IRONTON — Nolan Buirley and his Big Walnut teammates found a way against all odds.
And they did it on hallowed ground in what some are calling the game of the year so far in Ohio high school football.
The Golden Eagles rallied for an improbable 47-40 overtime win over Ironton at legendary Tanks Memorial Stadium on Friday, overcoming a 40-25 fourth-quarter deficit to hand the Fighting Tigers their first home loss since 2021.
The Northwestern-bound Buirley was a big reason why. He hauled in a 22-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Eli Stumpf with 2:04 remaining to make it 40-38. Stumpf then hooked up with Gavin Harrington on the two-point conversion pass to pull the Golden Eagles (6-0) even.
Big Walnut got the ball first in overtime and Buirley scored what proved to be the game-winner on a 1-yard run.
“Actually, on that last play we were supposed to run a quarterback sneak,” Buirley said. “Eli checked to outside zone. The problem was I didn’t know if it was supposed to be a toss or a handoff and I bobbled it a little bit.
“It was a great check by Eli. I trust him so much.”
Defense
Buirley, who will play linebacker at the collegiate level, has been used sparingly on defense through the first half of the season. He played both ways in the fourth quarter and overtime and had a hand in the game-deciding play.
The Fighting Tigers (5-1) were faced with a fourth-and-goal from the 20 and as quarterback Wyatt Wolfe dropped back to pass, Buirley blitzed and forced him to step up in the pocket. Defensive end Jackson Bowers was waiting for him and knocked the ball loose to end the game.
“The tackle was a little slower, so I speed-rushed,” Buirley said. “I tripped him up and (Bowers) cleaned it up. Once I saw the ball on the ground, I had a tear in my eye.”
Big Walnut coach Curtis Crager wasn’t surprised to see Buirley disrupt the Ironton offense.
“He’s a phenomenal athlete and I don’t think they were quite ready for his quickness off the line,” Crager said. “We haven’t used him much at all this year, but we sure needed him tonight.”
Firepower
Stumpf, a Michigan State recruit, completed 24-of-29 passes for 300 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for a pair of scores.
“We knew how good they were coming in, but we all just stayed together,” Stumpf said. “As long as we have the football, we’re going to make something happen.”
Streak-Buster
Ironton’s last home loss came on Sept. 10, 2021 against Cincinnati Moeller.
“Wow, this is a tough place to play,” Crager said. “They play hard and they’re physical.
“They were physical, well-coached and very disciplined. We just happened to make one more play at the end.”
