Ash carries Tennessee Tech past Lambuth

The junior running back anchored Tennessee Tech’s (1-1) total rushing game for 330 yards, which included 8 carries for 56 yards and a touchdown by freshman Cameron Kirnes in his first college game.

The Golden Eagles pulled ahead in the first half with an 18-yard run from Darren Sanders and a career-long 51-yard field goal by Josh Foster. Ash followed up with a 48-yard run to make it 17-3 at the half.

Lambuth (0-2) struggled for 86 yards total offense, with only a 26-yard field goal from Evan Granier in the first half.

Lambuth made it 21-10 in the third after taking advantage of one of five Tech turnovers by recovering a fumble from Trey Bonner on the 24 yard line. Running back Kevin Haynes completed the drive with a 1-yard run for the touchdown.

But both Ash and Sanders scored again in the third for Tech; Sanders with a 1-yard run and Ash with runs for 1 and 6 yards. Kirnes scored on a 10-yard run in the fourth, followed by the only TD pass in the game, a 23-yard pass from John McCrary to Bryon Ottrix with two minutes left.

Lambuth had only five first downs and punted 11 times.