Liberty Center football score against Ironton state finals live updates

CANTON — The Ironton High School football squad and Liberty Center faced off this afternoon in Day 3 of the 2024 OHSAA football state championships in the Division V championship at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. This match was the second of three high school football title games taking place today, with the title games wrapping up Saturday at the venue. Ironton secured its […]

CANTON — The Ironton High School football squad and Liberty Center faced off this afternoon in Day 3 of the 2024 OHSAA football state championships in the Division V championship at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. This match was the second of three high school football title games taking place today, with the title games wrapping up Saturday at the venue.

Ironton secured its first state championship in 35 years following a series of recent second-place finishes, stopping Liberty Center from achieving an unbeaten season after losing in last year’s finals.

Here’s how the match evolved via our live updates.

Ironton triumphs over Liberty Center 28-17 to claim OHSAA state championship

Ironton achieves state title glory for the first time since 1989 and completes the season with a record of 15-1. Liberty Center faces its first defeat of the season and is the state runner-up for the second consecutive year.

Ironton football’s response to title victory:Shaun Terry’s standout plays propel Ironton High School football to a heartfelt title for the program

Ironton’s Shaun Terry bids adieu

The Missouri commit did it once more. On third-and-10 from its 33, Ironton handed the ball to Terry and he dashed 67 yards for a touchdown. The PAT is successful. Ironton leads Liberty Center 28-17 with 46 seconds remaining. Terry racked up three TDs for the evening, then intercepted a pass on Liberty Center’s next play from scrimmage.

Shaun Terry shines at OHSAA finals:Video: Missouri recruit Shaun Terry of Ironton football leaps over a defender to score in OHSAA finals

Liberty Center immediately returns the favorLiberty Center lost possession three plays later when they fumbled, and Brycen Mullins recovered for Ironton, which begins on its own 33. Ironton leads 21-17 with 1:10 to go.

Ironton relinquishes possession to Liberty Center

Ironton QB Braden Schreck lost the ball and Hunter Spangler picked it up for Liberty Center, which takes over on Ironton’s 39 with 1:41 remaining, down 21-17.

Liberty Center scores, lines up for onside kick

Liberty Center drives 66 yards in 11 plays to find the end zone. However, Ironton’s Shaun Terry recovers the onside kick. Ironton will begin at its 42 with 1:51 on the clock. Kaden Kreinbrink connected with Garrison Kruse for a 10-yard TD on that scoring drive for Liberty Center. Waylon Rentz completed a 2-point conversion, making it 21-17.

Ironton extends the lead over Liberty CenterBraden Schreck rushed for a 4-yard touchdown, increasing Ironton’s advantage. Beckham Waginger added the PAT. Ironton leads Liberty Center 21-9 with 5:25 left. A remarkable 46-yard connection between Schreck and Shaun Terry set up that touchdown. A critical play early in the drive saw Schreck find Braydon Baker for 12 yards on third-and-8 from their 9. Liberty Center kicks back to IrontonAfter exchanging several costly penalties, Liberty Center is forced to punt. Ironton begins on its 7 after an excellent punt by Max Walker. Ironton leads 14-9 with 9:24 remaining in the final quarter. Ironton retains a 14-9 advantage over Liberty Center after three quartersLiberty Center is advancing with a first-and-10 at Ironton’s 44 as the fourth quarter starts. Liberty Center delivers a defensive standIronton’s first-and-10 at the Liberty Center 17 resulted in a turnover on downs. Max Walker’s sack and Waylon Rentz’s tackle-for-loss on Shaun Terry spurred the defensive effort. With 3:13 left in the third quarter, Ironton is in front 14-9. Ironton has an opportunity to extend its leadLiberty Center’s sequence of plays stalled quickly after a few good gains. Ironton starts from Liberty Center’s 38 following a 35-yard punt return by Shaun Terry. Third quarter begins: Liberty Center vs. IrontonLiberty Center starts on its 15, down 14-9. Halftime statistics for Ironton and Liberty CenterMissouri commit Shaun Terry was the standout of the first half, accumulating 111 yards and two touchdowns on six receptions for Ironton. He also gained eight yards on a carry. Braden Schreck completed 9-of-14 passes for 111 yards and the two touchdown throws to Terry. Waylon Rentz amassed 31 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries for Liberty Center. Garrison Kruse contributed big runs to facilitate Liberty Center’s scores. Ironton leads Liberty Center 162 yards to 144 in total yardage. Halftime score: Ironton tops Liberty Center 14-9Max Walker of Liberty Center made a 39-yard field goal from the left hash just as time expired. A 26-yard run by Garrison Kruse was crucial for that drive. Ironton is ahead 14-9 as the teams head to the locker rooms. Liberty Center regains possession late in the first halfA dismal drive from Ironton resulted in a punt. Liberty Center starts its possession first-and-10 at its 31, behind 14-6 with 1:06 left in the second quarter. Liberty Center narrows the gap on IrontonLiberty Center puts together a significant response. Waylon Rentz scores on a 1-yard touchdown run, set up by a 34-yard run from Garrison Kruse. The PAT kick fails. Liberty Center now trails Ironton 14-6 with 2:31 remaining in the second quarter, following a nine-play, 70-yard scoring march. Ironton expands its lead over Liberty CenterHere comes Shaun Terry again. The senior received a lateral on a jet sweep and transformed it into a seven-point lead. He went left, found a gap, broke a couple of tackles, and brought in the 46-yard touchdown running back across the field to the right. Beckham Waginger also added the PAT. Ironton is ahead of Liberty Center 14-0 with 6:57 left in the second quarter. Terry recorded a 15-yard reception earlier in the drive to convert a third-and-12. Terry has five receptions for 114 yards and two touchdowns. Liberty Center forced to puntLiberty Center opts to punt on fourth-and-4 after using a timeout. Ironton starts its drive on the 5, leading 7-0 with 11:28 to go in the second quarter. Ironton leads Liberty Center 7-0 after the first quarterLiberty Center is facing a third-and-6 from Ironton’s 46 as the second quarter commences. Highlight-reel performance by Missouri football recruit Shaun Terry propels Ironton aheadTerry showcased his skills as a Missouri recruit, taking a slant pass and leaping over a defender at the 25 on his way to a 35-yard touchdown catch. The PAT was kicked successfully. Ironton strikes first, leading Liberty Center 7-0 with 4:17 left in the first quarter. Ironton encounters a critical third downThe 15th play of the opening drive is lined up for the Fighting Tigers, who face a third-and-7 at Liberty Center’s 35. Liberty Center and Ironton kick off in D5 state championship gameIronton begins on its 20 following a touchback. For clarity, this features the Fighting Tigers of Ironton against the Tigers of Liberty Center. Ironton receives the opening kickoff as Liberty Center won the coin toss and opted to defer. What led Ironton football to the OHSAA Division V state championship?The Fighting Tigers triumphantly defeated West Liberty-Salem 63-21 in the state semifinal. How did Liberty Center football arrive at the OHSAA Division V state title game?The Tigers claimed a decisive victory over South Range 48-14 in their state semifinal.

