Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

There was plenty of scarlet and gray on the field — both in clothing apparel and as former players.

Many former Ohio State players were on hand with local players as part of the Buckeye City-Wise Service Day benefit flag football game to aid local police, firefighters and school teachers.

The event was the brainchild of Tony Murphy and T.J. Keith — members of the Young Brilliantaires group — and in cooperation with the Richard’s Wish Foundation of Columbus.

Former Ohio State Buckeye running backs Maurice Clarett and Beanie Wells served as team captains and played quarterback for their teams.

Ironton’s Jermon Jackson, Tyler Whaley and Marcus Williams and Rock Hill’s K.C. Christian — all four played for the Buckeyes — spoke along with former Ironton standout Jason Harmon who was a four-year starter for Michigan State and also played Arena Football.

The message of all the speakers was loud and clear: stay in school, work hard on your academics, work hard as an athlete and follow your dreams.

But there was plenty of fun on the agenda. Players signed autographs, posed for photographs and split into two teams for a 7-on-7 flag football game.

Team Clarett came away with the win in the high-scoring affair with former Ironton football, basketball and track standout Marc Carter named the game’s Most Valuable Player.

Clarett’s team was comprised of Marcus Williams, Chance Freeman, Zack Kriebel, Daniel Murphy, Ty Allen, Keith Wetzel, T.J. Keith, Josh Noel, Marc Carter, Tristan Cox, Derique Bacon and Brandon Walker.

Wells’ team featured Jason Harmon, K.C. Christian, Tyler Whaley, Lukas Morris, Seth Saunders, Terrance Byrd, J.P. Taylor, Jesse Carmon, Todd Eaches, Erin Edens, Chris Collins, Mike Spikes and Chris Collins.

The honorary celebrity coaches were Jermon Jackson and Jason Smith.