This Saturday, September 13, 2025, a premier interstate high school football matchup is set to take place as the Canisius Crusaders from Buffalo, New York, travel to Ohio to face the Ironton Fighting Tigers.1 This is a highly anticipated non-conference game that will have a major impact on both teams’ seasons and their respective state rankings. Ironton, a perennial Ohio powerhouse, is coming into the game with a perfect 3-0 record, having already secured impressive wins against tough opponents.2 The Fighting Tigers are looking to continue their dominant season and make a statement against their New York rival. Meanwhile, Canisius, a formidable program in its own right, is also a highly respected team with a perfect 1-0 record.3 The Crusaders will be looking to continue their undefeated season and prove they are a force to be reckoned with. The outcome of this game will be a significant indicator of each team’s potential for a deep playoff run and will have major implications for state and regional rankings. This showdown is a true clash of styles and a test of wills between two of the top programs in their states.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: High School Football
Who: Canisius vs Ironton
When: Saturday, Sep. 13, 2025
Local time: 1 PM
Location: Ohio
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Who Will Win This Matchup?
Based on recent performance and overall team strength, Ironton is the favorite to win this matchup. The Fighting Tigers have been on a tear, boasting a perfect 3-0 record with impressive wins over Shelby Valley and Liberty Christian Academy. Their defense has been particularly dominant, highlighted by a recent game where they recorded four interceptions, including two pick-sixes.4 Ironton’s offense, while looking to improve its passing game, has shown a strong running attack, showcasing their ability to control the clock and wear down opponents.5 The Fighting Tigers are currently ranked as a top team in Ohio’s Division V, a testament to their strength of schedule and performance.
Canisius, with a 1-0 record, has had a strong start to the season with a dominant win against Scranton Prep.6 For Canisius to have any chance at an upset, they will need a near-perfect performance from their offense and a disciplined defense to contain Ironton’s high-powered running game. While the Crusaders have a strong program, Ironton’s superior talent, momentum, and home-field advantage make them the more likely winner in this contest. All signs point to a convincing win for the Fighting Tigers, as they are expected to dominate the game and improve to 4-0 on the season.
Two Team Records, History, and Recent Results
Team History
Canisius High School: The Crusaders, from Buffalo, New York, have a long and storied football history. They are a consistent powerhouse in New York high school football, with a history of making deep playoff runs and winning numerous league and regional championships. The program is known for its discipline and physical play and has produced numerous college and professional-level players. Canisius has a history of playing tough out-of-state opponents, which prepares them for a matchup of this caliber.
Ironton High School: The Fighting Tigers, from Ironton, Ohio, also have a long and respected football history. They are a consistent powerhouse in Ohio high school football, with a history of making deep playoff runs and winning numerous league, regional, and state championships, including the Division V state championship in 2024.7 The program is known for its physical style of play and its ability to compete with top-tier opponents from across the country. The rivalry between Canisius and Ironton is a unique interstate showdown that brings together two of the best programs in the Northeast.
Team Recent Results
The two teams have had strong starts to the 2025 season. The Ironton Fighting Tigers have been perfect, with their defense firing on all cylinders. The Canisius Crusaders have also been impressive, with a convincing win in their season opener. The upcoming game is a critical test for both programs as they look to build on their records and prepare for their respective conference schedules.
Canisius Recent Results
The Crusaders are off to a perfect 1-0 start to the season with one dominant win.8
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Sep 6, 2025 | vs. Scranton Prep (PA) | W | 41-28 |
Ironton Recent Results
The Fighting Tigers are off to a perfect 3-0 start to the season with three dominant wins.9
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Aug 23, 2025 | vs. Shelby Valley (KY) | W | 63-0 |10
| Aug 30, 2025 | vs. Liberty Christian Academy (VA) | W | 42-3 |11
| Sep 5, 2025 | vs. Archbishop McNicholas | W | 29-7 |12
Canisius Team Upcoming Games Schedule
After their game against Ironton, the Canisius Crusaders will continue their challenging interstate schedule with a series of crucial matchups against some of the best teams in the region. The Crusaders will need to play their best football to compete in their tough schedule.
| Date | Opponent | Location |
| Sep 19, 2025 | @ Walsh Jesuit (OH) | Away |
| Sep 27, 2025 | vs. St. Joe’s (NY) | Home |
| Oct 4, 2025 | vs. Bishop Timon-St. Jude (NY) | Home |
| Oct 10, 2025 | @ Steubenville (OH) | Away |
| Oct 18, 2025 | vs. St. Andrew’s (ON) | Home |
| Oct 25, 2025 | vs. Huron Heights (ON) | Home |
Ironton Team Upcoming Games Schedule
Following their matchup with Canisius, the Ironton Fighting Tigers will continue their demanding schedule with a series of crucial league and non-conference games. The Fighting Tigers will be tested as they enter their conference schedule, which will test their state championship aspirations.
| Date | Opponent | Location |
| Sep 19, 2025 | vs. Jackson (OH) | Home |
| Sep 26, 2025 | @ Wheelersburg (OH) | Away |
| Oct 4, 2025 | @ Uniontown (PA) | Away |
| Oct 10, 2025 | vs. Fairland (OH) | Home |
| Oct 17, 2025 | @ Gallia Academy (OH) | Away |
| Oct 24, 2025 | vs. Portsmouth (OH) | Home |
