Brock Netter

Brock is SOSA's primary writer and has worked for the Coshocton Tribune, the Kankakee Daily Journal (Ill.), the Vinton-Jackson Courier and the Jackson Telegram. He's a six-time award-winning journalist, a lifelong WWE fan, a suffering Bengals fan and calls the sidelines his home.

Ironton out-muscles Canisius, stays unbeaten with dominant performance

The defending state champs are 4-0.

Brock Netter, Editor

Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.

IRONTON — In four games this season, Ironton has played teams that come from Kentucky, Virginia, Ohio and New York.

And not one has figured out how to slow down the Fighting Tigers.

Despite giving up more than 10 points for the first time this season, Saturday’s game was already over at the end of the first quarter.

Ironton seized a three-score lead before Canisius (N.Y.) could blink, and never took its foot off the gas pedal as it ran away with a dominant 55-21 victory.

“There were a lot of different elements we battled through today, like the heat, playing much earlier than we’re used to, and also being a little out of routine. But our guys handled it really well,” Ironton coach Trevon Pendleton said. “Canisius is a good team with a number of really good players. But our kids stepped up to the challenge. There’s still things to clean up and improve on, but they earned the win today.”

Ironton’s Kayden Edwards rushes the football during the Fighting Tigers’ win over Canisius on Saturday.
CREDIT: *Derrick Webb/SOSA*

First quarter blitz

Typically the term ‘blitz’ refers to the defensive side of the ball. But it’s different when you’re talking about Ironton (4-0).

The Fighting Tigers’ offense is so lethal that it takes pressure off the defense, and it wasted no time getting the ball rolling.

After recovering an onside kick to begin the day, Zayne Williams took a handoff on the fourth play of the drive, broke three tackles and muscled his way 25 yards for a touchdown and a 7-0 lead.

“Personally, I feel like I haven’t started the season off the best and I’ve been a little slow,” Williams said. “I was trying to make a move, ended up bouncing outside and found a hole. After that, it comes down to whoever is in front, I’m going to run through them.”

After a fourth down stop, the Tigers’ offense went back to work and Williams had the ball on four of the drive’s six plays — the final of which ended with him in the end zone on a six-yard run, making it 14-0.

Following a three-and-out, he was back at it again, but this time with his arm.

On the first play of the drive, he got the ball on a halfback toss and fired a deep strike to Braydon Baker for a 40-yard connection, setting up Ironton at the 1-yard line.

PHOTOS: Images from Ironton’s win over Canisius (NY)

Kayden Edwards then took a quarterback sneak into the end zone on the next play, going ahead 21-0 after the first quarter.

“As a team, we had a heart-to-heart talk this week about being the most physical team on the field every night,” WIlliams said. “We’ve started out the season really good, but we also felt that we haven’t been finishing as strong as we should. So I feel like this was a good first step in that direction.”

Flash and hulk

While Williams provides the power in the backfield, Edwards provides the speed. He has the ability to find a hole in the defense and burst through it without anyone catching a glimpse.

Williams had his moments to open the game and then Edwards took over. Following Canisius’ first score, thanks to a touchdown from Elijah Kimble, Edwards showed off his speed by taking a snap 80 yards to the house and providing an answer, rounding the tally to 28-7.

“It was a great block by the offensive line, and I trust my guys to keep me protected. Zayne made a crazy block as well that put a guy on his back,” Edwards said. “From that point, it was just me reading the block, finding the hole and just running. I have so much faith in these guys and they definitely make my job a lot easier.”

On the night, WIlliams found the end zone twice while Edwards scored three times, all on rushing scores.

“We have one goal and that’s to finish the game just as strong as we started it,” Edwards said. “One thing about us is that we’re going to give the most effort. Practices have really changed over the last week or so, our standards have been much higher and we saw what we were able to accomplish last year. We have a ton of grit and we’re ready to show everybody what this group is made of.”

Stat book

Unofficially, Edwards finished 6-of-8 passing for 69 yards alongside 11 carries for 160 yards and three rushing touchdowns.

Williams carried the ball 10 times for 136 yards and two scores, Tyler Carmon added seven carries for 37 yards and a touchdown and Kylan Grace had five carries for 23 yards and a score.

Up next

Ironton returns to action on Friday at home against Jackson.