By Dusty Donley
Ada opened up a 14-0 first quarter lead last Friday and never trailed in the game, defeating the visiting Columbus Grove Bulldogs 37-0 on Homecoming night.
Senior Aaron Everhart had a big game, hauling in three touchdown receptions to go along with a 20-yard field goal. The shut-out conference victory moves Ada to 2-1 in the Northwest Conference, and 4-2 overall.
The potent Ada offense started the scoring early as Senior Aaron Everhart plunged in for a 2-yard touchdown on the Bulldog’s opening drive. His point after kick put Ada in front, 7-0 with 7:11 left in the opening quarter.
Minutes later, after solid Ada defense forced a turnover on downs, senior quarterback Seth Conley would connect with Everhart for a 15-yard score, the first of his three touchdown passes on the night. Everhart’s extra point pushed the Ada lead to 14-0 with just under a minute to play in the first period.
Following an Ethan Swaney fumble recovery, the Ada offense again found themselves with the ball, deep in Columbus Grove territory. Unfortunately, stiff Grove defense thwarted the Bulldog drive, forcing an Everhart 20-yard field goal attempt. The senior’s kick split the uprights, extending the Ada shut-out to 17-0 with 5:57 to play in the second quarter.
Everhart continued his dominance on the ensuing Ada drive as he snagged a 10-yard touchdown pass from Conley after a short Bulldog drive. Everhart’s kick was blocked, leaving Ada with a 23-0 lead with just over two minutes to play in the first half.
Moments later, following another Columbus Grove punt, Conley would find Everhart for another 10-yard score, the duo’s third touchdown connection of the first half. Senior Erryk Katayama took over the kicking duties, and his point after kick was good, giving Ada the 30-0 lead they would take into the half time locker room.
Ada would go on to add a 6-yard Seth Conley quarterback keeper late in the third quarter. Katayama’s extra point was good, giving us the 37-0 final score.
Ada outgained Columbus Grove in total yards, 392 to 107. Ada had a decisive advantage through the air, throwing for 338 yards to Grove’s 94.
Ada quarterback Seth Conley finished the game 33 of 47 for 338 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. He also had one score on the ground.
Aaron Everhart led the receivers with 10 grabs for 95 yards and three scores. Senior Chase Sumner added 9 grabs for 87 yards.
The Bulldogs again take the show on the road this Friday night as they travel to Convoy to take on Crestview. The Knights (5-1, 2-1) suffered their first loss of the season last week, falling 49-34 to Spencerville. The loss created a five-way tie for first place in the NWC between Ada, Crestview, Spencerville, Delphos Jefferson, and Bluffton. Game time is 7 pm.
