By Dusty Donley
Strong defense and a big game from sophomore wide-out Blake Ansley, propelled the Ada football Bulldogs to a 20-0 Northwest Conference win, in chilly Columbus Grove last Friday night. Hauling in 8 receptions for 153 yards and 2 touchdowns, Ansley helped the Dogs advance their record to 3-0 on the season and 2-0 in the conference.
The game started slow, with both teams pitching a shut-out in the first quarter. Ada got on the board first, after just over seven minutes of play into second period, when senior quarterback Matt Wilcox hit Ansley on a fourth and five for a 35 yard touchdown. The extra point was blocked, giving Ada a 6-0 lead.
Again, the defense ramped up the pressure, as both teams failed to generate any offense for the remainder of the quarter, leaving Ada with a 6-0 lead going into halftime.
The second half began as the first had ended, with both teams trading possession. Ada finally hit pay dirt at the 6:14 mark of the third quarter, when Wilcox connected with senior Spencer Archer on a 31 yard touchdown strike. Wilcox and Archer again connected on a 2-point conversion, giving Ada a 14-0 lead.
Ada took that lead into the fourth quarter, adding one final score, a 29 yard Wilcox to Ansley touchdown toss with just under seven minutes to play. The extra point was blocked, giving Ada a 20-0 lead, which would be your final score.
Ada amassed 379 yards of total offense, slowing Grove to just 63.
Matt Wilcox went 30 of 45, for 350 yards, 3 touchdowns and 1 interception.
Spencer Archer had 2 receptions for 54 yards and a score.
The Bulldogs travel to Ft. Loramie (2-1) Friday night, for a non-conference clash with the Division VII Redskins. The game kicks off at 7:30.
