By Cort Reynolds

ADA - In a key early-conference battle, Ada concludes the first half of the 2018 campaign Friday when it entertains tough Spencerville in the fourth Bulldog home game of the first five weeks.

A win over the defending conference champion would boost Ada's playoff and conference title hopes considerably, while a loss would damage both aspirations.

The surging Bearcats (3-1, 2-0 NWC) defeated Allen East this past Friday 27-15 to record their third straight victory. Spencerville has outscored its opposition 120-82 in four games.

They lost to unbeaten LCC 34-19 in their opener, but then beat Parkway, Perry and AE.

"Spencerville is very well-coached and I have a lot of respect for them," said Christopher. "We are going to have to play well and slug it out with them."

Bearcat head coach Chris Sommers has won the last four NWC titles - three at Delphos Jefferson from 2014-16, and last year in charge of Spencerville. It was the first outright NWC grid title (and third overall) in 70 seasons of Bearcat football.

Spencerville is 34-11 overall since 2014, including 25-4 in NWC play. The Bulldogs are 27-20 and 19-10 in the NWC over that same time span.

Ada (2-2, 1-0 NWC) crushed Delphos Jefferson 38-6 in week four to snap a two-game losing streak.

LCC is the only Bulldog/Bearcat common opponent thus far, with Ada having lost at the Thunderbirds 43-6 in week three.

Ada is tied for 12th in the current Region 22, Div. VI computer rankings with Margaretta Castalia. Spencerville is seventh in the Div. VI, Region 24 rankings.

The Bulldogs have won eight of the last 12 meetings, including eight in a row from 2006-13. The Bearcats have recently turned the tables to win the last four contests.

Ada lost a tight 21-17 game at Spencerville in 2017. The Bearcats edged the Bulldogs 22-19 in 2016, and won 35-7 in 2015. Spencerville also won 42-0 in 2014, the last time Ada missed the playoffs.

The last Bulldog win over the Bearcats came by a 39-21 count in 2013. Ada won big 35-0 in 2012, 55-21 in 2011 and 70-20 in 2010. The Bulldogs won 51-7 in 2009 and 31-19 in 2008. Ada also was victorious 38-18 in 2007, and 41-39 in a 2006 thriller.

Friday's game is Military Appreciation Night and at least 92 veterans, mostly from Ada, will be recognized on the field. Kickoff at War Memorial Stadium, where Ada is 2-1 this season, is set for 7 p.m.

"It will be a slugfest and a huge week for us," said Christopher.