Ironton gets long trip, Hartley short jaunt to regional site

Published 12:18 am Monday, November 15, 2010

Ironton Fighting Tigers’ Tyler Hager (30) brings down Highland’s Derrick Patrick (24) for a short game during last Fridays Division IV Region 15 semifinal game at Logan. Ironton won 43-7 and returns to Logan this Friday to play Columbus Bishop Hartley in the regional championship game. (The Ironton Tribune / Tony Shotsky of Southern Ohio Sports Photos)

The season of replays is getting two more at one time.

The Ironton Fighting Tigers’ first two playoff games were against playoff opponents last season. This week Ironton will face Columbus Bishop Hartley, an opponent from earlier this season.

And the Fighting Tigers (10-2) will face the Hawks (10-2) at last week’s playoff site as they return to Logan High School for a 7:30 p.m. game Friday in the Division IV Region 15 championship game.

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Ironton won the earlier meeting 37-16 by taking advantage of four Hartley turnovers.

“You hope to get some turnovers, but it’s something you can’t count on. They’ve got some guys with a lot of speed who can make big plays. We have to keep them bottled up like we did the last time,” said Ironton coach Bob Lutz.

Ironton routed Sparta Highland 43-7 last week while Hartley outlasted Heath 39-26.

All-Ohio tailback Noah Key ran for 246 yards on 35 carries and scored five touchdowns in the win over Heath.

Playoff tickets will again be on sale this week starting Tuesday during business hours at Bob Linn Sporting Goods and at the auto shop office behind the high school during school hours.

Tickets will be $7 in advance and $9 at the gate. Ironton receives only a small percentage of the presale. All other money goes to the Ohio High School Athletic Association who sets ticket prices.