NORTH CANTON, OH: For the second straight week, Walsh Cavalier Football is receiving votes in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division II Poll. The votes come on the heels of the team's 28-7 victory over Lake Erie last Saturday. The Cavs are one of 25 Division II programs that remain undefeated in the country.

This week, the Maroon and Gold are preparing for the Ashland University Eagles, who are also receiving votes in the AFCA Poll. The Eagles will come to Larry Staudt Field with a record of 1-2.

The Cavaliers have defeated the Eagles just once in the NCAA era. The lone win came in 2024, when Walsh defeated Ashland 24-10 — the last time the Eagles set foot on East Maple Street. This week's match up will kick off on Saturday, September 26, at 12 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here: Ticketing Information - Walsh University.

Head Coach John Fankhauser will continue to rely on quarterback Hayden Wickard and running back Jake Gill to lead the Walsh offense. Gill leads the G-MAC in scoring, recording at least one touchdown in each of the first three games. He is averaging 72.7 rushing yards per game, which ranks sixth in the conference.

Defensively, Eddie Nichols is averaging 9.3 tackles per game, while Terrell Grier leads the conference in pass breakups with six.