By Spencer Waugh
Logan Daily News

IRONTON — Coming off a rare regular season loss, and an even rarer loss against cross-river rival Ashland Paul Blazer (26-12), the Ironton Fighting Tigers should find extra motivation for Friday night’s game with the Logan Chieftains.

That is, as if consecutive blowout losses to Logan in 2007 (53-14) and 2008 (35-14) weren’t motivation enough.

Legendary coach Bob Lutz needs only three wins to become the all-time winningest coach in the history of Ohio high school football. While chances are good he will reach that mark whether the Fighting Tigers win on Friday or not, the Lawrence Countians would like to move one step closer against the Chieftains.
On offense, Ironton will stay with its bruising power-T attack that has been a mainstay since Lutz took over in 1972. The Fighting Tigers have attempted only 20 passes in their first four games, so look for a steady dose from the ground troops against the Chieftains.

The Achilles’ heel for Ironton has been fumbles. After not losing a fumble the first two weeks, the Fighting Tigers have lost six fumbles the last two games against Ashland and Gallipolis.

Leading the I-Tigers running game are fullback Keith Wetzel (5-7, 195, senior) and halfback Tres Wilkes (5-7, 155, junior). Wetzel averages over seven yards per carry (54 rushes, 394 yards) and has a team-high five touchdowns. Wilkes has run for 315 yards on only 21 carries with three scores, giving him an average of 15 yards per rush.

Also in the backfield are J.P. Taylor (6-1, 190, senior) and Brian Warner (6-1, 210, junior). Taylor has three touchdowns and averages over six yards per carry and Warner averages over eight yards per rush with one score.

Ethan Preston (5-10, 160, junior) is the quarterback and has completed 11-of-19 passes for 149 yards and one touchdown. His top target is end John Monning (6-2, 170, senior), who has four catches for 81 yards and a TD. Taylor has three receptions for 19 yards.

The Orange and Black offensive line averages 254 pounds per man from tackle to tackle. The line consists of tackles Sam Cramblit (6-0, 265, senior) and Brad Spaljaric (6-3, 260, junior), guards Robbie Webb (6-3, 250, junior) and Taylor Barker (6-0, 285, senior), and the center is Chris Warner (5-11, 210, senior). Monning is at one end spot while Ryan Sias (5-11, 175, senior) is on the other side.

On defense the Fighting Tigers are allowing less than 200 total yards and 10 points per game with one shutout. They are led up front by Monning on the end and Cramblit at defensive tackle.

Spaljaric and Webb will both see time on the line, with Cramblit while Zach Kriebel (6-1, 210, senior) is the middle guard. Kriebel suffered an injury last week against Ashland, and if he is unavailable look for Wetzel to take over the middle guard spot. Casey Jones (6-4, 240, senior) will round out the front five at defensive end.

Erin Edens (6-1, 195, senior) is a three-year starter at linebacker, where he is joined by Brian Warner. Chris Warner adds depth in the linebacking corps.

Taylor and Wilkes will be the cornerbacks while Tommy Waginger (5-11, 160, junior) and Sias are the safeties. Tyler Hager (5-6, 165, sophomore) and Preston will also see time in the secondary.

Wetzel handles the kicking duties for the I-Tigers. Wilkes is a very dangerous return man on punts and kickoffs.

Spencer Waugh of loganfootball.com offers his scouting report of the Chiefs’ opponent every week in The Logan Daily News.