As if West Liberty-Salem didnÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™t face enough of a challenge in the playoffs, now it faces an Ironton team thatÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s mad.
The Tigers (13-1) meet the Fighting Tigers (13-1) at 7 p.m. Friday at Chillicothe High School in the Ohio Division V state semifinals. The winner takes on either Canfield South Range (14-0) or Liberty Center (14-0) at 3 p.m. on Dec. 7 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton.
Ironton is angry because wide receiver Shaun Terry wasnÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™t selected as one of the eight finalists for the Ohio Mr. Football Awards. Terry has committed to the University of Missouri.
ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œThe goal was never to be Mr. Football,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Terry said. ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œThe goal is to win state championship No. 3.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥
The Fighting Tigers won state titles in 1979 and 1989. TheyÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™re a regular in the deep rounds of the postseason, making the semifinals for the 15th time. West Liberty-Salem is in the semifinals for the first time.
ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œFinally getting over that hurdle is rewarding,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ West Liberty-Salem coach Dan McGill said of his team winning a region title for the first time in four tries. ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œItÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s a goal weÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™ve had.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥
How unexpected was the triumph? The town had to reschedule its Christmas parade previously set for Friday.
Both teams feature spread offenses but are effective running the ball. West Liberty-Salem is led by senior quarterback Nick Shifflett, who has completed 147 of 231 passes for 2,059 yards and 20 touchdowns with three interceptions. Shifflett also has run for 905 yards and nine touchdowns on 140 carries.
Josh Wilcoxon heads the TigersÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™ run game. HeÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s carried 1,054 yards and 22 touchdowns. Jack Bahan has caught 56 passes for 981 yards and 11 scores. Josh Evans has snagged 48 balls for 698 yards and seven TDs.
For Ironton, Terry has 76 catches for 1,391 yards and 20 touchdowns to go with 154 yards and three touchdowns rushing on 19 attempts.
Ironton believes those numbers shouldÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™ve been plenty to earn Terry consideration as the stateÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s premier player.
ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œThe award has become a popularity contest and not the best player with the best year,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Ironton assistant Jerrod Pendleton said. ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œI hate to see someone so deserving left off.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥
Terry is far from the Fighting TigersÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™ only weapon. Senior quarterback Braden Schreck has completed 152 of 214 passes for 2,552 yards and 31 touchdowns with eight picks. HeÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s run 86 times for 428 yards and seven TDs.
Tyler Roach has 21 catches for 432 yards and five scores. Zayne Williams has rushed 81 times for 672 yards and 14 touchdowns.
