TIFFIN — It’s been a tough season for the Ashland University football squad, and Saturday was another challenging chapter.
The Eagles (2-4 overall, 1-2 in the conference) fell behind early and were never able to recover in dropping a 27-21 decision at Tiffin on Saturday in Great Midwest Athletic Conference action.
The Dragons (5-2, 2-1) took a 13-0 first-quarter lead and were never headed.
The Eagles cut the deficit to 13-7 when freshman quarterback Trent Maddox found senior fullback Austin Williams for a three-yard touchdown. Yet Tiffin countered with another score to make it 20-7 at halftime.
Starting the second half, the Eagles raced 77 yards in just four plays, and cut their deficit to 20-14 when sophomore tailback Gei’vonni Washington scored on an 11-yard run.
But the Dragons responded immediately, marching 75 yards in 10 plays and ending with a Pinnix touchdown run of two yards – making the Dragon advantage 27-14 with 9:35 to go in the third.
With 4:25 left in regulation, Maddox found sophomore wide receiver Jake McLoughlin for a 29-yard touchdown pass which brought AU closer at 27-21. But AU never got past midfield again.
Washington ran for 103 yards and a score on 19 carries, while McLoughlin caught four passes for 104 yards and a TD.
Maddox, making his first collegiate start, was 18-for-32 for 209 yards, two touchdowns and an interception passing, and added 35 yards on four totes on the ground.
Junior linebacker Michael Ayers followed up his big game last week against Ohio Dominican with 17 total tackles (10 solo), 2½ tackles for loss, a sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery against the Dragons.
Ashland will play host to its 97th Homecoming game on Oct. 23 at 1 p.m. at Jack Miller Stadium/Martinelli Field vs. Lake Erie (4-3, 1-2).
