The Ironton Fighting Tigers (KY) varsity football team is set to play a home conference game against Shelby Valley Wildcats (KY) on Saturday, August 23, at 8:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Kentucky High School Football
Who: Ironton Fighting Tigers (KY) vs Shelby Valley Wildcats (KY)
When: Saturday, August 23, 2025
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Where: Shelby Valley High School
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
A Tale of Two Teams: Ironton vs. Shelby Valley
The gridiron is set for an exciting new season, and two teams, the Ironton Fighting Tigers and the Shelby Valley Wildcats, are gearing up to face off. While the provided data shows a clean slate for both teams—a 0-0 record for the 2025-2026 season—their pre-season rankings tell a story of two different programs.
Ironton: The Ohio Powerhouse
The Ironton Fighting Tigers enter the season with high expectations. Their national ranking of 454 and an impressive 29th in Ohio place them among the top contenders in the state.
This Ohio powerhouse is ranked in Division I, highlighting its dominance within its state division. Ironton’s strong preseason ranking is built on a history of success, including a recent state championship victory in 2024. Despite losing their starting quarterback, the team returns key players like running backs Zayne Williams and Tyler Carmon, which should help them maintain a strong ground game.
Shelby Valley: The Kentucky Underdog
On the other side of the field are the Shelby Valley Wildcats. Hailing from Kentucky, the Wildcats have a national ranking of 7,551 and are ranked 107th in their state.
While these numbers may seem low compared to Ironton, they are ranked 10th in their regional division, a testament to their strength within their own competitive landscape. The Wildcats will have to lean on their experienced players to compete against a tough schedule, especially against a highly-ranked opponent like Ironton.
The Head-to-Head Matchup
The provided data indicates that the head-to-head record between Ironton and Shelby Valley is 0-0, as are their records in all other categories. This means their upcoming game will be their first official matchup in the 2025-2026 season. The game is scheduled for August 23rd, and for Shelby Valley, it’s a home game, which could give them a much-needed advantage. As they prepare for their season opener, all eyes will be on this intriguing interstate rivalry.
