By Dusty Donley
The typically high-powered Ada offense couldn't find its groove against a stifling Spencerville defense as the Bulldogs dropped their Northwest Conference opener to the Bearcats, 35-7.
Four interceptions and an injury to starting quarterback Seth Conley contributed to the road loss. Ada now finds itself 2-2 on the season and 0-1 in the NWC.
A Zach Goecke 51-yard touchdown run and a Wyatt Krouskop pick six got things rolling for the Bearcats early, as they would take a 13-0 first quarter lead.
The second quarter began much like the first as the Spencerville offense found the end zone early in the period. Chris Picker capped a 6-play, 60-yard drive as the hard runner plunged in for the 1-yard score. A Mason Nourse to Picker 2-point conversion put Ada in a 21-0 hole with just over nine minutes to play in the half.
The Bulldog offense would turn the ball over on downs on its next possession, but solid Ada defense would force a Spencerville punt. Conley and his Bulldog offense would capitalize, as the Sophomore gunslinger found Jordan Bailey for a 25-yard touchdown late in the quarter. Aaron Everhart's point after kick was good, cutting Spencerville's lead to 21-7, which they would take into the half-time intermission.
Despite lengthy drives by both teams, neither offense found the end zone in the third quarter. After a Bearcat punt early in the fourth, the Bulldog offense would suffer a catastrophe of epic proportions.
On the first play of the ensuing drive, Conley would take the snap and immediately find himself under pressure. The athletic signal caller scrambled to avoid the swarm of Bearcat defenders, but ultimately, the Sophomore QB would be hit as he threw, suffering an injury to his right throwing arm. Backup quarterback Trent Jolliff would replace Conley for the remainder of the game.
Spencerville would go on to score twice in the fourth, as both Calvin Wilson and Chris Picker found the end zone on the ground, giving the Bearcats a decisive 35-7 home victory.
Spencerville out-gained the Bulldogs in total yards, 434 to 154. The Bearcats rolled on the ground, rushing for 425 yards to Ada's -23.
Before his injury, Seth Conley went 19 of 35 for 177 yards, 1 touchdown and 3 interceptions. Trent Jolliff went 0 for 2 with a pick in relief. Blake Ansley led the receivers with 10 grabs for 74 yards.
The Bulldogs are home this Friday night, taking on unbeaten NWC powerhouse Columbus Grove (4-0, 1-0). Grove is coming off an 18-0 shut-out victory over league rival Crestview. Game time is 7 p.m.
