The Ashland Eagles came into Frost-Kalnow Stadium, remembering the bitter defeat of last year that kept them out of the playoffs. With this in mind, the Eagles pulled out a 38-24 win against the Tiffin Dragons.

Ashland did more than just avenge their loss to Tiffin last season with a win on Saturday afternoon. Their win, combined with a loss by Grand Valley State, positions them firmly atop the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference rankings at No. 1.

AU is now 7-1 overall while being an undefeated 6-0 in GLIAC play. The Dragons fall to 5-3 overall and 4-2 in GLIAC play with their loss.
Tiffin kicked off the game with the opening possession. This possession was short lived with a quick three-and-out leading to a punt for Ashland’s first possession of the game.
Ashland wasted little time taking advantage of this opportunity, striking first with a 36-yard touchdown run by junior running back Andrew Vaughn. This put the Eagles up 7-0.
Senior quarterback Travis Tarnowski made a rare mistake with an interception in their second possession of the game. The Dragons, however, could not take advantage as Ashland forced a fumble that was recovered by junior defensive end James Prater Jr.
The Eagles took advantage of this turnover by turning it into points after a 25-yard field goal from senior kicker Aidan Simenc. This put Ashland up with a 10-0 advantage with 3:46 left to go in the first quarter.
Early on in the second quarter, Tiffin scored with a 37-yard field goal from kicker Joseph Metcalf. The Dragons got on the board, making the game 10-3.
Vaughn helped to lead the Eagles offense on their next possession before breaking for a 30-yard run to set up Ashland for another score. Tarnowski connected with sophomore running back Keishaun Sims for a 9-yard touchdown to extend the Eagle’s lead 17-3. This was Sims first career reception with Ashland.
Ashland got the ball back after forcing another three-and-out on the defensive end. Tarnowski drove the Eagles down field before finding freshman wide receiver Logan Bolin. Bolin broke a tackle on the catch for a 29-yard touchdown.
With the score, AU now had a 24-3 advantage with 2:35 left to go in the second quarter.
Tiffin didn’t back down, however, capping off the second half with a 3-yard touchdown run by running back Jaquan Hardy. This cut into Ashland’s lead and made the game 24-10 going into halftime.
The Eagles began the third quarter missing on another scoring opportunity. Simenc missed a 41-yard field goal by kicking the ball wide right. Ashland would get the ball back after another defensive stance, but could not capitalize as they had to punt on their next possession.
The Dragons took advantage of their next possession, scoring with a 60-yard touchdown pass by quarterback Nick Watson to wide receiver Tyler Denton. The score put Tiffin within striking distance at 24-17.
Ashland responded by featuring Vaughn in their next offensive possession. He would help the Eagles drive down the field before breaking for a 9-yard touchdown run. This put AU up 31-17.
Metcalf missed a 46-yard field goal wide left on Tiffin’s next possession, giving the Eagles the ball back with 11:41 left to go in the fourth quarter.
Ashland again stuck with the ground game, slowly driving down the field. Sims would cap off the possession with a 33-yard touchdown run, putting the game out of reach for the Dragons. This made the game 38-17 with 6:57 left to go in the game.
Tiffin would get the last score of the game with a 45-yard touchdown pass by Watson to Denton. This made the final score 38-24.
Ashland finished the game with a season high 294 rushing yards to go along with 172 passing yards.
Tarnowski finished the game going 11-for-22 with 172 passing yards, two touchdowns, and an interception.
Vaughn led the way rushing with a career high 175-yards and two touchdowns. Sims also chipped in 93 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Sophomore wide receiver Stanley Jackson Jr. led the Eagles receiving corps with 49-yards. Bolin finished the game with 29 receiving yards to go along with his touchdown.
Prater Jr. led the defensive effort, finishing with seven total tackles, five tackles for a loss, two and half sacks, and a fumble recovery. Senior stud Austin Utter added in five total tackles, two and a half tackles for a loss, and one and a half sacks.
Simenc set a career Ashland record for extra points made after going 5-for-5 on Saturday.
Next Saturday, the Eagles will once again be on the road for GLIAC action as they take on the Wayne State Warriors (3-5 overall, 2-4 GLIAC). This will be the last regular-season road game of 2017.