Eagles Have Built Winning Atmosphere At “The Jack”

Eagles Have Built Winning Atmosphere At “The Jack”

This is the seventh season for Ashland University's football team playing at Jack Miller Stadium/Martinelli Field.

In that time, the Eagles have built quite the home-field advantage.

Going into Saturday (Nov. 7) afternoon's regular-season finale against No. 22 Michigan Tech, the fifth-ranked Eagles have tied the program record for most consecutive home victories with 11 – duplicating the marks set from 1928-30 at Redwood Stadium and 1996-98 at Community Stadium.

Here are some of the highlights of the not-yet-seven full seasons on Broad Street:

 

SEASON

REC.

HIGHLIGHT

2009

3-2

Win in first-ever game at "The Jack" over Michigan Tech.

2010

5-1

Most points, biggest margin of victory against Lake Erie.

2011

4-1

40-34 four-overtime win against Indianapolis.

2012

6-1

Hosting first playoff game at "The Jack."

2013

3-2

Seventh consecutive winning campaign at home.

2014

5-0

First undefeated home season in new stadium.

2015

4-0

Wins vs. nationally-ranked Ohio Dominican, Grand Valley State.

 

In all, the Eagles are 30-7 (.811) at Jack Miller Stadium/Martinelli Field, besting their home winning percentage at their two previous full-time homes – Redwood Stadium (66-60-7, .523) and Community Stadium (151-81-4, .648).

 

Remembering The First Game At "The Jack"

On a sunny, 73-degree day on Sept. 12, 2009, No. 19 Ashland University christened its new football stadium with a 34-28 victory against the Huskies.

The Eagles led 20-0 at halftime, and got a big game from quarterback Billy Cundiff, who was 23-for-33 for 307 yards and three touchdowns. Wide receiver Nick Bellanco had five catches for 121 yards and a score, and linebacker Quinton Scott racked up 12 total tackles, two tackles for loss, a pass breakup and a sack.

"I remember there was a lot of noise prior to that game, like there's a lot of noise prior to this game, that we had to try to shut out," Ashland head coach Lee Owens said. "Tech's always a tough team to beat. We had a good game plan. I remember the first touchdown. We threw a deep post route to Nick Bellanco. I remember the defense played really well that day.

"Ultimately, getting that first win here at the stadium was a big deal. We wanted to make sure we started the legacy of winning at home the right way. We've had a great record here over the last seven years."

 

Shaheen Going Where No Eagle Tight End Has Gone Before

Eagle sophomore tight end Adam Shaheen has had a season for the ages. His 57 receptions are the most for any AU tight end in program history, and that number is tops among all Division II tight ends in 2015.

Shaheen's catch total also is the most for any tight end in the NCAA this season, 10 more than FCS San Diego's Ross Dwelley (47).

 
 

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