The Ashland University football team’s season came to an end with a 34-33 loss to the California University of Pennsylvania Vulcans in the second round of the NCAA playoffs.
Once again, just like round one of the playoffs, the game was a shoot out for the Eagles that came down to the final drive.
Ashland opened up the scoring in the first quarter with senior quarterback Trevor Bycznski finding redshirt sophomore receiver Luke Brenner to put the Eagles ahead 7-0. Just two minutes later the Vulcans tied the game with a long touchdown pass of their own to senior receiver Omari Hopkins from 37 yards away.
Then the scoring went quiet until the middle to late stages of the second frame when the Vulcans cashed in on the ground attack with a 23 yard senior defensive back Eric McKan rushing touchdown. Ashland would answer quickly, as just two and a half minutes later redshirt sophomore tailback Ty’aris Stevenson broke free for a 47 yard touchdown scamper on a drive that started from the Eagles own one yard line. The game was tied at 14 late in the second quarter.
As zeros hit the clock before halftime the Eagles converted on a hail mary pass to the endzone. Senior receiver Tyler Davis hauled in the 37 yard pass to put the Eagles ahead by six. However, redshirt junior kicker A.J. Rhodes’ kick was blocked, which would prove to be costly later in the game.
Ashland came out of the halftime locker room aggressive, increasing their lead midway through the third quarter. Bycznski found senior receiver Tony Pannunzio for their second touchdown in as many weeks. The Eagles were ahead 27-14.
With three minutes left in the third quarter the Vulcans capped off an eight play, 76 yard drive with a three yard senior quarterback Davis Black touchdown pass to draw the game back within six.
The Eagles looked to seize control of the contest early in the fourth with another rushing touchdown, this time from 23 yards away by redshirt sophomore tailback O’lando Kamara. Ashland led 33-21 with 13:43 left to play.
The Vulcans found two touchdowns in just over four minutes, one on the ground, and one through the air. In a flash, Vulcans took a one point lead with 3:49 to go.
The Eagles used their time outs effectively and did get the ball back with under a minute to go and a chance to win the game.
Starting the drive from their own 47 yard line, Byczsnki threw an interception to seal the game looking for Panunnzio down the near sideline.
This would conclude the game, allowing for the Vulcans to make the next round of the playoffs and the Eagles ending their season.
Ashland ends the season as GMAC champions with a 9-4 record.
