When the Ashland Arrows took the field in the fall of 2006, the expectation was modest, but the outcome would rewrite the program’s narrative. A 12‑0 regular season, crowned with 20 first‑place votes in the Division II state poll, marked the first time the team had ever reached the pinnacle of its classification.
The 2006 Season: A Perfect Run
The Arrows finished the year ranked No. 2 in the Division V poll, the second such achievement in the region’s football history after Black River’s 1977 Class A title. The season also coincided with the school’s centennial celebration, drawing attention from the city council and local media alike.
Four coaches from that historic staff — Scott Valentine, Carl White, Jim Deppen, and Scott Sauder — remain on the Ashland High School coaching roster, ensuring that the playbooks and philosophies of that era continue to shape today’s players.
Echoes in the Present
Alumni such as Dusty Sloan, a 1995 graduate who later became Ashland University’s director of athletic communications, chronicled the team’s feats for the Ashland Times‑Gazette. Chris Snow, a senior tackler that year, recalled his belief that the squad could finish 10‑0 and claim a state title.
The season’s impact extended beyond the gridiron. The Sweet 16 dance team celebrated its 50th anniversary, while the All‑Sports Booster Club funded an $185,000 weight‑room upgrade and oversaw the installation of artificial turf at Community Stadium, a first for local high school football.
A Community Transformed
Rick Brindley, then athletic director, coordinated the ProGrass turf project, which gave the stadium a modern surface that attracted more games and events. The upgrade was part of a broader push that saw the city’s development accelerate around the stadium’s vicinity.
The legacy of the 2006 team is also preserved in memorabilia. Scott Valentine and defensive coordinator Dan Fuller each received championship rings, the only such rings awarded for high school football in the school’s history.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
Today, the Arrows’ 152‑74 record since 2006, nine league titles, and 14 playoff appearances stand as a testament to a culture of excellence. The story continues to inspire new generations, from the players on the field to the community members who cheer from the stands.