Ashland, Ky. — After beating Ashland last season at home, the LC Bulldogs are aiming to win at Putnam Stadium for the first time since 1996 on Friday.
The Dawgs made the three hour trip to Lancaster and came away with a 42-6 victory over Lincoln County behind Golden Lion Bowl MVP Kaden Johnson who was making his first career start under center.
This week the Bulldogs will make the 40 minute drive looking for back to back victories over Ashland after beating the Tomcats 24-21 at Luke Varney Jr. Memorial Stadium.
Both teams are 2-0 with Ashland winning at Raceland 28-21 in OT the first week and then beating Class 6A Tates Creek 49-27 at Home.
The Dawgs have outscored Martin Co. and Lincoln Co. 79-13 with both games implementing the running clock rule and the first team defense not allowing a point.
In the first half alone in the win over Lincoln County. The Bulldogs amassed over 370 of total offense led by Johnson with 142 yards on 3 carries with two touchdowns and he added a two point conversion. He was also 2-2 passing for 24 yards with both passes going to Gray Derifield.
Caven Williams rushed the ball 9 times for 97 yards and 2 touchdowns, Derifield took his only carry of the game to the house from 90 yards out, Andrew Ratcliffe had 1 carry for 13 yards and Chandler Preece carried it one time for 7 yards.
Lawrence Co. will have a much tougher opponent Friday and will have to play a full four quarters to come away with the win over the Tomcats.
The Bulldog defense has been lights out so far but will face their biggest test of the season this Friday. The Tomcats have scored 77 points in two victories and have been clicking on all cylinders in 2026.
Last season in Louisa the Bulldogs forced five turnovers and a missed field goal attempt at the horn to secure victory.
2026 Bulldog Defensive and Offensive Line
Standing L to R Ethan Preece, William Montgomery, Caleb Maxie, Max Bartley, Beau Blair, Hayden Thomas, Derek Medlin, Maddox Fletcher, Carson Fraley, Ty Brooks, Bryson Carter, Connor Bailey, Hunter Crum, Wes Booth
Kneeling L to R Riley Scaggs, Bentley Clark, Brennan Blankenship, Cayden Boggs, Braden McGranahan, Maddox Dancer, Colbie Prince
Lawrence County has played a ton of players so far on defense and have been able to keep the defensive line fresh with the heat and the level of competition rising this will be a real challenge Friday.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 at Putnam Stadium which is right behind Ashland Middle School.
