The weather is colder, the leaves are falling and it smells like football weather nationwide.

For the Ashland Eagles, they’re just hoping they can smell a victory come Saturday.

The Tiffin Dragons (1-4) make their way eastward this weekend, looking to beat the Eagles for the first time. Ashland holds a 2-0 series lead, as the two schools met for the first time three years ago when the Dragons became a member of the GLIAC.

The Dragons have not only experienced defeat against Ashland, but have managed just one win in the conference since 2008, a 34-28 win over Northern Michigan in 2008. Tiffin fell to Grand Valley State last Saturday, 71-10.

Head coach Lee Owens and the Eagles are coming off an impressive win last week against Northwood and are looking to do much of the same this week against the worst defense in the GLIAC, giving up almost 44 points per game. Owens talks about not overlooking an inferior opponent.

“One of our goals is to be the highest ranked Division II team in Ohio,” Owens said. “This is the Ohio part of our schedule and we know every Ohio team steps up and plays us a little harder. We expect Tiffin’s best shot and there’s no way we will overlook them.”

Ashland’s offense, averaging 366 yards per game and 21.8 points per game, could be in for an offensive fireworks show this Saturday against the Dragon’s defense.

Sophomore quarterback, Taylor Housewright and the receiving core of Joe Horn, Christian Livingston and Al Dunson are clicking and Ashland’s running game has found a spark with the consistency of D.J. McCoy.

Horn caught seven passes for 100 yards Saturday, while Livingston, Dunson and McCoy scored four total touchdowns in the 37-17 victory over Northwood.

Despite their record, Tiffin brings some firepower to Jack Miller Stadium.

Brendton and Trey Williams are not only brothers, but lead the Dragon wide receiving core with 356 and 307 yards, respectively.

They have also combined for five touchdown receptions. The Dragons leading rusher is freshman, David McKnight, who has rushed for 298 yards and one score in 2010.

The biggest key for the Eagles this week is to stay focused on the task at hand and limit the turnovers.

Turnovers can plague a team and Owens hates nothing more than losing possession via mistakes.

“Nothing is more upsetting to our football program than turnovers,” Owens said. “We’re out there Sunday without helmets working on a ball security drill. We’re constantly talking to our quarterbacks about throwing the ball away and reserving the right to punt, not giving the ball to the opponent.”

The Eagles and Dragons will kick off at 1 p.m. this Saturday at Jack Miller Stadium, as the Eagles look to get back to .500 and keep their playoff hopes alive.