Eva Early and Brandon Briggs were crowned Homecoming Queen and Homecoming King on Friday night during the annual festivities at Community Stadium. Credit: Doug Haidet

ASHLAND — Ashland High School celebrated its annual Homecoming night Friday prior to its football game against Madison at Community Stadium.

Members of the Homecoming Court this year included Katelyn Aber, Nathan Bernhard, Rilyn Ajian, Brandon Briggs, Ellee Bowman, Gabe Baith, Eva Early, Reed Emmons, Adi Helbert and Blake McCarty.

The 2024 Homecoming Queen, Vivian Walter, also was in attendance, as she passed along the crown to Early, this year’s Queen. Brandon Briggs was honored as King.

Also during the festivities, Mateo Stephenson was named Mr. Football and the Ashland City Schools Foundation introduced its Distinguished Alumni Class of 2025. That group included Kristin Aspin (Class of 1997), Dr. Keisha Bahr, Ph.D. (2007), Connie Marble (Special Honorary Recognition), Steve Paramore (1999) and Stephen Yusko (1983).

The Arrows improved to 6-0 in the football game, beating Madison by a 38-7 score. Bernhard broke three Ashland records, including career touchdowns, career completions and career yards on offense, and was honored after the win with game balls from AHS athletic director Jason Goings that marked his 100th and 101st career touchdowns.

Homecoming court members Ellee Bowman and Gabe Baith.
Homecoming court members Eva Early and Reed Emmons.
Homecoming court members Adi Helbert and Blake McCarty.
Homecoming court members Rilyn Ajian and Brandon Briggs.
Homecoming court members Ellee Bowman and Gabe Baith.
Homecoming court members Eva Early and Reed Emmons.
Homecoming court members Katelyn Aber and Nathan Bernhard.
Homecoming court members Katelyn Aber and Nathan Bernhard.
Homecoming court members Rilyn Ajian and Brandon Briggs.
Homecoming court members Ellee Bowman and Gabe Baith.
2024 Ashland Queen Vivian Walter (left) celebrates 2025 Queen Eva Early.
2024 Ashland Queen Vivian Walter alongside her father, Jon Walter.
Homecoming court members Katelyn Aber and Nathan Bernhard.
Homecoming court members Adi Helbert and Blake McCarty.
Homecoming court members Rilyn Ajian and Brandon Briggs.
2024 Ashland Queen Vivian Walter.
Homecoming court members Adi Helbert and Blake McCarty.
Homecoming court members Eva Early and Reed Emmons.
The Ashland student section fills its area of the stands for Friday’s game.
Ashland quarterback Nathan Bernhard stands with his parents, Tricia and Matt, after being honored for breaking three AHS records Friday night.
2025 Ashland Homecoming Queen and King Eva Early and Brandon Briggs.
2025 Ashland Homecoming Queen and King Eva Early and Brandon Briggs, alongside Mr. Football, Mateo Stephenson.
2025 Ashland Homecoming Queen and King Eva Early and Brandon Briggs.
Ashland City Schools Foundation 2025 Distinguished Alumni, from left, Stephen Yusko, Steve Paramore, Connie Marble, Keisha Bahr and Kristin Aspin.

Doug Haidet is a 20-year resident of Ashland. He wrote sports in some capacity for the Ashland Times-Gazette from 2006 to 2018. He lives with his wife, Christy, and son, Murphy.