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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
Rivalry renews tonight as Ironton visits Wheelersburg
WHEELERSBURG, Ohio -- What Rob Woodward had heard about Ironton High football he found out to be true six years ago when he became an assistant coach at Wheelersburg.
"Growing up in southeastern Ohio, you hear the name Ironton. People talk about their level of play," Woodward said.
That level under coach Bob Lutz had been pretty good as the Fighting Tigers won more than 300 games and two Ohio state championships. Lutz stepped down after the 2005 season, but returned to lead the program in 2007. Rival Wheelersburg, with Woodward serving as defensive coordinator, visited Tanks Memorial Stadium last season for the traditional opener and rolled to a 39-6 victory.
Ironton would go on to a 5-5 season while the Pirates would finish 7-4. Tony Lewis departed as head coach at Wheelersburg after the season. Woodward was named as the new Pirates coach in February.
Woodward leads the Pirates in their season opener at home today against the Fighting Tigers. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m.
"I'd never seen Ironton play until I got to Wheelersburg," Woodward said. "I learned quickly about their level of play, their experience."
It's no secret Ironton likes to run the ball. Woodward knows what to expect, but also knows Lutz makes them tough to stop.
"After five years, I learned about discipline," Woodward said. "The execution of plays is excellent. You gain respect. You know how to game plan for them. Kids have to understand they can't afford to make mistakes."
In the 2007 opener, youth and errors contributed to Ironton's downfall.
"It was a little overwhelming," Woodward said. "They made mistakes and we capitalized."
Woodward has stressed to his team this Ironton team will be improved.
"They've got a lot of people back. They've had a full year with the coach at the helm," he said. "That says a lot. They buy into the system.
"They play with confidence. That trait makes them play better."
Ironton vs. Wheelersburg series
Fighting Tigers lead, 13-4
1982 Ironton 29, Wheelersburg 14
1983 Ironton 28, Wheeleersburg 14
1994 Ironton 14, Wheelersburg 7
1995 Ironton 36, Wheelersburg 12
1995 Ironton 41, Wheelersburg 8
1996 Wheelersburg 35, Ironton 6
1997 Ironton 10, Wheelersburg 7
1998 Wheelersburg 21, Ironton 0
1999 Wheelersburg 10, Ironton 7
2000 Ironton 10, Wheelersburg 3
2001 Ironton 42, Wheelersburg 0
2002 Ironton 24, Wheelersburg 9
2003 Ironton 22, Wheelersburg 10
2004 Ironton 21, Wheelersburg 0
2005 Ironton 7, Wheelersburg 6
2006 Ironton 24, Wheelersburg 21
2007 Wheelersburg 39, Ironton 6
-- From www.irontonfootball.com
