By Dusty Donley
Allen East racked up 401 yards of total offense, but ultimately it was five turnovers that sealed their fate as the Mustangs lost to the Ada Bulldogs for the 11th straight time, 21-6.
With the win, the Bulldogs are propelled back into post season play for the ninth time in the past 10 seasons. Ada finished their 2015 regular season gridiron campaign with a 6-4 overall record, while going 4-3 in the Northwest Conference.
The improved Allen East offense looked impressive early on as quarterback Spencer Miller drove them deep into Ada territory, but a costly red zone fumble and subsequent recovery by Bulldog senior Blake Ansley midway through the first quarter thwarted any chance at Mustang points. After a quick Ada drive and punt, Miller and the AE offense only needed one play to score, as the junior gunslinger hit a wide-open Luke Perkins, who rumbled 82-yards for the touchdown. Caleb Baumgartner's extra point attempt was no good, leaving Allen East with a 6-0 lead with 54 seconds left in the first quarter.
Ada would respond with a 67-yard scoring drive on their next possession. Passes from Bulldog quarterback Trent Jolliff to Owen Conley and Blake Ansley set up a 16-yard Jolliff to Chase Sumner touchdown toss. Aaron Everhart's point after kick was good, giving Ada a 7-6 with 11:37 left in the second quarter.
Special teams put the Bulldog offense back on the field as Jordan Bailey recovered a live ball on the ensuing kickoff. Jolliff's legs got the Bulldogs to the Mustang 15 and his arm got them the score as the junior connected with Mason Klingler for a 14-yard touchdown. Everhart's extra point extended the Ada lead to 14-6 with 10:33 left in the half.
The remaining 10 minutes of the first half were filled with turnovers as both quarterbacks were intercepted twice in the second quarter. Neither team was able to capitalize as the Bulldogs took their 14-6 lead into the half time locker room.
The Bulldogs would score the only points of the second half late in the third quarter as Jolliff slithered in for a 6-yard score. Cole East's point after kick was good, giving Ada a 21-6 lead with just under 30 seconds to play in the third.
Allen East tried to respond in the fourth as Miller connected with Kain Foster on a 57-yard touchdown strike, but an illegal block in the back penalty nullified the score. The Mustangs were unable to recover as the Bulldogs would hold on to their 21-6 lead to win the game.
The Mustangs out-gained the Bulldogs in total yards, 401 to 311. The Bulldogs won the turnover battle as Allen East turned the ball over five times to Ada's three.
Bulldog quarterback Trent Jolliff went 19 of 32 for 193 yards, 2 scores and 3 interceptions. He added 112 yards rushing on 21 carries with 1 score.
In his final home game, Blake Ansley led the receivers with 119 yards on 12 grabs.
The Bulldogs enter post season play as the fifth seed in the region 26, Division VII bracket. They travel to Degraff Riverside to take on the fourth seeded Pirates (9-1) this Friday night. Game time is 7:30.
