ASHLAND — Hillsdale and Mapleton are keeping their fans busy plotting high school football playoff scenarios.
Loudonville might have an outside shot, but it would mean getting hot starting tonight against Manchester. Here’s a closer look at games for Ashland and the Redbirds.
Ashland (5-3, 2-2) at West Holmes (6-2, 2-2): After starting the season 5-1, the Arrows have dropped two straight for the first time since 2016. Ashland led Lexington 21-7 at the half, but lost when Lex offensive lineman Cody Sanders fell on a fumble in the end zone with three seconds left in the fourth quarter.
Ashland quarterback Mitch Heilman threw four TD passes and rushed for another score in the loss. After dropping back-to-back conference games to Wooster and Lex, West Holmes bounced back with a 30-8 win over West Branch last week. Quarterback Bridger Cline ha thrown for more than 2,000 yards and 23 touchdowns.
His favorite targets are Shane Jones (41 catches for 755 yards and 12 touchdowns) and Grady Hay (41-559, 8 TDs).
Manchester (6-2, 4-1) at Loudonville (4-4, 3-2): The Redbirds are still in playoff contention in Region 22 of Division VI, but desperately need a win over the Panthers. That will be no small task considering Manchester pounded Orrville 67-31 last week.
Running back Hunter Foster rushed for 223 yards, while backfield mate Ethan Wright had 204 yards and four touchdowns. Loudonville boasts a pair of talented runners in Brice Swindall and Alec Eldridge, who have each rushed for more than 700 yards.
Swindall rumbled for 190 yards last week, but the Redbirds couldn’t overcome a 21-0 deficit. Quarterback Dylan Polen threw for 96 yards in the loss.