Insights on Ironton Fighting Tigers football

Ironton’s sole defeat this season occurred against Clarkson Football North from Ontario, Canada — a program familiar to Stark County and Northeast Ohio fans. Football North has taken on Massillon, St. Edward, and St. Ignatius in recent years, and won against Perry in an event in Canton in 2022. Football North edged Ironton 28-27 on Sept. 27, just a week before the Canadian team fell 45-6 against Massillon. Ironton has triumphed in 13 of its games with a running clock, with the 48-33 win at Pikeville (Ky.) in Week 7 being the only exception. The Fighting Tigers are competing in their 12th state championship match. They won state titles in 1979 and 1989, and have been runners-up nine times, notably three times in the last six seasons (2019, 2020 and 2022). Head coach Trevon Pendleton, with seven seasons under his belt at the school, is leading Ironton through its fourth state final during his tenure. The Fighting Tigers have outscored their first five playoff adversaries 271-48.

Key players from Ironton High School football

WR Shaun Terry: The Missouri commit is this season’s Southeast District Division V Offensive Player of the Year. Terry has 79 receptions for 1,440 yards and 21 touchdowns this season. He has also gained 155 yards and tallied three rushing touchdowns.
DB Josh Johnson: The Penn State commit has been named the Southeast District Division V Defensive Player of the Year. Johnson has recorded 68 tackles, four interceptions, and three passes defended this year.
OL-DL Aiden Layne: The 240-pound senior has earned recognition as the Southeast District Division V Lineman of the Year and is receiving accolades for his performance on the defensive line.
QB Braden Schreck: The 6-2, 185-pound senior received first-team all-district honors at quarterback.

Overview of Liberty Center Tigers football

Liberty Center is competing in the Division V state finals for the second consecutive time, having fallen to Lake County Perry 21-14 in 2023. This will be the Tigers’ sixth appearance in a state championship game, where they hold a 1-4 record from the prior five. They captured their only state title in 1997. Liberty Center relies on a run-oriented offensive strategy and boasts a solid defense. The team has shut out seven opponents this season and permits just 175 yards per game.

Key players from Liberty Center High School football

RB-LB Waylon Rentz: Has rushed for 1,784 yards and scored 29 touchdowns.
RB-DB Thomas Mohler: Has carried for 903 yards and eight touchdowns.
RB-LB Garrison Kruse: Has tallied 843 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns while also recording 15 tackles for loss on defense.
DB Cam Kahle: Has eight interceptions to his name.
DL Zander Zeiter: The 6-2, 240-pound senior is recognized as a first-team all-district player.

What channel is the Ironton football OHSAA state championship game against Liberty Center on? Viewing optionsThe Division V state title game will be broadcast on Spectrum News 1. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. OHSAA state finals: Predictions and analysis for Ohio high school football state championships