They are a sleeping giant.

A quick look at the 1-6 record and fans might think the Portsmouth Trojans are a pushover. But not Ironton Fighting Tigers coach Bob Lutz.

The veteran Ironton coach has gone against Portsmouth plenty of times during his 40-year career to know the Trojans are a dangerous team.

“They’ve got good athletes and they have two linemen who have already committed to Division I schools. They are very capable of winning against any team they play. We’d better come ready to play,” said Lutz.

John Prior, a 6-foot-6, 270-pound senior tackle, has given a verbal commitment to Florida State. Nate Cadogen, a 6-6, 280 senior tackle, has committed to Penn State where his brother Gerald is a starting tackle on offense.

“Portsmouth lost a lot of players and they’re young, but this is week eight so they have almost an entire season under their belts. They’re getting better,” said Lutz.

Sophomore Josh Myers (6-0,175) has taken over at quarterback and the Trojans haven’t missed a beat for the graduated Shane Porter.

“Myers is a good athlete. He doesn’t play like a sophomore,” said Lutz. “He has a good arm, he runs well, and he is very accurate. He’s a threat any time he has the ball.”

Angelo Jackson (5-9, 180) is the main running back but the Trojans will use Malik White (5-10, 175) in the backfield as well.

Londan Malone (5-7, 145) and James Lawson (5-11, 140) are the flankers with Jon Royster (5-9, 155) at one slot while Ryan Johnson (6-0, 170) and Kyle Simpson (5-10, 160) share the other slot duties.

Portsmouth keeps the pressure on defensively, especially tackle Justin Smith (5-9, 180). The other tackle is Prior while Cadogen and Aaron Crum (5-8, 22) are the ends.

Aaron Montgomery (5-10, 210) is a standout at inside linebacker along with Tre Underwood (6-0, 175). The outside backers in the 4-4 alignment are Jackson and Jalen Kennedy (5-9, 180).

Malone and White are the corners with Patrick Underwood (6-1, 150) at safety.