Story by Dusty Donley - photos by Cort Reynolds
The 2017 Ada football campaign came to a close last Friday night as the Bulldogs were ousted from post-season play by top seeded Liberty Benton, 49-18.
The loss marks the third consecutive first round exit for the Bulldogs, who finish the season 7-4. Liberty Benton (10-1) continues its quest in the Division VI, region 22 playoffs as they move on to play #4 seeded Hicksville (9-2) this Friday night in Defiance.
BOX SCORE AND MORE PHOTOS AT BOTTOM-
Liberty Benton began their scoring onslaught early as quarterback Austin May connected with Will Poling for a 51-yard touchdown on the Eagles’ opening drive. Eli Heaster’s extra-point kick was good, giving LB a 7-0 lead with 10:31 left in the first quarter.
Following a blocked field goal attempt and long return, Seth Conley and the Bulldog offense took over deep in Eagle territory. Several plays later, the senior quarterback found senior Jackson Conrad for a 24-yard score. Senior Aaron Everhart’s point after kick was no good, leaving Liberty Benton ahead 7-6 with just under seven minutes left in the opening quarter.
The Eagles would respond on their ensuing drive as May tossed a short pass to Conor Greer, who sliced and diced his way to a 52-touchdown. Heaster’s extra-point was good, extending the Liberty Benton lead to 14-6 with 5:36 to play in the first.
May and the red-hot Eagle offense found the end zone again early in the second quarter as the senior gunslinger tossed a 13-yard touchdown to Poling, the duo’s second of the game. Heaster’s extra point was good, giving Liberty Benton a 21-6 lead with 11:54 remaining in the second quarter.
Minutes later, solid Bulldog defense forced an Eagle fumble, giving Ada the ball in Liberty Benton territory. Conley would eventually call his own number, scrambling in for a 20-yard score. Conley’s two-point conversion pass fell incomplete, leaving LB ahead 21-12 with 9:24 to play in the half.
The Eagles added two more second quarter touchdowns as May connected with Marshall Rose for a 60-yard score and Poling added a 2-yard scoring run. Both Heaster extra-point kicks were good, giving Liberty Benton a 35-12 halftime lead.
Conley and the Bulldog offense opened the second half with a scoring drive as the senior found freshman Zac Swaney for a 20-yard touchdown. Conley’s two-point conversion pass was incomplete, leaving the score 35-18 with 9:38 remaining in the second quarter.
Stingy Eagle defense would keep the Bulldogs out of the end zone for the remainder of the game. Liberty Benton would add two more third quarter scores, both Marshall Rose touchdown runs to give us the 49-18 final score.
Liberty Benton outgained the Bulldogs in total yards, 507 to 294. The Eagles crushed the Dogs on the ground, rushing for 260 yards to Ada’s 78.
Bulldog quarterback Seth Conley finished the game 21 of 40 for 216 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. He also added 88 yards on the ground and a score.
Chase Sumner led the receivers with six grabs for 61 yards.
PHOTOS:
Ada senior all-league lineman Jakob Hoschak makes a flying tackle in the Bulldog playoff loss at Liberty-Benton.
Mason Waugh (74), Landon Blankenship (33) and the Ada defense swarm a
Liberty-Benton ballcarrier in the Bulldog playoff loss at the Eagles.
Ada all-league senior receiver Chase Sumner fights for extra yardage in the Bulldog first round playoff loss at Liberty-Benton. Sumner was also voted NWC Defensive Player of the Year.
