One play removed from a perfect regular season, Ashland can’t wait to test its mettle in the Class 5A playoffs.

The Tomcats can reach the 10-win mark for the first time since their 1990 state championship season by defeating Dixie Heights on Friday night at Putnam Stadium.

“Any time you win 10 ballgames, everybody understands you are a pretty good football team,’’ said Ashland coach Leon Hart.

An impressive Tomcat defense will be put to the test in a playoff rematch from last year’s first round.

Ashland overcame a 10-point deficit in the second half to beat Dixie Heights 35-24.

“I’ve seen that thing (video) about five times,’’ Hart said. “They went up 24-14 with seven minutes to go in the third quarter and we had now slowed them down yet.’’

Ashland took over by scoring the last three touchdowns — two from fullback Josh Alber who rushed for 141 yards. Overall, the Tomcats racked up 376 yards on the ground.

Dixie Heights left with Ashland’s respect, however, and again is capable of offensive fireworks despite a 4-6 record.

“If you watch that video, you get a good idea of who we are getting ready to play because Dixie Heights has 20 seniors,’’ Hart said. “I would think they are the most veteran we’ve played all year, and the best offensive team we’ve faced.’’

Senior Ryan Wilson leads 5A quarterbacks with 2,230 yards passing, including 19 touchdowns against six interceptions. He’s also a dangerous runner, carrying for 677 yards and six TDs.

That’s against a formidable northern Kentucky schedule. Coach Tom Spritzky’s team ended the regular season with close losses to Covington Catholic and Boone County.

“They should be the No. 2 seed from their district (behind top-ranked Highlands) instead of No. 3,’’ Hart said. “Dixie Heights is unbelievably better than their record.’’

Except for a 52-9 thumping from Highlands, the Colonels scored at least 19 points in every other game. They average 27.1 for the season.

Ashland’s defense, however, is hardly in a giving mood.

Last week, the Tomcats held Boyd County to seven total yards in a 46-0 romp.

For the season, Ashland has outscored opponents by a whopping 356-109.

“We get a lot of credit because our offense is different (than last year),’’ Hart said. “Everybody likes it. We line up in different formations and move the ball around. But our rock has been our defense all year long.’’

The Tomcats’ defensive unit, anchored by senior linebackers Alber and Connor Swift, runs well and enjoys contact.

“I heard (assistant coach) Tony Love say the other day that this is the best defensive unit in the 16 years he’s been here,’’ Hart said.

Defensive end Colt Phelps and linebacker Dom DeMartino are other senior leaders on a defense that blends experience and youth.

Overall, Ashland has flourished despite losing seven players to season-ending injuries.

“It’s a unique group of kids,’’ Hart said. “Whoever is on the schedule is who they are anxious to compete against. They just love to compete.’’

Only a 29-28 loss at Johnson Central, coming on a fourth-down pass late in the game, kept Ashland from a district championship and unbeaten regular season.

Johnson Central is on a six-game roll after four losses to open the season. The Golden Eagles play host to Scott in the first round.

ROCKY STANLEY can be reached at rstanley@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2671.