Louisa, Ky. — Ashland ( 1-2 ) missed a 41 yard field goal as time expired to tie the game as Lawrence Co. ( 3-0 ) held on for an exciting 24-21 victory in the Septemberfest Bowl Thursday night at Luke Varney Jr. Memorial Stadium.
2025 Septemberfest Bowl Champions
Ashland took the opening kickoff and drove into Bulldog territory before a tipped pass landed in Kaden Johnson’s hands and he was forced out of bounds inside the five but the Dawgs couldn’t convert and turned it over on downs at the one yard line.
After a scoreless first quarter Cavin Williams took a direct snap and found his way into the end zone for a 6-0 Bulldog lead with 7:48 left in the first half.
Cavin Williams flips the ball to the ref after scoring against Ashland.
Cameron Davis put Ashland on the scoreboard with a 5 yard touchdown run and Troy Barnett gave the Tomcats the lead 7-6 with the extra point at 3:18 of the second quarter.
Lawrence Co. drove down the field with under a minute to go in the half but once again turned the ball over on downs inside the 10 yard line.
One last Tomcat drive before halftime ended in another turnover.
https://youtu.be/ZpNDcQlMeIQ?feature=shared
In the first half Ashland had three turnovers and Lawrence County was in the red zone three times and scored one touchdown.
In the second half the scoring picked up with two touchdowns in six minutes for the Bulldogs with Gray Derifield hauling in a pass from Luke Fetherolf and scooting in from 20 yards out for a 12-7 lead with 8:14 left in the third.
After a Carlo Chicko fumble recovery, Fetherolf connected with Kaden Johnson for a 38 yard touchdown to make it 18-7 with 2:41 left in the third.
Ashland made it a one score game on a 20 yard TD run from Brody Simpkins and a Barnett PAT made it 18-14.
Early in the final period Ashland took the lead on Cameron Davis 28 yard TD and after a Barnett booted the PAT it was 21-18 with 10:57 left in the game.
On the ensuing Bulldog possession LC moved the ball down the field converting a couple fourth downs and finally Johnson bullied his way in from 13 yards out to give Lawrence Co. a 24-21 lead with 5:14 to go in the game.
Kaden Johnson fights his way into the end zone for the go ahead touchdown.
The Dawgs stopped Ashland on fourth down around midfield with a couple of minutes left but had to punt and the Tomcats had one more opportunity but the 41 yard field goal attempt from Troy Barnett to tie came up just short as time expired.
The Dawgs will be off until Friday September 19th when they host Class 5A North Laurel ( 2-0 ) out of London.
Ashland will host East Jessamine ( 2-0 ) on Friday September 12th.
Carlo Chicko makes a catch and looks up field for more yardage.
Bulldog Head Coach Alan Short
COACH’S COMMENTS
“…When I saw the two back judges waved ‘no good’ it was a huge sigh of relief obviously. We have wanted this and our kids have wanted it for themselves. Anytime you play a program with the stature and history of the Ashland Tomcats and come out with a win it’s really special.”
“… So proud of our kids and the effort they brought. We were not perfect by any means and we have a lot of stuff to work and improve on. And I’m sure any team in early September feels the same way.”
“… Defensively I felt like we were in a bend but not break type situation for most of the game. And when you create turnovers you usually come out on top. I did feel like we left some points on the board but we did enough to secure a victory.”
“… What a great night in Louisa, Septemberfest should be a little bit more enjoyable. I’m sure the team will enjoy the parade a lot more after a victory.”
“… I have to mention the community. I couldn’t tell you how many people were here but it was huge and very blessed and fortunate that we had as many rooting for the Bulldogs.”
See roster and schedule Here
