The Mount Vernon Yellow Jackets fell behind 21-7 in the first half and 24-7 at halftime before falling to the Ashland Arrows Friday night, 31-14, at Yellow Jacket Stadium in Mount Vernon.

Mount Vernon scored first, on a six yard run by senior Jonny Askew with 7:14 to go in the first quarter.

But the Arrows struck back quickly, with quarterback Nathan Bernhard scoring on a nine yard keeper with 4:46 remaining in the quarter.

With 11:09 remaining in the second quarter, Bernhard gave Ashland the lead for good, throwing a 31 yard touchdown on fourth and 3, connecting with junior wide receiver Michael Franz.

Bernhard's second rushing touchdown of the game came with 4:07 left in the first half, a four yard keeper.

Mount Vernon's sophomore quarterback Mason Richards got the Yellow Jackets within ten, completing an eight yard touchdown pass with 1:47 to go in the third. 

But Bernhard, a 6'5, 210 pound sophomore, who already has scholarship offers from Penn State, Iowa State and Louisville, proved too much. 

He led Ashland on another touchdown drive with 6:19 remaining that extended its lead to three scores. Hayden DiPuccio found paydirt for the Arrows from four yards out to give them a 31-14 lead.

It was Ashland's eighth straight victory over the Yellow Jackets, winning 53-7 last season, 35-17 in 2021, 39-6 in 2020, 42-27 in 2019, 41-13 in 2018, 35-21 in 2017, and 49-36 in 2016.

The Mount Vernon fell to 1-4 on the season, its fourth straight loss following a 45-20 season opening win versus Marion Harding. 

Next week, the Yellow Jackets travel to New Philadelphia to face the Quakers (3-2), 35-14 losers to Mansfield Senior on Friday night.

Ashland improved to 3-2. Next week it hosts Madison Comprehensive (0-5).