Story by Dusty Donley - photos by Cort Reynolds
Ada jumped out to an early 20-0 lead last Friday night and never looked back, defeating the visiting Bluffton Pirates 42-17. Senior quarterback Seth Conley lit up the night sky, tossing for 450 yards and five touchdowns in the Northwest Conference victory. The win moves the Bulldogs to 6-3 overall and 4-2 in the NWC.
The Bulldogs opened the game with a scoring drive, as Conley hit senior Chase Sumner for a 25-yard score, the first of the duo’s three touchdown connections. Senior Aaron Everhart’s extra point kick was good, putting Ada ahead 7-0 with 8:55 left in the first quarter.
Following a short Bluffton punt, the Bulldog offense found the end zone for a second time as Aaron Everhart plunged in for a one-yard touchdown run. Everhart’s point after kick was no good, leaving Ada with a 13-0 lead with just over five minutes to play in the opening quarter.
After a fourth and six pass attempt fell incomplete for the Pirates, Conley would capitalize as the senior gunslinger connected with “Mr. Friday Night” Chase Sumner who sliced and diced his way to a 67-yard touchdown. Everhart’s extra point kick was good, pushing the Ada lead to 20-0 with only 20 seconds off the second quarter clock.
Bluffton would respond with a 33-yard Kyle Koontz field goal on their next possession. The successful kick reduced the Bulldog lead to 20-3 with just over nine minutes to play in the second quarter.
Chase Sumner would take the ensuing kick past midfield, setting up the Bulldog offense in Pirate territory. Moments later, Conley would find Everhart who rumbled in for the 22-yard score. The DIY senior wasn’t done, as Everhart would take the handoff and score a 2-point conversion, giving the Bulldogs a comfortable 28-3 lead 7:48 left in the first half.
Pirate quarterback Dakoda Bricker would add a 17-yard touchdown pass to Kaleb Jefferson late in the quarter to give the Bulldogs a 28-10 halftime lead.
Seth Conley would add two more touchdown throws in the second half. The first came in the third quarter when he found Chase Sumner for a 1-yard score. The second came late in the fourth when he found Freshman Zac Swaney for a 27-yard touchdown. Bluffton also added a fourth quarter touchdown as Kaleb Jefferson ran for a 5-yard score, to give us our 42-17 final.
The Bulldogs outgained the Pirates in total yards 558 to 311. Ada crushed Bluffton through the air, throwing for 450 yards to the Pirates’ 45.
Bulldog quarterback Seth Conley finished the game 24 of 37 for 450 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception. He added 71 yards rushing on nine attempts.
Chase Sumner led the receivers with 11 grabs for 184 yards and three scores. Aaron Everhart pulled down 8 catches for 149 yards and one score. Everhart also added a score on the ground.
The Bulldogs close out the regular season campaign at home this Friday night as they take on NWC rival Allen East. The Mustangs (2-7, 1-5) are coming off a 27-21 loss to Columbus Grove. Still in playoff contention, this is a must win for the Bulldogs. Game time is 7 pm.
PHOTOS:
• Ada's Mason Waugh tackles Bluffton's Kaleb Jefferson.
• Jakob Hoschak and the Ada defense stymied Bluffton quarterback Dakota
Bricker
