IRONTON —
The Ashland-Ironton football series doesn’t lack for electricity, especially when both teams are flying high.
That’s the case again tonight as two unbeatens collide at Tanks Memorial Stadium.
Adding to the excitement level, the cross-river rivals have plenty in common. In particular, both are rugged up front and possess a dynamic running back/track sprinter who makes fans hold their breath with each touch of the ball.
Ironton’s Patrick Lewis, a senior, and Ashland freshman Quinton Baker are off to jaw-dropping starts in the 2012 season.
To say the least, Lewis has played a huge role in Ironton’s success the past three weeks.
The 5-foot-10, 175-pounder returned a kick for a touchdown in each of the Tigers’ wins. He hit the ground running with two big returns at Wheelersburg, wrecked Russell with 247 yards rushing on only 13 carries, and scored both of Ironton’s TDs in a 14-13 win over Gallipolis last week.
“Lewis has been a true difference-maker for Ironton,” Ashland coach Leon Hart said. “He gives them legitimate speed. I don’t think too many people can run him down from behind.”
Against Wheelersburg, Lewis took the opening kickoff 94 yards to the end zone and then scored on a 65-yard fumble return later in the first quarter. He also rushed for 94 yards.
The next week, Lewis ran wild at Russell with TD dashes of 66, 49 and 45 yards — all made possible by excellent blocking. His other long-distance score came on a 68-yard punt return.
Gallipolis held Ironton scoreless in the first half last Friday, but Lewis found the end zone twice in the third quarter on a 5-yard run and 60-yard punt return. He gained 87 yards on 12 attempts and also caught a pass for the third consecutive game.
From scouting reports and video, Hart has watched Ironton opened up its offense the past two weeks after sticking to their traditional T-formation in the first game.
“They are doing a good job executing their offense,” Hart said. “Obviously, they are looking for ways to get the ball to Lewis in space.”
Ditto for Baker’s impact in his first high school season.
After Cody Watts was lost to a knee injury during the preseason, Baker moved into the lineup and became Ashland’s top rusher. He’s already racked up 466 yards and eight TDs on 67 carries.
The speedy Baker has a knack for making cuts off blocks and is quick to credit his teammates for opening the running lanes. He sometimes lines up in the slot and goes in motion to take handoffs.
The son of former University of Kentucky standout Al Baker exploded for touchdowns of 51, 11 and 17 yards last week in Ashland’s 47-7 romp over Russell. He finished with 227 yards on 23 carries.
Overall, seven of Baker’s eight TD runs have covered more than 10 yards. He can accelerate to full speed in a hurry.
“Quinton has tremendous ability and great football instincts,” Hart said. ”He’s getting more and more comfortable. He can make you miss.”
Luke Johnson, a starter on Ashland’s stout defensive line, stepped in at center last week after Drew Walters suffered a fractured fibula in the first half.
“Luke went in and did a great job,” Hart said. “It just whittles at your depth a little bit.”
Baker is one of many weapons in Ashland’s offensive attack, while the Tomcats put together their best defensive effort last week in smothering Russell.
Ashland has won two of the last three games against Ironton after the Tigers posted 17 consecutive wins.
Hart said the Tomcats can’t expect to live off last year’s 28-6 win over Ironton.
“I’m a firm believer that what you did last year does not make any difference,” he said. “Things change from season to season. Probably the team that doesn’t win has a little more motivation. Ironton is a very good, veteran team.”
ROCKY STANLEY can be reached at rstanley@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2671.
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Some days you are the windshield and some days you are the bug.
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