LEAD Prep Academy Grinds Out 14-7 Win Over NCAA DII Ashland University JV

ASHLAND, Ohio - LEAD Prep Academy beat NCAA Division II Ashland University JV 14-7 on Sunday in a defensive battle, closing it out with a fourth-down strip-sack.

In the defensive battle, LEAD Prep Academy finally broke through in the fourth quarter with seven minutes left, when freshman quarterback AJ Dixon hit Ryan Davinney-Volpi, who came to LEAD Prep Academy from L’Anse Creuse, for a 39-yard touchdown on the first score of the game.

The defense gave the offense the ball right back. After LEAD Prep Academy forced a turnover on downs, Bryan Weathersby, a Northwood University transfer, ran for a 9-yard touchdown on the very next drive to push the lead to 14-0. The score marks Weathersby’s third touchdown of the year, complimenting his 400+ yards rushing.

Ashland got on the board late, but LEAD Prep Academy’s defense had the final say. On fourth down, Amare Banks forced a strip-sack fumble for his 11th sack of the season, and Christian Moore recovered the ball to seal the win.

Head coach Alex Grignon said the defense continues to set the tone. “We have a lot of great things happening on the field on both sides of the ball,” Grignon said. “Our defense remains our strength. We are solid everywhere on that side of the ball. Big plays give our offense the needed help often.”

He said the offense is still searching for consistency. “Offensively, we have so many kids doing great things, but we don’t have 11 guys doing great things together consistently enough,” Grignon said. “We will continue to work on consistency.”

Grignon also praised the team’s commitment to the travel schedule. “Very proud of all of our kids. It is not easy to travel to and from multiple hours every weekend, but they are doing it without complaint,” he said. “They are hungry for opportunities and are proving they deserve some.”

LEAD Prep Academy improved to 5-2 on the season.