MANSFIELD, Ohio – Madison’s Tyrell Ajian continued to show why he is perhaps the most highly-touted college football recruit in the area Friday night at Ram Field at STARTEK Stadium.
In one half, Ajian made the most of five catches, racking up 162 yards and four scores for the Rams, who hammered Orrville 49-14 in Ohio Cardinal Conference play.
“Our coaches call the plays, and we just execute them during practice and it transfers over into games,” Ajian said.
Ajian scored two of his touchdowns on Madison’s (5-3, 4-1 OCC) first offensive snaps, catching passes of 15 and 57 yards to quickly put the Rams up 14-0.
“It was a good feeling to jump up quick on Orrville,” he said.
The dynamic junior added his final two scoring receptions – 43 and 39 yards, respectively – in the second quarter, leading the Rams to a 42-7 margin at the break.
“He’s amazing and does everything that we ask him to do,” Madison coach Jamie Masi said. “He’s a very unselfish player, and he’s a really good teammate – we’re proud of how he’s handled himself all year.”
Personnel Pains: As positive as things were for the Rams, Orrville (2-6, 1-4 OCC) had trouble putting together scoring drives.
According to Red Riders coach Doug Davault, his team’s biggest struggle in the game was matching up with Madison’s athletes.
Making matters worse, Orrville came into the game down five players.
“By the time it was all said and done, we had kids in spots they’ve never played before,” he added.
Despite the lack of depth, Davault’s team managed 233 yards rushing against the Rams.
“We had some spots where we were OK, but like I said, we are so banged up right now, I don’t even know what we’ve got coming into next week,” Devault said.
Stats: Madison finished the game with 488 total yards – 280 of which came through the air.
Rams quarterback Tresten Vail completed 10 of 12 passes, claiming those 280 yards, and tossed five TDs. He also rushed for 86 yards and a score.
Senior Billy Buckley snared three catches for 35 yards, while Logan Childers caught one for 71 yards, which he took all the way to paydirt.
“We’re getting production out of other guys, and we’re able to make plays,” Masi said. “I think our quarterback distributes the ball very well – he takes what the defense gives you.”
On the ground, Madison was led by Kanyon Tackett, who had 11 carries for 91 yards and a touchdown.
Buckley and Roc Hood also snagged an interceptions apiece for the Rams.
“They just came out and played inspired football and just executed to the very last play,” Masi said.
Orrville managed 297 total yards and was led by junior running back Jacob Hershberger, who tallied 163 yards and a TD.
Austin Dorner added 105 rushing yards for the Red Riders, while quarterback Luke Smith completed 7 of 18 passes for 64 yards. One of his passes connected with Marcus Conway for a 31-yard touchdown in the second quarter.
Conway led Orrville in receiving with three catches for 34 yards.
“I think our kids came out excited – it was a very, very emotional night for them,” Masi said. “It’s the last time we’re playing Orrville, and it’s the last time our seniors get to play on this field.”
The Red Riders leave the OCC at the end of the season.
