By JIM WALKER

Tribune Sports Editor

For the Ironton Fighting Tigers, it was quite a season. And a look at the Associated Press Division IV All-Ohio team explains why.

Ironton reached the regional championship game only to lose a tough 26-20 decision to state qualifier Columbus Bishop Hartley. Part of the reason for the deep tournament run can be linked to the six players who were named to the All-Ohio team along with two other area players.

Earning a place on the top three teams were offensive guard Robbie Webb, defensive tackle Brad Spoljaric, linebacker Brian Warner and running back Tres Wilks.

Rock Hill’s 6-foot-4, 220-pound junior quarterback Will McCollister and Fairland all-purpose player Chad Fisher — a 5-11, 160-pound senior — were both named honorable mention.

Webb was a first team selection, Spoljaric was on the second team defense while Warner and Wilks were both third team honorees.

All four are seniors.

Senior defensive back and quarterback Tommy Waginger and junior running back Tyler Hager were both named honorable mention.

The 6-3, 270-pound Webb — an honorable mention choice last year — and the 6-4, 275-pound Spoljaric anchored the Ironton line on both sides of the ball.

Warner was a 6-foot, 210-pound fullback as well as leading the team in tackles on defense.

The 5-8, 160-pound Wilks led Ironton in rushing with 969 yards and scored 13 touchdowns. He also had three interceptions, two he returned for touchdowns.

Waginger ran for 450 yards, threw for 434 and led the secondary with four interceptions.

The 5-7, 180-pound Hager combined power and speed to run for more than 700 yards and scored 15 touchdowns.

McCollister was 61 of 142 for 1,012 yards and five touchdowns. He also led the Redmen with 551 yards rushing and scored 10 TDs.

The versatile Fisher ran for 794 yards and nine scores while completing 42 of 85 passes for 782 yards and six touchdowns.