ASHLAND — The Arrows and Falcons found a way to get this far.
Both Ashland and Hillsdale had their hands full last week, but managed to keep their perfect seasons intact with narrow road victories.
Ashland survived for a 33-27 triple-overtime win at Madison. Meanwhile, Hillsdale held on for a 14-7 victory at Smithville.
Both teams return home this weekend to face struggling opponents.
The Arrows welcome Mansfield Senior to town, while the Falcons host Waynedale.
Here’s a look at the matchups as the Arrows and Falcons continue their pursuit of perfection:
Mansfield Senior (1-5, 1-2) at Ashland (6-0, 2-0)
The Tygers have reached the playoffs seven times since 2015 and have been to the postseason five straight seasons starting with a state runner-up finish in 2019. The bill has finally come due. Senior High, which had 11 players sign to play college football out of last year’s talented senior class, has scored just 61 points through six weeks. Quarterbacks Jordan Ferguson and Braylon Patterson have combined to completed just 52-of-120 passes for 410 yards and just one touchdown with five interceptions. Mansfield Senior has struggled moving the ball on the ground as well. Isaiah Darson leads the way with 102 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 36 carries. Junior receiver Guy Trader has been a bright spot with 25 catches for 187 yards and a touchdown. Linebacker M.J. Bradley, who has an offer from Ashland University, leads the defense with 50 tackles despite missing time with an inured ankle. His 20-yard fumble return for a score was the only time the Tygers dented the scoreboard in last week’s 19-6 loss to Lexington. Defensive linemen Carter Kessler and Symirr Phillips have been disruptive all season, with 7.5 and 6.5 sacks, respectively.
Ashland quarterback Nathan Bernhard ran to the rescue last week. The junior scored three rushing touchdowns, including the game-tying 1-yarder in the first overtime and the game-winning 12-yarder in the third OT. Bernhard completed 19-of-35 passes for 239 yards and a touchdown in adverse weather conditions. For the season, the Division I recruit is 86-for-152 passing for 1,355 yards and 12 touchdowns. He’s also rushed for a team-high 342 yards and 10 TDs on 86 carries. Junior wideout Gabe Baith has been Bernhard’s top target, catching 32 passes for 423 yards and three touchdowns. Sophomore receiver Killian O’Brien has 14 receptions for 353 yards and four TDs. Speedy senior Michael Franz has rushed for 227 yards and four scores on 33 carries. Junior linebacker Gunner Lacey leads the defense with 66 tackles and 12 tackles for loss. Defensive back Tyler Sauder has 63 stops and an interception.
Waynedale (1-5, 1-2) at Hillsdale (6-0, 3-0)
The Golden Bears are coming off a 45-10 loss to Wayne County Athletic League heavyweight Norwayne, but gave Smithville all it could handle in a 19-14 loss in Week 5. Waynedale trailed Norwayne 10-0 at the half last week before surrendering 35 second-half points. Quarterback Maddox Kidd triggers a run-heavy offense that averages about 18 points a game. Running back Josh Yoder scored four touchdowns in a Week 4 win over Rittman.
The Falcons had trouble moving the ball on the ground against Smithville, managing just 53 rushing yards on 26 carries. The Smithies, meanwhile, gained 167 yards on 43 attempts. Sophomore quarterback Kael Lewis has completed 69-of-105 passes for 1,166 yards and 14 touchdowns, while running back Owen Sloan has rushed for 580 yards and 11 TDs on 92 carries. Holland Young is Hillsdale’s top receiver with 27 catches for 450 yards and six TDs. Hayden McFadden has 17 receptions for 329 yards and three TDs while Brock Bower has 11 catches for 207 yards and three TDs. Junior linebacker Brady Heller had a team-high 59 tackles, while fellow junior LB Aiden Hoffman has 53 stops. Jake Haven has four sacks.