ASHLAND BLUE JAYS

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer

Since making the switch to 6-Man for the 2018 season, Ben Fox’s Ashland football program has been among the best in the state, posting a 35-9 record with five playoff appearances, two top three finishes, and in 2022 finished as the state runner-up.

That 2022 Ashland team finished the season 9-2 with both losses against Cunningham, one in the season opener 38-30, the other in the state championship game, 38-16.

Outside of those two losses Fox’s squad was dominant, scoring 50 points or more in each game with their smallest margin of victory against Cheylin in Week 3, 50-28. The Blue Jays went on to face the Cougars again in the state semifinals and doubled that scoring margin to 44 points, winning 78-34.

A major part of the team’s success during the 2022 campaign was the talented junior class led by now-senior Kale Harris, who was particularly devastating on the defensive side of the ball with 104 tackles and an interception.

“He is truly a sideline-to-sideline guy,” Fox said. “He is big and strong enough to take on blocks and stuff gaps on inside runs but what’s most impressive is the way he uses his eyes and feet in space. We are fortunate to have a group of guys who can make a great break on a ball-in-air, but Kale’s break on a ball carrier is standout and smothering. Even having to react to the offense’s first move, in two-to-three steps Kale can be ahead of the play.”

Despite dealing with multiple knee injuries early in his career, Harris was a major two-way threat for the Blue Jays. Lining up at both running back and tight end at times, the All-Stater gained 1,116 yards rushing and 298 receiving.

“I want to be a leader and someone to look up to, improve everyday and be better than I was on the field, and as a person,” Harris said. “I hope to contribute to my team as much as possible and see my name be in the All-State honors again.”

The team Harris hopes to lead has no shortage of talent coming back, with seniors Britt Grigsby (QB/TE/LB, 1,006 pass yds., 138 rec. yds.; 92 tkls., 3 INTs), Landen McPhail (RB/WR/LB/DE, 1,232 rushing yds., 531 rec. yds., 402 pass yds.; 61 tkls., 4 INTs), Gus Hink (C/TE/DT, 160 rec. yds.), Trae Vera (TE/C/LB, 194 rec. yds.; 64 tkls., 3 INTs), and juniors Lathan McPhail (WR/QB/LB/DE, 51 tkls., 2 INTs) and Peyton Betschart (RB/WR/DB) all back with starting experience.

“A key takeaway from last season is to go into every game the same,” Harris said. “Don’t over or underlook anybody or anything. Be prepared for anything and everything and stay close and united as a team. No one can do it alone.”

Fox pointed out offseason training, staying healthy, and a continued unselfish focus of the team as the Ashland’s keys to success in 2023, and with the pieces in place for another deep playoff run Harris’ team goals are much the same.

“We’re focusing on staying close, being a family, and making it back to the state championship to end the year with a win,” Harris said.