[Hoot Gibson]

This is not a down year for Johnson Central by anyone's standards. One early season loss to a good team is not the end of the world and JC is a couple of inches away from a 3-0 start. Ironton returns a very strong team and they were very competitive with a great Moeller team last season.

Fortunately, JC has more depth at running back than ever, but Conley was averaging well over 100 yards per game and he was injured against North Laurel after two or three carries. Lawson is a great back but he entered the NL game with only one carry this season. A week of practice reps with the starting offense should help him shake off the rust.

Another road loss to a very strong Ironton team would not mean that JC is down this season.but I think JC has a great shot at beating Ironton. But JC's offense is very dependent on timing and it takes game experience for the offense to fine tune its timing. JC will make adjustments to get the ball to its many playmakers in open space.

I am going to predict a 7 point Ironton win but nothing will shock me. This is Irontons biggest challenge until the playoffs begin and it is a big game for JC as well.