Lexington Looks For Tenth Straight Over Madison

Over the last three and half seasons of Lexington Minutemen football, the program has ended almost every losing streak it has had. This includes ending a three game losing streak to New Philadelphia just last week. Coach Saris, his coaching staff, and this senior class have been involved in some of the biggest wins in the last decade, and even beyond. But as each losing streak ends there is one streak that often gets overlooked, or at the very least doesn't get much praise. Lexington is currently on a nine game winning streak over the Madison Rams dating all the way back to 2015. Coincidentally, the only current losing streak that the Minutemen have also goes back to 2015, the last time they beat Shelby. Getting to 10 straight wins against any opponent is impressive, and very difficult, but Lexington has more than just a winning streak on the line at Esley Lane on Friday night.

One of the many goals that the Lexington football staff gave its players back in August was to win an OCC title. So far, Lexington has put itself in position to do that with a perfect 4-0 record in the conference with just two games left. The only thing standing in the way of a date with destiny in week 10 at home against Ashland is a pesky Madison Ram football team that has taken several teams to the brink over the last couple of years, including an overtime game against the undefeated and eventual OCC champion Ashland Arrrows last year. The Rams also took Lexington down the the last 20 seconds of the game last season, when Markale Martin caught the game winning touchdown pass with under 30 seconds to go. The Minutemen will look to approach Friday night like every game on their current six game winning streak and strike early and remove all doubt.

Madison comes in this week with a 2-6 overall record, losing the last four games in a row. The Rams have been dealing with some adversity this year with key players missing games, but when they are healthy they've shown that they can score points and make things difficult on opposing defenses, especially running the football. Friday night is also Senior night at Ram Field and they'll be ready to play spoiler one last time and ruin Lexington's season, if possible.

Currently, Madison sits outside of the playoff bubble in 22nd place in the region, but as crazy at it sounds, a win over Lexington would catapult them near a playoff spot. On the flip side, Lexington moved up to the three seed in the region after last week's win over New Philadelphia, which would be good for a first round bye, and a second round home game. Nothing would ruin that faster than a loss on Friday night.

Lexington has been playing well on both sides of the ball, but as the old saying goes, "defense travels", and the Minutemen have just that. Through eight weeks the Minutemen have amassed 25 takeaways on the defensive side of the ball, and held opponents to 20 points or less in 75 percent of their games this year. What makes this Lexington football team special, though, is it's ability to play complimentary football. As fast as the defense is taking the ball away, the offense is scoring. Lexington has scored 31 or more points in all seven wins this season and 41 or more in five straight games. Lexington has scored 325 points this season through eight games, the most in the OCC. The Minutemen are second in points allowed in the OCC, giving up just 128 this year.

Defensively, the Minutemen are led by Cole Eichorn with 40 tackles on the season. Joey Caudill is close behind with 38.5 tackles. Luke Triska and Cole Eichorn are tied with three sacks each and Joey Caudill has nine tackles for loss, followed by Luke Triska with 8.5 tfl's this season. Luke Triska has forced two fumbles, and Cole Eichorn leads the way with three fumble recoveries. The Minutemen defensive stats are rounded out with 15 interceptions, three of them going to Seven Allen.

Offensively, Lexington is led by its QB1. Joey Caudill has 1,571 all-purpose yards and 25 total touchdowns, passing and rushing. Seven Allen and Brayden Fogle are neck and neck with receiving stats, with 410 and 406, respectively. They have also combined for 12 touchdown receptions. Avery Crawford has six touchdowns to his name as well. Markale Martin, who got a late start this year due to an injury, has still managed to find the end zone seven times on the ground to lead the way for the Minutemen in the rushing category.

Lexington will try to keep things rolling along with its seventh straight win on Friday night and meet up with Ashland in week 10. You can't overlook anybody in this conference but Lexington has a chance to do something extremely special in just eight days, if the Minutemen win this week.

You can tune into fearthevillage.com with all of the action, beginning at 6:45 on Friday evening.