At the beginning of the year, the idea of a perfect season for the Ashland University football program may have been almost unthinkable by students and faculty here at Ashland.

But after this week’s fixture against Notre Dame College with the Eagles crushing the Falcons 65-0, the Eagles completed their first undefeated season since 1972 and the fourth in school history.

The game against the Falcons also marked senior day at Jack Miller Stadium, as 14 Eagles were proudly honored in front of supporting friends and family for their years of service to the program. They walked away with an amazing last regular season win.

The Eagles were flying high in the first half, heading into the locker room with a 48-0 lead. They seemed to be able to do whatever they wanted on offense.

Senior quarterback Taylor Housewright finished the game with 192 yards and three touchdowns on 16 of 23 passing.

“I got a lot of great guys around me,” he said. “We’ve got a great defense, great skill, great offensive line.”

The first touchdown of the game was credit to defensive back Jake Lerman, who picked off a pass by Notre Dame quarterback Ray Russ.

Within six plays from the Eagles Anthony Taylor had brought home the first six points for Ashland. Cameron Casey kicked the extra point to make it 7-0.

After the first touchdown, the outcome of the game already looked predictable due to Notre Dame’s inexperienced defense.

Shortly after the first touchdown, the Eagles scored again with an eight-play drive to take the Eagles to a strong 14-0 lead.

After the first quarter the Eagle’s offense had proved that the Falcons defense was in for a rough day on Fred Martinelli field, leading 21-0.

“They are young and struggling defensively,” head coach Lee Owens said. “It’s tough enough when you’re a better team that is having success to slow down our offense, let alone with an inexperienced defense.”

Running backs Antony Taylor and Jordan McCune helped run the Eagles to victory, gaining 255 yards between the two of them.

McCune led the Eagles in rushing yards with 178, averaging 14.8 yards a play, and Taylor scored a game-high four touchdowns, rushing for 77 yards on 16 carries.

“The play calls were right for the situations and we were able to execute it today,” Taylor said. “It’s all about execution on our part.”

The Falcons could not keep up with the powerhouse that is Ashland’s offense; the Eagles finished with 422 yards of total offense with only one play that resulted in a loss of yards.

Ashland now heads to the NCAA Division II playoffs after its first-ever Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship.

“Its defnitely an advantage to get a week off and then get to play at home… we should have a lot of support from fans like we have all year,” said junior linebacker Cody Bloom, who reached 100 tackles for the second season in a row.

The Eagles will play the winner of Saturday’s game between Chadron State and West Texas A&M.

The game will be held at 11 a.m. on Nov. 24 at Jack Miller Stadium due to the fact that the women’s basketball team is scheduled to host the Ashland Holiday Inn Classic starting at 3 p.m.

Tickets are $5 for students and seniors 65 years or older, $10 for adults and $15 for reserved seating. Tickets can be purchased on the second floor of the Troop Center or by calling 419-207-6163.