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Massive first half propels Bulldogs over USV

By Dusty Donley

A massive first half and a strong debut from Freshman quarterback Seth Conley propelled the Bulldogs to a week 1 victory as they defeated the visiting Upper Scioto Valley Rams, 49-14. In just his first varsity start, Conley showed no signs of jitters, tossing for 315 yards and 4 scores.

The Bulldogs wasted no time getting on the board, taking the opening kickoff and moving 65 yards down the field in six plays. Big runs from Conley and junior Blake Ansley set up Ansley's one yard touchdown plunge. Freshman Aaron Everhart's extra point gave the Bulldogs a 7-0 lead after only a minute and ten seconds had ticked off the clock.

Strong Ada defense forced a three and out on the first Ram possession and a botched punt gave the Bulldogs the ball deep in USV territory. On its next play, second year head coach Bob Olwin and the Ada offense dug deep into their bag of tricks, calling a sneaky halfback pass. Ansley took the hand off and proceeded to launch a beautiful 33 yard pass to Senior Grant McBride who made a pretty over the shoulder catch in the end zone. Everhart's extra point gave the Bulldogs a 14-0 lead with 8:25 left in the first quarter.

USV return man Dakota Cornell brought the ensuing kickoff to the Ada 39, but the Bulldog defense once again rose to the occasion, as senior Nolan Roberts picked off Ram quarterback Braden Rostorfer, giving the Bulldogs the ball on their own 27.

A 42 yard screen pass to Senior Luke Long-Green set up Conley's second touchdown pass of the game, as the Freshman gunslinger connected with Sophomore Owen Conley on an 18 yard scoring toss. Everhart's third extra point of the first quarter gave the Bulldogs a 21-0 lead after less than six minutes of play.

The Bulldog defense again forced a three and out, getting the ball at their own 40 after a short punt, but the Ram defense stiffened, twice pushing Ada to fourth down on the ensuing possession. A 12 yard Conley quarterback keeper kept the drive alive early and the Bulldogs found pay dirt as Conley connected with Ansley for an 18 yard touchdown strike on fourth and two. Everhart's extra point gave Ada a 28-0 lead seven seconds into the second quarter.

Rostorfer was picked off for a second time on the next Ram possession as Senior Levi Bass snagged the errant pass and rumbled 48 yards down to the USV 10 yard line. Conley was sacked for a seven yard loss to start the drive, but on third down, he found McBride in the end zone for a 17 yard touchdown, his third TD toss of the first half. Everhart's kick gave the Bulldogs a comfortable 35-0 lead with 10:27 left in the half.

The Ada D once again forced a Ram punt, but the USV defense stymied the Bulldog offense on its next drive, forcing the first Ada punt of the day. A short kick put the Rams on the Ada 21 yard line and it took them three plays to capitalize on the great field position as

Austin Sloan scampered his way to a 17 yard touchdown. A failed two point conversion made the score 35-6 with just under six minutes to play in the half.

A nice kick return by Long-Green and a late hit penalty got the Bulldogs down to the USV 15. With no one open, Conley decided to get the job done himself, rumbling in for the 15 yard score. Everhart's sixth extra point of the first half gave the Bulldogs a 42-6 lead with 4:38 left in the half.

Bulldog Sophomore Weston Robinson recovered the ensuing botched kick-off, but on fourth down, Conley found himself under pressure and coughed up the football, giving the Rams the ball at the Ada 49 yard line. Four plays later, the Rams found the end zone again as Rostorfer found Cornell on a 32 yard touchdown toss. A successful 2-point conversion gave us a 42-14 half time score.

Conley would add another touchdown toss to his box score in the fourth quarter, finding McBride for a 9 yard TD. Everhart's extra point made it 49-14 and that would be your final.
Seth Conley finished the game 30 of 45 for 315 yards and 4 touchdowns. He also ran for 29 yards and a score.

Blake Ansley ran for 53 yards and a score, hauled in 5 receptions for 35 yards and a score and also tossed a 33 yard touchdown pass.

Grant McBride led the receivers with 9 receptions for 137 yards and 3 scores and also had 2 interceptions and a forced fumble on defense. Owen Conley also grabbed 7 balls for 79 yards and a score.

Ada begins league play this Friday, September 5th as they go on the road to play Northwest Conference rival Spencerville. The Bearcats are coming off a 51-0 dismantling of Leipsic. Game time is 7:30.

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