheeler. This means he'll around the ball quite a bit — unless that is the Ironmen try to stay away from him.