By Dusty Donley
Behind a massive game from Senior wide receiver Chase Sumner, the Bulldog football team improved its record to 2-0 as they traveled to Arlington last Friday night and defeated the Red Devils, 34-20. Sumner amassed over 200 yards receiving and three scores, along with three interceptions in the 14-point victory.
Ada drew first blood late in the opening quarter when Senior quarterback Seth Conley connected with Sumner, who turned on the jets and took it 61 yards to the house. Senior Aaron Everhart’s extra point kick was good, giving the Bulldogs the 7-0 lead.
Ada would strike again moments later after a short Arlington punt and a facemask penalty gave the Bulldogs the ball at the Red Devil 12-yard line. On the ensuing play, Conley found Freshman Zac Swaney for the 12-yard score. Everhart’s PAT was good, putting the Bulldogs ahead 14-0 with 38 seconds to play in the first quarter.
Arlington would respond with its best drive of the game, as strong armed Red Devil quarterback Jacob Russell marched his offense down to the Bulldog six. After a timeout, Russell would find Caleb Price for a 6-yard touchdown. The extra point was no good, leaving the score 14-6 with just over seven minutes to play in the second quarter.
The following Bulldog drive stalled after three quick incompletions, but Sumner would intercept Russell on the Red Devils’ next possession, giving the ball back to Conley and the Ada offense. After a short drive, the Senior gunslinger again connected with Sumner, this time for a 14-yard score. Everhart would split the uprights for a third time, pushing the Ada lead to 21-6, which they would take into the half time locker room.
Both teams would open the second half with turnovers, but it was Ada that would finally capitalize. After Sumner snagged his second interception of the game, the multi-talented Senior would grab his third touchdown catch of the contest, a 22-yard strike from Conley. A botched snap derailed the point after kick, leaving the score 27-6 with 6:41 left in the third quarter.
Minutes later, Arlington would begin chipping into the Ada lead as Russell found wideout Ivan Berry for a 36-yard score. Russell then connected with Dylan Plunkett for a successful 2-point conversion, shrinking the Ada lead to 27-14 with just over two minutes to play in the third.
On the ensuing kickoff, Arlington pounced on the short kick, giving Russell and the surging Red Devil offense the ball on the Ada 44. Several plays later, Russell would toss his third touchdown of the game, a 26-yard bullet to Caden Fredette with only four ticks left on the third quarter clock. Arlington’s 2-point try was no good, leaving the score 27-20.
Solid defense from both teams kept the offenses at bay in the fourth, but following an injury to Red Devil quarterback Jacob Russell, Sumner would pick off backup QB Caleb Price, giving Ada the ball deep in Arlington territory. Conley would seal the game on the ensuing play, rumbling 12 yards for the touchdown. Everhart’s PAT was good, giving us our 34-20 final.
Arlington outgained the Bulldogs in total offense, 460 to 349 yards. The Red Devil quarterbacks were especially effective through the air, passing for 455 yards to Ada’s 284. Turnovers hurt the Red Devils, as they gave up the ball four times to Ada’s one.
Bulldog quarterback Seth Conley finished the game 23 of 40 for 284 yards, four touchdowns and an interception. Red Devil QB Jacob Russell finished 34 of 58 for 405 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions.
Chase Sumner led the receivers with 12 receptions for 212 yards and three scores. Zac Swaney added two grabs for 27 yards and a score. Aaron Everhart added 68 rushing and 25 receiving yards to go with his four successful extra-point kicks.
The Bulldogs return to the friendly confines of War Memorial Stadium this Friday night as they take on former NWC foe, Lima Central Catholic (1-1). The Thunderbirds are coming off a 34-10 loss at the hands of perennial power Delphos St. Johns. Game time is 7pm.
