Brock Netter, Staff Writer
Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.
WAVERLY — It’s Ty Perkins’ world … we’re all just living in it.
The senior wideout has been terrorizing opposing defensive backs throughout his four years. But he had a special performance on Friday.
CREDIT: Derrick Webb/SOSA
With a regional championship up for grabs, Perkins put forth a performance for the ages as he racked up six catches for 123 yards and three touchdowns, leading his Tigers to a dominant 34-0 win of Harvest Prep.
However, he didn’t make a difference on just the offensive side of the ball. He did his fair share of work on defense as well, coming down with two interceptions to halt to Warrior drives.
“What a special player he is. An unbelievable talent who has worked hard to put himself in this position to shine like he does,” Ironton coach Trevon Pendleton said. “He’s a great teammate, just like all of our kids are, but man, Ty is something different.”
Perkins was the beneficiary to another standout game from his quarterback, Tayden Carpenter, who finished 16-of-21 passing for 246 yards and three touchdowns — alongside a rushing touchdown as well.
The win provided a special feeling for the signal caller, not just because it was a regional championship in his senior year, but also because he missed out on his junior season.
“I hurt my foot, and when I came back from therapy, I told the guys that I was going to come back stronger than ever,” Carpenter said. “When we lost in the third round last season, I told the guys coming back that we were going to win it all and that’s what we’re trying to accomplish. It’s a blessing to be in this position and be 14-0, tying the 1989 team that also went 14-0. It’s the result of all the years of work and it’s amazing what us seniors have been able to do.”
Thought to be now the winningest senior class in school history with a 49-5 mark, the Tigers’ seniors wasted no time getting off to a quick start.
After forcing a punt on Harvest Prep’s opening drive, Ironton (14-0) struck first as Carpenter found Perkins up the sideline for a 23-yard touchdown and a 7-0 lead.
The Warriors (13-1) aimed to respond and methodically drove down the field, but a botched snap sailed over the quarterback’s head and the Tigers jumped all over it to end the quarter.
Though nothing came from the turnover, Ironton got the ball back after the Warriors went for it on fourth down before dropping what would’ve been a first down gain.
Ironton took advantage this time and, following a 37-yard completion from Carpenter to Perkins, Carpenter called his own number and found pay dirt from two yards out to extend the lead to 14-0.
The Warriors attempted to answer, but their pass was intercepted by Perkins in the end zone to keep the score as it was to end the half.
Ironton opened the third quarter with the ball, and put what felt like the death nail in the the Warriors’ coffin.
With the ball on the Warriors’ 17-yard line, Carpenter took the snap, looked right and flicked a perfect pass into the hands of Perkins in the back of the end zone for the touchdown, extending the lead to 21-0.
“That was a huge drive to open the second half and I think Tayden set the tone on that one by using his legs to extend plays,” Pendleton said. “It’s a nice wrinkle that we haven’t had to use very much this season, but we’ve saved him running the ball only for the times we’ve needed it.”
On the first play of Harvest Prep’s drive, its pass was intercepted by Perkins and he later scored on a 21-yard slant route for his third score of the night.
CREDIT: Derrick Webb/SOSA
The Tigers’ suffocating defense, in total, surrendered under 110 yards of total offense and caused four turnovers.
“It all starts with our offseason program, and our defensive coaches bring a level of toughness alongside a sharp mental focus to every detail,” Pendleton said. “We ask a lot out of our kids and they understand why. I think over the last four to five years, we’ve given up less than 10 points per game and our kids play with such high intensity as well.”
Jaquez Keyes put the finishing touches on the victory, powering his way into the end zone for a two-yard touchdown run near the end of the third quarter.
Ironton now advances to a Division V state semifinal against Germantown Valley View, who defeated Milton-Union by a 21-7 final on Friday.
That game will take place at 7 p.m., Friday at Cincinnati Princeton’s Jake Sweeney Automotive Stadium.
“It’s our goal every year to make it to the state and hope to bring home that championship, alongside making these kids better men and women,” Pendleton said. “These kids have put in the work for the last 365 days to make it to this point. Luck favors those who are prepared and hopefully we’ll be the most prepared team. Our kids are ready for the challenge and they’ll rise up to anything put in front of them.”
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