Ashley football tops Laney 20-17 in overtime conference battle

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — Ashley snapped a three-game losing streak Friday night with a 20-17 overtime victory over Laney in a conference matchup at Ashley High School. The game featured two programs led by first-year head coaches and remained close throughout the night.

Laney opened the scoring on its first possession, marching down the field before settling for a field goal to take a 3-0 lead. Ashley responded in the second quarter behind quarterback Raleigh Sutton. Sutton led the Screaming Eagles down the field before finishing the drive himself with a touchdown to put Ashley ahead 7-3.

The Buccaneers answered before halftime. Quarterback Joseph Stough connected with Emery Brown on a deep touchdown pass, helping send the teams into the break tied at 10.

Laney regained the lead in the third quarter when Stough connected with Kilby Theiss-Dixon for another touchdown, putting the Buccaneers ahead 17-10.

Both defenses also made key plays. Ashley’s Oliver Hartzer brought down Stough for a sack, while Laney’s Joseph Deffinbaugh intercepted a Sutton pass intended for Julian Morrison.

Ashley eventually pulled even, sending the game to overtime tied at 17.

The Screaming Eagles finished the job with a field goal in overtime, securing the 20-17 victory and snapping their three-game losing streak.