The Ashland University Eagles traveled to North Canton, Ohio to take on the Walsh Cavaliers and made another statement about why they are one of the best teams in Division II.

On the first play of the game, the Eagles defense forced a fumble on Cavalier running back Tai Carter leading to the offense taking over early in the contest.

Quarterback Austin Brenner found fullback Johron Johnson for a 24-yard touchdown to make it a 7-0 game early.

On the following possession for the Cavaliers, quarterback Tom Vatter threw an interception into the arms of defensive lineman Nick Cone. That would be Cone’s first interception of his collegiate career.

Now back on offense Brenner would find wideout Jake McLoughlin for a five-yard touchdown to put the lead up to 14-0.

After a three-and-out forced by the Eagle defense, the offense would get on the board for the third time in the first quarter. 

A long seven-minute drive would see running back Larry Martin pick up his first score of the game with a three-yard touchdown run.

Now down 21-0, the Cavaliers attempted to mount a comeback, but a blocked punt from the Eagles’ special teams unit would score making the lead 28-0.

The Eagles started the second quarter with a turnover on downs from Washington who dropped a pass on fourth and nine, and the offense continued to struggle to move down the field now led by backup quarterback Trevor Bycznski.

The Eagle defense continued to lock down Vatter in the second quarter. 

After dropping back he fumbled the ball in the endzone where defensive lineman Chris Julian recovered the ball for a defensive touchdown to make the score 35-0 with 1:30 remaining before halftime.

The following drive would end in sadness for the Cavaliers as they continued to remain off the board heading into halftime. 

In the first half, the Eagles were led by Martin who rushed for 52 yards and a touchdown, and wideout Login Bolin who recorded 50 yards and a touchdown. 

The defense forced a total of four turnovers and put a score on the board. 

The second half of action continued to be a stalemate between the two squads as the backups for the AU offense could not generate any real yardage while the Cavaliers were in the same boat. 

The second half also saw zero touchdowns ending the game 35-0. 

Backup quarterbacks Bycznski and Trent Maddox saw time in the contest, with the offense and defense utilizing their respective underclassmen. 

With the victory they improve to 5-0 on the season and 3-0 in conference play.

The Cavaliers remain winless and are now scoreless in three competitions this season. 

The Eagles return home next Saturday, Oct. 15, as they take on the Ohio Dominican Panthers.