photo by KENT SANBORN

Ironton Fighting Tigers’ senior fullback Keith Wetzel (37) smacks into Highland defensive back Artie McAndrew (26) as he picks up a first down in a 36-0 playoff win Saturday.

Fighting Tigers face Heath at Nelsonville

By Jim Walker | The Tribune

Originally published 02:48 a.m., November 9, 2009
Updated 02:48 a.m., November 9, 2009

Haven’t we been here before?

The Ironton Fighting Tigers will make their second trip to the Nelsonville-York Dave Boston Stadium in as many years, but this time the stakes will be a little higher.

Ironton won at Nelsonville last year in the regular season, but this Saturday night they will face the Heath Bulldogs in the Division IV Region 15 semifinals at the same site.

Despite earlier reports that Ironton and Heath would play at Logan, Portsmouth, Jackson or Ohio University, the Ohio High School Athletic Association selected Nelsonville as the neutral site.

Ironton (9-2) and Heath (9-2) will be meeting for the first time ever at 7 p.m. on Saturday. The winner advances to the regional finals against the winner of Amanda-Clearcreek and Coshocton who will play Saturday in Zanesville.

Both stadiums have artificial surfaces. The OHSAA attempts to put as many games as possible on Astroturf after the first round.

Nelsonville will also host a Division V game on Friday when Wheelersburg (9-2) plays Fredericktown (11-0).

Tickets for the Ironton playoff game will be on sale at the high school during school hours until 3 p.m. Friday and until 2 p.m. Saturday at Bob Linn Sporting Goods.

Tickets are $7 in advance and $9 at the gate. Ironton receives only a percentage of the presale and fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance.

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