[nekysportsfan]

I'm not necessarily an "Ashland fan" but rather a fan of high school sports in our NEKY area. I'll try to comment on some of your questions, though.

Ashland's biggest problem all year was the lack of a consistent QB and passing game. This was evident last night. When things got tight, the starter threw an interception after Ashland had driven the field trying to come back. Ashland got the ball back, drove the field again, and tried a halfback pass which was intercepted. They didn't have faith in the starting QB. Ashland got the ball back again and put in the freshman QB who many thought should have been the starter all season. That seemed to be another act of desperation and unfair to the freshman to put him in with little time to play needing a miracle comeback. He threw an interception as well. The whole QB situation was handled poorly all year long, never more so, though, than in the final game.

I believe Baker had a sprained ankle. Again, I thought it was a questionable decision to throw him into the game hoping for a miracle with little time to play. I think O'Bryan played, but likely wasn't full speed. He was a very good defensive player this season, but who is to say if a 100% version of him would have made any difference.

Baker did show an attitude at several points during the season drawing some personal fouls and unsportsmanlike penalties. He also reportedly got into a fight at another teams scrimmage prior to the season. As far as Marshall knowing what they are getting, have you followed Marshall football over the past decade? This type of behavior will fit right in. On a serious note, though, hopefully he cleans it up because he does have an immense amount of talent. Hate to see a local product go down the wrong road.

Ashland basketball should be improved. There's nowhere to go but up from the terrible season they played last year, right?