BY KYLE LOVERN
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
NAUGATUCK, W.Va. — Tug Valley defensive end Ashton Davis was among the leaders in the Mountain State in sacks last season as he got to the quarterback 14 times and had 44 tackles, 23 of which were for a loss of yardage.
In 2023 on offense, Davis added 221 yards and four touchdowns. So far in the first three games of 2024, the tight end has two TDs and has helped the Panthers to a 3-0 record. His defensive play continues to be strong for the Panther’s coaching staff.
Tug Valley is No. 2 in Class A in the state and the team has high goals of going farther in the playoffs this season.
Davis really likes playing on both sides of the football.
“I have started on both sides since I was a freshman, and not many remember but my eighth grade year was the first year I ever played football,” Davis said. “I always played travel basketball before that.”
“But I absolutely love playing defense. Defense gets me, and defense wins championships,” he added.
“I was blessed to lead the state in all four classes last season. That’s my goal, to target the quarterback.”
For Davis, being a leader on the team is something he takes seriously.
“It’s easy when you step on that field and battle every week with your brothers. We are a very close group and I am always there for any one of them. We play hard for each other. Once it comes down to it, it’s more than just a sport, it’s a brotherhood,” Davis stressed.
“They are great teammates to have, great athletes and they make big plays. I will always be right there blocking for them. I know when I see them get by I have done my job,” Davis added.
Tug Valley came into the week ranked No. 2 in W.Va. in Class Single A in the WVSSAC rankings and also No. 2 in the Metro News Sports Power Index.
“We are listed No. 2 on the WVSSAC poll. I think and believe we could be playing on championship Saturday. We have to stay focused, have the right mindset, and continue to work hard every day. I would love to win a state championship in football. That would be the first in Tug Valley history – plus I could add a ring and trophy to my collection,” Davis said with a smile.
“We have a great group of coaches that motivate us and have faith in this team. We all believe this could be the year,” he added.
Davis is also a big part of the Panther’s basketball team and helped them win a state title last March. He loves playing both sports.
“I have played basketball since I can remember. My dream was to always be a TV Panther. There is not another feeling in the world like putting on that jersey and running out to a gym packed out with ‘Naugatuck Nightmares.’ If you have had the opportunity to experience that, then you know exactly what I am talking about,” Davis said.
“Our team has played together in tournaments all over through the years and you don’t see that much anymore. Our parents have traveled and always keep us playing together. Some years we played basketball 9-10 months,” Davis added.
“We made all our dreams come true March 16, 2024, at the Charleston Civic Center. A little boy who always had this dream, now receiving my own state championship trophy and being named on the All-Tournament team. I will forever give God all the praise because without him I could do nothing,” a humble Davis stated.
“It still seems unreal, but I remember telling my mom the next day it sure feels good waking up a state champ. I am ready to hang another banner this year. We have what it takes and there’s not a doubt in my mind, we know exactly what it feels like, and boy it feels amazing,” he said.
“I want to take a minute to say thank you to the best fans. I wouldn’t want to and never ever thought about playing for any other school than for Tug Valley,” Davis added. “There is nothing like Naugatuck for sure.”
“I want to give a big thanks to my coaches in both football and basketball. The dedication and direction from them has made me the athlete I am today. They gave me confidence, believed in me and saw my potential. I will forever be grateful for each of them, as they all hold a special place in my heart. When the game is over, I will remember the life lessons they instilled in me,” Davis concluded.
“To my family – I can’t put into words how I love and appreciate everything you sacrificed for me to play the sports I loved. For your unconditional support, never missing a game, for cheering me on, and for my brother who pushes me to be better than I was yesterday. I was very lucky to have a high school career that I have had so far, and I thank God for it all – what he has done and what he’s going to do! Ahhh TV!”
(Kyle Lovern is a longtime journalist in the Tug Valley. He is now a retired freelance writer and columnist for the Mountain Citizen.)