IRONTON, OH (WOWK) - Five Ironton football players are being recognized for their bravery after jumping into action to help firefighters battling a house fire over the weekend.
“It was honestly probably the biggest fire I’ve ever seen," said Jacob Hughes, Ironton Football Player. "And it just really shocked us."
What was originally curiosity, turned into shock, then determination as the high schoolers rushed to the scene of a fire, leaving their school dance, for what would become something far greater than any win on the field.
"It felt like another football workout," Hughes said. "It reminded me of football, how we jumped in, and we did it as a team."
Memories turned into rubble as flames destroyed a family's home along South 3rd Street in Ironton. Assistant Ironton Football Coach and firefighter Chris Prater said they were outmatched.
The fire was spreading to a second home and the only water source within blocks wasn't working. It was a tough task, but with the help of four freshmen and one sophomore, they were able to drag hoses to supply water, saving one of the nearby homes.
"I definitely got to give it to them that job is a lot harder than everybody thinks it really is," Hughes said. "Just carrying those [fire hoses], that feels like at least 100 pounds."
Ironton's Head Football Coach Trevon Pendelton said the display of teamwork off the field was the ultimate measure of success.
"We're always talking about trying to build better community members: better leaders, better husbands, better fathers," Pendelton said. "And I think that's a testament to that, that's a time they really showcased that."
For his players, jumping into action as a team was like any other time they suit up for a game with determination and one goal in sight, to win.
"If there's something that you can help with, and you know you're not going to get hurt, but you can save someone, just try to jump in and help as much as you can," said Lance Wetzel, Ironton Football Player.
A selfless act that shows just what the fighting tigers are about, helping others.
"Just because we didn't know them doesn't mean that they're not part of our community," said Bubby Kidd, Ironton Football Player. "So, we might not know people but they're still part of our family in Ironton."
Firefighters said they were able to save the second home with minimal damage, but the first was completely destroyed, resulting in the deaths of two dogs, a guinea pig and a gecko.
The Knights of Columbus Ironton 1405 is collecting donations for the family impacted. They’re looking for clothing, both men’s and women’s sizes, as well as other supplies.
Items can be dropped off at 2101 South 3rd Street. Their business hours are Monday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.