By Dusty Donley
Behind 434 yards of total offense, tough NWCC champion Riverside rolled in first round playoff action, defeating the Ada Bulldogs 32-7.
The Pirates, seeded fourth in the Division VII, Region 26 computer rankings, racked up 361 rushing yards in route to the lopsided victory. The loss ends Ada's season, as the Bulldogs finish with a 6-5 overall record.
The Bulldogs scored their only points of the game late in the second quarter when Junior quarterback Trent Jolliff hit Senior Blake Ansley for a 38-yard touchdown. Aaron Everhart's point after kick cut the Riverside lead to 9-7, but that was as close as Ada would get.
Riverside found the end zone midway through the first quarter as NWCC offensive player of the year Connor Cotterman rumbled in for a 15-yard score. His extra point missed, giving the Pirates an early 6-0 lead. Cotterman would add two field goals over the course of the first half to give Riverside a 12-7 half time lead.
The Pirates added to their lead in the third as Riverside quarterback Trey Helmlinger connected with Hayden Robinson for a 63-yard score. Cotterman's extra point gave Riverside a 19-7 lead at the end of three quarters.
Riverside scored two more times in the fourth as Robinson added a 60-yard touchdown run, and Helmlinger converted on a 1-yard quarterback keeper. Cotterman only converted one of the extra points, giving us a 32-7 final score.
Riverside out-gained Ada in total yards, as the Pirates racked up 434 yards to the Bulldogs' 205. The Pirates ground game was unstoppable, rolling for 361 yards to Ada's 15.
NWCC offensive player of the year Connor Cotterman rushed for 233 yards on 35 carries with a score. He also kicked two field goals and handled extra point duties for the Pirates.
Bulldog quarterback Trent Jolliff was 13 of 28 for 190 yards passing and a score. In his final game as a Bulldog, Senior Blake Ansley had 10 grabs for 149 yards and a score.
Riverside advances to play top-seeded Minster.
The Wildcats (9-2) defeated Fort Loramie 37-7 in opening round action. The second round game will be played this Friday night at a neutral location. Game time is 7:30.
