The good news is Ironton will prepare for a game coming off a win.

The bad news is the upcoming opponent is better than the last one.

After getting a much needed win last week against Ashland, Ironton stays on the road and begins Southeastern Ohio Athletic League play with the Jackson Ironmen.

It was only two years ago that Ironton went to Jackson and lost 17-7, the only time Ironton coach Bob Lutz has ever lost to the Ironmen.

“We had one of our tackles out, the other one hurt his back in the first quarter, and we put the ball on the ground a couple of times. There aren’t too many good memories of that trip,” said Lutz.

Ironton is missing one of its tackles again. Senior Jeremy Moore has a back injury and will miss his second straight game.

“We’re replacing an inexperienced senior who is our best lineman with an inexperienced sophomore and we’re doing it on the road. It’s a tough assignment,” said Lutz.

Jackson is 2-1 after routing Vinton County last week. Their only loss was to unbeaten Waverly.

The Jackson offense is led by tailback Cody Huff, a 5-foot-10, 180-pound junior, senior fullback Bruce Smith (5-9, 185), and junior quarterback Josh Brown (5-11, 165).

“Their backs aren’t as fast as Ashland’s two backs, but they do have some quickness and they run hard. They come right at you,” said Lutz.

The Ironmen show a multitude of offensive formations and like to run power football.

Up front are center Tyler Glassburn (5-11, 215), guards Adam Jones (5-8, 175) and William Tomblin (6-0, 260), tackles John Waugh (6-0, 220) and Chris Trent (6-3, 330), and tight end Brandon Trace (6-0, 190).

“They have some good size up front except for Jones, but he pulls a lot and he gets on you right now,” said Lutz.

Evan Osborne and Kris Wiseman share the flanker duties and Coty Bowling and Lukus Lindamood split the split end job.

Defensively, Jackson likes the 4-4 alignment but will give other looks.

“Jackson is hard to prepare for because they give you so many looks on defense and offese.”

Trevom Meredith (5-7, 155) and John Adams (5-11, 180) play the left tackle while Jeremy Kitchen (5-10, 225) in on the right side.

Ryan Klingaman (5-11, 180) and Tomblin are the ends, Greg James (6-3, 240) and Trace the inside linebackers, Cody Huff (5-10, 180) and Smith are the outside backers. Bowling and Lindamood the corners and Osborne the safety.