Columbus – There are five good reasons why the Ironton Fighting Tigers are in the Division IV state championship game.

Wednesday, December 01, 1999

Columbus – There are five good reasons why the Ironton Fighting Tigers are in the Division IV state championship game. Those reasons are in the names of Jason Harmon, Michael Henry, Jimmy Peyton, Redgie Arden, and Matt Kelly.

Harmon and Henry were named Tuesday to the Associated Press Division IV All-Ohio first team while Peyton, Arden, and Kelly were special mention.

Harmon, a 6-foot, 185-pound senior who has already had offers from several Division I colleges including Michigan State and West Virginia, was a multiple threat on offense and defense.

Harmon ran for 651 yards despite playing in only nine games and several of which he played less than a half, caught 24 passes for 560 yards and six touchdowns, returned punts, kickoffs, and had three interceptions, one for a touchdown.

Harmon’s excellence in the playoffs has improved his statistics. He has rushed 171 times for 1,190 yards and 10 touchdowns. He has a team-high 31 receptions for 676 yards and seven TDs.

Henry, a 6-0, 217 senior defensive end, is another player with Division I offers. Henry, who missed two games due to an injury, also played fullback and ran 77 times for 474 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Henry currently has 940 yards on 186 carries and leads the team with 20 touchdowns via rushing. He has one score by receiving.

Seven other area players were named All-Ohio Special Mention including Peyton, Arden, and Kelly.

Peyton who was special mention for the second straight year.

The 6-3, 205-pound senior quarterback was 46 of 92 for 986 yards and 10 touchdowns in nine games. He also intercepted three passes as a defensive back. He now has hit 62 of 124 passes for 1,218 yards and 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Defensively he has five interceptions.

Junior linebacker Redgie Arden (6-6, 220) was special mention All-Ohio for the second straight year as well. Arden, who was leading the team in tackles, was injured in the ninth game of the season and has not played since the the third quarter of the Belfry (Ky.) game.

Junior Matt Kelly (5-10, 205) was special mention All-Ohio as an offensive lineman. Kelly was second to Arden in tackles at linebacker during the regular season but has since taken over the team lead for the second straight year.

Rock Hill Redmen junior running back Scott Turley (5-10, 200) was special mention as he ran 171 times for 1,020 yards and 11 touchdowns. Rock Hill finished 7-3 after going winless the previous season.

Senior Kevin Dilley (6-0, 240) also earned special mention honors for the Redmen on the defensive line. Dilley had 72 tackles despite playing on the defensive line.

Fairland senior tackle Jay Capper (6-4, 235) was honored as a special mention choice. Capper had 47 tackles and also was a top blocker on offense.

South Point senior defensive lineman B. J. Belville (6-0, 240) was a speical team pick as he racked up 93 tackles on defense and was a standout on the offensive line.

Wheelersburg senior linebacker Josh Newman (6-1, 217) was a first team All-Ohio pick on defense. Teammates Jason Schmidt, Andy Gill, Luke Emnett, and Josh Mayhew were special mention.

Portsmouth senior quarterback Greg Estep was a first team selection. Special mention went to Matt Howbert, Jonah Booker, R. J. Cameron, Jay Stombock, and Jeff Swords.

Ironton’s opponent in the state championship game is Sandusky Perkins. The Pirates landed three players on the first team in running back Jonathan Souter, offensive lineman Mike Biglin. Damar Pentorn was special mention and Rock Farlow was picked Coach of the Year along with Larry Wolfe of Columbus Bishop Ready.

Germantown Valley View had two players on the first team and two on the second unit.