It was the definition of true football weather: cold and cloudy with strong winds. That was no challenge for Tra’Von Chapman and the Ashland football team Saturday, as the true freshman quarterback led the Eagles to a 27-20 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference win over Malone.

Pioneers (1-7, 1-6 GLIAC) quarterback Brandyn Echart had quite the first quarter against the Eagles totaling 107 yards passing on three completions, and scored a seven-yard touchdown on the ground that gave Malone a 14-7 lead at the end of the first quarter.

“Anytime you face a team that runs the option it’s going to be tough,” AU head coach Lee Owens said. “The team that executes the option well is going to be able to put a drive or two on you.” 

When the Eagles (4-4, 4-3) caught up to what the Pioneers were trying to do on offense, the game shifted in favor of Ashland. The Eagles outscored the Pioneers 20-7 over the next three quarters, allowing only 162 total yards of total offense. 

“The goal is always wanting to be the best defense in the GLIAC and the country,” senior defensive back Eric Schweitterman said. “We want to leave the message that we are the best and you have to do your best to score on us.” 

On the other side of the ball, Chapman led the attack. After suffering an ankle injury the previous week at Walsh, he had a banner day against Malone. Chapman threw for a career-high 235 yards, completing 20 of 31 passes for two touchdowns. 

Coming into the game the Eagles were last in the GLIAC in passing yards per game averaging only 145 yards. 

“I felt more comfortable, more relaxed,” Chapman said. “The coaches gave us a good game plan this week.” 

Confidence also played a big role in the freshman’s performance.

“Passing comes down to confidence, having the confidence in yourself, your receivers, and your o-line, that’s what it came down to today,” he said. 

Even with the windy conditions, the Eagles managed to exploit Malone through the air, which may have come as a surprise to most. 

Junior running back Anthony Taylor, who has rushed for 1,302 yards and nine touchdowns this season, was held to 93 yards on 39 carries against the Pioneers.

“They were going to make us win with the passing game,” Owens said. “We talked all week about how they would look to gang up on Anthony (Taylor).” 

Perhaps the most impressive stat for the Eagles on Saturday was that they were six of seven of fourth down conversions. 

One such conversion went for a touchdown in the second quarter. On fourth and 10, Chapman connected with junior wide receiver Dan Piko for a 21-yard touchdown with 6:34 to go in the first half. 

The special teams also played big for AU as freshman kicker Anthony McCarthy connected on two field goals, one from 28 yards and the other from 30 yards out.  

Saturday’s victory has to be a great sign for the future of Ashland football with two games left to play on the year knowing that the team can win without Taylor putting up huge numbers on the ground.

“We’ve got to find a way to lighten the load on Anthony (Taylor),” Owens said.

Still, Taylor has a chance to break the all-time record for rushing yards in a season at AU, set by Jason Schwalm in 2005. 

In the Eagles’ last two games, Taylor needs 193 yards to break the record. 

His quest will begin 12 p.m. Saturday when Ashland plays at rival Findlay (5-3, 3-3).