High School Football Spotlight: Tayden Carpenter, QB, Ironton

1-In watching your basketball highlights it appears you are very talented on the court. You look very quick and seem to have a nose for the ball. How long have you played basketball?

I have been playing basketball since 1st grade.

2- Which team do you enjoy defeating the most on the court?

I would say Wheelersburg because they are our rivals and they are always a solid team and we both have a lot of tradition.

3- How much, if any has basketball helped you on the football field and vice-versa?

Basketball has helped with football like having to make quick decisions as a QB and football helps with basketball being smart and making good choices like shots and passes

4-In looking at your stats you had a very good season. 54% completion percentage, 19 TD’S, 6 Picks, and 1,331 yards. You also rushed for over 200 yards and 4 scores. What have you done during the off-season to become even better on the field?

We have been lifting every day since the day after the State Championship game. The biggest three for me personally have been 1) a two-month online QB Academy group with about 8 other QB’s from around the country that focuses on reading defensive coverages. 2) working with a QB coach where 6-8 D1 QB’s are working out. And 3) having a daily schedule after school and weight lifting that rotates between improving my throwing (accuracy and distance) along with footwork, drops & watching film. My goal has been to spend one hour after school every single day improving some aspect.

5-Being a lefty do you think it gives you an advantage over some defenses being they do not usually see left-handed QB’S?

I think it helps most with boots and play-action because most teams traditionally run strong to the right and it’s a natural roll back to the left.

6- I know the Ironton vs Wheelersburg is a huge game and it draws very well. Do you think if it was played on a Thursday or Saturday it would draw even more being it would in all likelihood being the only game in the area?

It’s always an electric atmosphere, but playing on an off-night would make it a game that most football fans in the Tri-State would try to attend. I’d love it!

7-You guys lost a great player in Reid Carrico, who signed with Ohio State. But you guys have a ton of talent coming back do you think you guys will be able to improve enough to get back to the state final game?

Reid was a once-in-a-lifetime talent and leader for our program along with the whole amazing senior class. We will really miss that class. Luckily for us, we have a ton of extremely talented starters in the upcoming Senior and Junior class returning that are working hard every day. QB’s always looked better when they have a great line, amazing coaches, and talented skill players surrounding them and I’m thankful and blessed that I have all three!

8- It’s 4th and four from the four with enough time left to run one play and you guys need the touchdown to win. What play are you hoping the coach calls?

We have a trick pass play that we ran only one-time last year but it’s my favorite…and it scored :). I can’t say anymore because I want to run it again this year.

9- What is the one thing you have to improve to take your game to the next level?

As an underclassman, the leadership has been amazing from our Senior classes the last two years. But they have graduated, so now it’s on the Juniors and my Sophomore class to step up as leaders and carry on the culture they’ve created.

10- As a fan and a person who has been able to cover games even with the covid restrictions it has been weird not seeing the stands packed, the bands playing and the cheerleaders cheering to a big crowd. As a player are you guys looking forward to the old norm coming back in 2021?

Yes! I thank God that we were able to play a full season last year. But, in a football town like Ironton, the players and the community both need each other and we missed that last year. My neighbor was devastated because she told me she has had season tickets for over 50 years and had to watch all the games online this year. Hopefully, it’s all normal this season.