No injuries.

Tuesday, August 29, 2000

No injuries. No losses. No blowout.

Things are quite the opposite this year as the Ironton Fighting Tigers meet the South Point Pointers Friday night.

Ironton coach Bob Lutz knows the Pointers won’t be an easy pushover like last year when the Fighting Tigers coasted to a 71-6 win.

And this year the Pointers don’t come into the game following a lopsided 45-26 loss. Instead, South Point turned the tables on Vinton County this year with a 42-6 win.

"Last year South Point was pretty beat up and had a bunch of players out. They’re healthy this time around and they’ve got some pretty good skilled players," Lutz said.

"They didn’t have (D. J.) Bryant last year and they do this year. He and (David) Chapman are both good backs, their quarterback can throw it, and he’s got some receivers with speed who can catch it."

Smith threw for 982 yards and 10 touchdowns last season even though the Pointers were just 2-8. Last week, Smith threw just eight times but completed six for 113 yards and two touchdowns. He was intercepted once.

Helping make Smith’s job easier were Chapman and Bryant. The duo combined for 159 yards as Chapman ran nine times for 97 yards and Bryant added 62 yards on seven attempts.

On the receiving end of Smith’s passes are Shane Holsinger, Justin Eaches, and tight end Coleman Gorby.

"Holsinger and Eaches both have good speed, and Gorby’s played for three or four years, so he has some experience to go with his size," Lutz said. "Holsinger is a good athlete. They like to use him running and catching the football."

The key for the Pointers will be up front. South Point must find a way to open holes in the Ironton defensive line as well as keep their pass rush away from Smith, something that was a problem last year.

South Point also needs to stop Ironton’s ball-control ground game. Against a big, strong, and aggressive Wheelersburg line Ironton was able to run for 193 yards.

Fullback B. J. Kerns had 109 yards on 17 carries and halfback Maurice Murphy added 41 yards on nine attempts.

"We have to win the game in the trenches. We need to eat some clock and keep the ball out of the hands of their offense. They have the ability to strike quickly," Lutz said.

Playing the game at South Point could also be an obstacle for Ironton to overcome.

"Any time you go on the road, it’s a lot tougher to win. They’ve got a win, they’ve got some confidence, and their at home. We’ll have our work cut out for us. We can’t expect another game like last year," Lutz said.

Kickoff is 7:30 p.m.