ASHLAND, Ohio – The (RV) Tiffin University football team continued its winning ways on Saturday afternoon, holding off a late Ashland rally to secure a 14-9 G-MAC road victory at Jack Miller Field. The Dragons improved to 4-1 overall and remained unbeaten in conference play at 3-0.
In a game dominated by defense, Tiffin bent but never broke. The Dragons surrendered just one touchdown and came up with two interceptions, including a game-saving pick by
Jeremiah Moore as time expired to seal the five-point victory.
After a scoreless opening quarter, Ashland broke through with a 19-yard field goal midway through the second quarter to take a 3-0 lead. Tiffin answered in the closing seconds of the half, capitalizing on a
Niko Bohler interception that set the Dragons up deep in Eagles territory. Quarterback
Kyle Antoine capped a nine-play, 34-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown plunge with just six seconds remaining before halftime, giving TU a 7-3 advantage.
The Dragons doubled their lead early in the third quarter. Following a missed Ashland field goal, Antoine connected with
Jaedyn McKinstry for a 53-yard gain to spark an 80-yard scoring drive. Three plays later, Antoine found McKinstry again for a 17-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 14-3 with 1:13 left in the quarter.
Ashland controlled possession for much of the afternoon and outgained Tiffin 281-197, but the Dragons' defense consistently delivered in key situations. The Eagles finally found the end zone with 2:15 remaining when Coy Hamic connected with D.J. Harvey for a 39-yard touchdown pass. Ashland's two-point conversion attempt failed, keeping the Dragons in front 14-9.
After recovering the ensuing onside kick, Tiffin was unable to run out the clock, giving Ashland one final possession with 17 seconds remaining. Hamic completed a 33-yard pass to move the Eagles into Dragons territory, but Moore stepped in front of a final pass attempt at the goal line for the game-clinching interception as time expired.
McKinstry had a career-best performance, hauling in receptions for 112 yards and a touchdown, accounting for nearly all of the Dragons' passing production. Antoine finished 8-of-17 passing for 127 yards and a touchdown while adding the rushing score.
Ronald Blackman led the ground game with 41 rushing yards, while
Daniel Weems chipped in 30 yards.
Defensively,
Lennox Williams led the Dragons with 11 tackles, while
Buba Bangura and
Isaiah Funches-Foster each added nine stops. Bohler and Moore recorded interceptions, and Tiffin finished with eight tackles for loss and two sacks.
The 'Gons will look to carry their four-game winning streak into next weekend as they return to Frost-Kalnow Stadium to host No. 14 Northwood University. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. as Tiffin aims to remain unbeaten in G-MAC play.
