"In the Press Box" column today: The Ohio Bobcats put some points on the scoreboard against Marshall last Saturday, but the defense couldn’t slow down the Herd.

Wednesday, November 21, 2001

"In the Press Box" column today: The Ohio Bobcats put some points on the scoreboard against Marshall last Saturday, but the defense couldn’t slow down the Herd.

But don’t blame James Taylor for a lack of effort. Taylor, the redshirt sophomore strong safety who was All-Ohio with the Ironton Fighting Tigers, contributed some solid numbers in a 42-18 loss at Marshall Stadium.

Taylor had three solo stops and two assists on defense, and then returns five kickoffs for 102 yards, one for 25 yards.

Taylor was a starter at wide receiver last season before switching to defense this season and sharing starting duties with senior Chris London.

Taylor isn’t the only former Ironton football player performing at the Division I level.

Michael Henry, a freshman, was a teammate of Taylor’s at Ohio where he was a backup outside linebacker and played on special teams.

Jason Harmon, Henry’s cousin, was a starter at Michigan State in the secondary before a broken ankle sidelined him for the rest of the season.

Harmon is hoping to be back in the event Michigan State secures a postseason bowl bid.

Former Ironton All-Ohio linebacker Redgie Arden drew a lot of raves from the Ohio State coaches for his intensity and penchant for hitting, but he was given a redshirt and should contribute next season.

Chesapeake has a former All-Ohio star adjusting well to college play. This time the sport is basketball.

Anthony Delimpo, a 6-foot-7 freshman with Mount Vernon Nazarene, was named to the Cougar Homecoming Classic All-Tournament team after leading the team to a pair of wins.

Delimpo, who helped Chesapeake to the regionals last year, averaged 11 points and 9.5 rebounds in the two games. He was 8-of-13 shooting from the field.

For the season, Delimpo is averaging 9.0 points and 7.0 rebounds. He is shooting 52.9 percent from the field (18-of-34) and 80 percent from the foul line (9-for-10).

Mt. Vernon had been ranked 19th in the NAIA Division II preseason poll.

Jim Walker is sports editor of The Ironton Tribune.