Johnson Central was just one big play away from a potential upset win over Ohio power Ironton in the nightcap of the Gridiron Classic played at Tanks Memorial Stadium on Saturday night.
The Golden Eagles closed to within five points early in the final quarter before the Fighting Tigers added an insurance touchdown with six minutes left to beat the Golden Eagles, 32-21.
Running back Chase Price carried 16 times for 155 yards and two touchdowns while Zack McCoart finished with 87 yards and a rushing touchdown on 19 attempts.
Johnson Central will return to Jim Matney Field to face Waverly, Ohio (2-2). It is the first home game for the Golden Eagles this season. Kickoff is at 7:30 pm.
At Ironton, Ohio
SCORE BY QUARTERS:
JC (2-2)…..0 7 7 7 – 21
IR (4-0)…..7 6 13 6 – 32
Scoring:
First Quarter
IR – Amari Fielder, 7-yard run (Evan Williams kick), 5:39
Second Quarter
JC – Chase Price, 1-yard run (Sawyer Crum kick), 3:25
IR – Tayden Carpenter, 1-yard run (kick blocked), :17
Third Quarter
IR – Amari Fielder, 24-yard pass from Tayden Carpenter (Evan Williams kick)
JC – Zack McCoart, 10-yard run (Sawyer Crum kick), 8:58
IR – Bailey Thacker, 7-yard pass from Tayden Carpenter (kick failed), 3:47
Fourth Quarter
JC – Chase Price, 4-yard run (Sawyer Crum kick), 10:59
IR – Tayden Carpenter, 3-yard run (kick failed), 6:21
Next up: Johnson Central (2-2) vs. Waverly, Ohio (2-2), 7:30 pm Sept. 16.