The Ashland Arrows claimed the outright Ohio Cardinal Conference Championship on Friday, as the beat Lexington, 30-21, at Community Stadium.
Ashland finishes the regular season 10-0 for only the 2nd time in school history. The only other 10-0 year was 2006. The Arrows are the outright OCC champs for the first time since 2011.
Defense was the story for Ashland, who had 2 interceptions returned for touchdowns in the win. Tyler Sauder took one back nearly 70 yards in the 1st half, while Michael Franz, helped Ashland stay perfect on the year, as his 65 yard pick 6 with 7:54 to go in the game - sealed the win.
Lexington moved the football well on offense all night, as Markale Martin had 2 rushing TDs, while Brayden Fogle caught a TD and a 2 point conversion. The Minutemen had 4 turnovers on the night, two of them went for TDs by Ashland's defense.
Ashland finishes the regular season 10-0 and will host a first round playoff game. Lexington (5-5) looks likely to reach the postseason and would be on the road. The brackets will officially be released on Sunday.
The game was broadcast live on WMAN with Aaron Hines and Erik Will (10/25/24)