By Dusty Donley
Two late Ada touchdowns secured a tightly contested non-conference win as the visiting Bulldogs defeated the Arlington Red Devils 28-14.
Despite a paltry 54 yards of total offense, two second half defensive touchdowns kept Arlington in the game. Aaron Everhart's pick six with under two minutes to play sealed the game for the Dogs, upping their season record to 2-0.
Defense was the key for both teams in the first quarter as neither offense found the end zone in the first 12 minutes. The defensive stalemate was broken on the first play of the second quarter as Sophomore gunslinger Seth Conley found Trent Joliff for a 3-yard score. Sophomore Aaron Everhart's extra point capped a 79-yard drive and gave the Bulldogs a 7-0 lead.
Both defenses again took control as neither offense was able to find a rhythm for the bulk of the second quarter.
After several punts from both teams, the Bulldog offense was finally able to put together a solid drive. Fueled by the active legs of quarterback Conley, the Dogs marched 64-yards, finding pay dirt on a 1-yard Mason Klingler run. Everhart's point after kick gave the Bulldogs a 14-0 lead that they would take into the halftime locker room.
After forcing an Arlington punt early in the third quarter, the Ada offense found themselves in a hole as penalties forced them into a second and 52 situation. Capitalizing on the obvious passing down, Red Devil defender Logan Speyer intercepted Conley's throw and rumbled his way in for the pick six. The extra point slashed the Ada lead to 14-7 with 8:50 remaining in the third.
Penalties once again put Ada into a long passing situation on its next drive. Conley took the snap, but was hit on his blind side, forcing a fumble. Red Devil Kyle McDowell scooped up the loose ball and took it in for Arlington's second defensive touchdown in five minutes. The extra point knotted the game at 14-14 with just under 4 minutes to play in the third quarter.
After punting on a third and 30 situation, Sophomore Bulldog defender Chase Sumner picked off Red Devil quarterback Caleb Price deep in Arlington territory. The Ada offense used a little trickery to capitalize on the great field position, as Senior Blake Ansley took a pitch from Conley and tossed a perfect 30-yard strike to Jordan Bailey for the score. Everhart's point after kick put Ada back in the lead at 21-14 with 5:21 to play in the fourth quarter.
A turnover on downs on the next Arlington possession put the Ada offense in a position to pad their lead, but Everhart's field goal attempt on fourth and six was blocked, giving the Red Devils another chance to tie the score.
After a 10-yard completion, Aaron Everhart made the play of the game, intercepting Price and slicing and dicing his way to a pick six. Senior Cole East added the point after, giving the Bulldogs the 28-14 lead and that would be your final score.
The Bulldogs out-gained the Red Devils 415 yards of total offense to 54. The stout Bulldog defense held Arlington to -14 yards rushing for the game.
Bulldog quarterback Seth Conley went 29 of 46 for 256 yards, 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions. He added 72 yards on the ground on 20 attempts.
Blake Ansley led the receivers with 104 yards receiving on 12 grabs. Trent Joliff added 6 receptions for 63 yards and a score.
The Bulldogs (2-0) will take on LCC (1-1) this Friday night in their home opener. The Thunderbirds are coming off a 46-21 victory over winless Delphos St John's. Game time is 7:30 p.m.
