|
Ashland Football
Weekly Report |
Game 6 - Mercyhurst (1-4/1-4
GLIAC) at Ashland (2-3/1-3) Weekly Opponents Stats Comparison (PDF) Computers have different memory capabilities. But no matter how much a unit has, there is always a way to erase some of that memory. The Ashland University football team needs to take that same approach. It would be great if the Eagles could clear their memory banks and forget last week’s 51-14 loss at home to Michigan Tech. There’s no way to go back and replay that game and the Eagles must focus on the task at hand – Mercyhurst. But in football, there’s no on-off switch that can erase and delete. Part of playing the sport is having a strong mental approach to the game. Of course the Eagles aren’t alone in facing this situation. Mercyhurst probably would like to hit the delete button a time or two. Last week, the ‘Hurst lost at home to Ferris State, 31-28. The Eagles get some added incentive because this is Homecoming weekend at AU. That always brings some special events surrounding the game and the opportunity to see old friends. Sights and Sounds of the Game Ashland Times-Gazette sports editor Dusty Sloan and sports writer Larry Stine will report on this week’s game. Their stories will run in Monday’s paper. The Mansfield News-Journal’s Curt Conrad will have a story in Sunday’s paper. For a complete look at AU football, fans are invited to tune in to the Lee Owens Show. That one-hour program airs every Wednesday at 7 p.m., on WMFD-TV in Mansfield, OH. Jeff Allen serves as the host of the program. The campus radio station, WRDL (88.9 FM), will do the MC-AU game live. Streaks and Strings Senior wide receiver Michael Hull (Cincinnati, OH/Sycamore) has caught at least one pass in 30 consecutive games. MC senior tight end Jeff Thiel has caught at least one pass in 36 consecutive games. Mercyhurst has scored at least one defensive or special teams touchdown in five consecutive games. The Series In last year’s game, MC’s Rob Keefe returned an interception 27 yards for a touchdown with 10:57 left in regulation to send the ‘Hurst past the Eagles. A defensive back by trade, Keefe had four tackles, a forced fumble and three pass breakups. He returned five punts for 38 yards, three kickoffs for 20 yards and as a running back, had four carries for 24 yards. His performance earned him the GLIAC defensive player of the week award. Ashland outgained the Lakers, 233-202 and held MC to 35 yards on the ground. MC had just 10 first down. AU kicker Austin Wellock (North Canton, OH/Green) kicked a school-record 50-yard field goal. The last time the teams tangled in Ashland was in 2002 and the Eagles were a 27-20 winner. Mercyhurst was in front, 20-14 at halftime. Ashland scored three points in the third frame and 10 in the fourth period to sew up the victory. J.R. McCoy rushed for 98 yards on 32 carries with two touchdowns and Wellock connected on field goals from 36 and 26 yards. AU defensive back Toby Stepsis had 10 tackles (six solo), one tackle for loss, an interception and a pair of pass breakups. Mercyhurst threw three interceptions and lost a fumble. Series Quiz (Answers at bottom of page, click here if you want them now!)
Eagle Update Michigan Tech scored on its first four possessions last Saturday night at Community Stadium and owned a 27-0 lead after the first quarter. The visitors led, 41-0 at halfime on the way to a 51-14 triumph. Ashland was outgained, 606-361 and on the ground, MTU ran through the Eagles for 371 yards. Entering last Saturday’s contest, AU had been allowing just 82.2 ypg., on the ground. Tech tailback Lee Marana gained 234 yards on 32 carries with three touchdowns. His understudy, Daryl Graham, contributed 105 yards on 14 attempts with two touchdown runs. Quarterback Dan Mettlach completed 10 of 15 passes for 235 yards and a score. AU hurt itself with 12 penalties, 11 in the first half. Most of the highlights for the Eagles on offense were provided by senior tailback Antwan Hart (Detroit, MI/Erie C.C.). Hart posted his third 100-yard rushing game of the season with a career-high 164 yards on 25 carries. He had a 55-yard TD run. Hart is third in the conference in rushing, churning out 112.0 ypg. He’s rushed for 563 yards and is averaging (5.4 ypc.). Hull kept his consecutive game reception streak alive by catching eight passes for 99 yards. The senior is eighth in the GLIAC in receptions per game (4.8). Sophomore quarterback Nick Strance (Willard, OH) completed 15 of 29 passes for 120 yards and one touchdown. The TD pass covered nine yards and went to junior tight end Brian Mong (Columbus, OH/Watterson). Last week saw the AU defense turn loose true freshman linebacker Brian Joyner (Lorain, OH/Southview). This was the first game of his career and he finished with 10 tackles (seven solo) and two tackles for loss. Joyner also had a fumble recovery. Senior safety Aaron O’Reilly (Columbus, OH/DeSales) had nine tackles (four solo) and a fumble recovery. Junior linebacker Brady Miller (Cincinnati, OH/Elder) had his name called on eight stops (four solo). The Owens File Prior to coaching at Akron, Owens was an assistant coach at Ohio State (1992-95). He joined the Buckeyes after a successful career on the high school level. Owens’ record on the prep level is 89-32-2. In 1985 at Galion High School he won a state championship and was named the Ohio High School Coach of the Year. Owens also coached at legendary Massillon Washington High School (1988-92) where he was 35-13 in four seasons. Owens is originally from nearby Mansfield, OH, and Madison High School. He earned his undergraduate degree from Bluffton College in 1977 and his master’s degree from Ashland in 1981. Noteworthy
The Quotebook Owens on the play of Joyner. “I told him he had to step up. Once he got over a little stage fright he settled in.” Owens on AU looking to break a two-game losing streak and coming off a 51-14 loss. “I don’t know much tougher it gets. It’s a real test of character to see if we can bounce back and see what we’re made of.” On Deck |
Series Quiz Answers
|