By Dusty Donley
The Ada Bulldogs rolled into Stadium Park Friday night and laid claim to a share of the Northwest Conference title by defeating the previously unbeaten Delphos Jefferson Wildcats 25-20. The 'Dogs took the lead with only 45 ticks left on the clock, then survived a furious Wildcat rally to preserve the win. The victory lifts Ada's record to 7-2 overall and 6-1 in the Northwest Conference.
Ada got off to a great start, as sophomore Blake Ansley scored on a 5 yard touchdown plunge, the capstone to a 13 play, 72 yard opening drive. Senior Austin Dumbaugh converted the extra-point, giving the Bulldogs a 7-0 lead with 7:38 left in the first quarter.
On its third drive, the Bulldog offense managed to get to the Wildcat 7 yard line, but senior Matthew Wilcox was intercepted, giving Delphos the ball at the 10. After a penalty moved the ball back to the 5, Wildcat quarterback Austin Jettinghoff was sacked in the end zone for a safety, giving the Bulldogs a 9-0 lead to end the quarter.
A second Matthew Wilcox interception late in the second quarter gave the Wildcats excellent field position and Jettinghoff made them pay as he found wide-out Josh Teman on a pretty, 32 yard touchdown toss. Kurt Wollenhaupt's extra-point made it 9-7 with just over 3 minutes left in the half.
Matthew Wilcox was intercepted for a third time on the next Bulldog drive and the half closed with a 9-7 Ada lead.
After a short second half kickoff, the Wildcats wasted no time finding pay dirt as half-back Zavier Buzard found the corner and rumbled 33 yards for the score. Wollenhaupt's kick gave Delphos a 14-9 lead with only 32 seconds off the clock.
Both teams stalled on their next drive and an offensive pass interference penalty set Jefferson against their own end zone. On fourth down, Jettinghoff, acting as the punter, watched the snap sail over his head and out of the end zone, giving the Wildcats another safety and bringing the Bulldogs closer at 14-11 with just under 6 minutes to play in the third quarter.
The Bulldogs were forced to punt on their next drive, but Delphos was unable to capitalize as Jettinghoff was intercepted by senior Spencer Archer in the end zone, giving Ada the ball at the 20. On the next play, Wilcox fumbled and the Wildcats recovered on the 23. Buzard then took a pitch and rumbled 23 yards for his second score of the game. The extra-point was no good, leaving the score 20-11 with just over 9 minutes left in the game.
And that's when the Bulldog offense went to work.
Junior Luke Long-Green grabbed the kick and rumbled 69 yards down to the Wildcat 17. A penalty moved the Bulldogs back to the 25, but on the next play, Austin Dumbaugh connected with Archer who broke several tackles and dove into the end zone for the gritty score. Ada's two point try was unsuccessful, making the score 20-17 with 8:23 left in the fourth.
On its next possession, the Wildcats took to the ground and marched deep into Ada territory. A Zavier Buzard touchdown run was called back due to a holding penalty and on the next play, Spencer Archer intercepted Jettinghoff for a second time, setting up the game winning Bulldog drive.
As every fan in Stadium Park sat on the edge of their seat, the Bulldogs took the ball 87 yards in 13 plays, finishing with a Wilcox to Ansley 8 yard score. The duo wasn't done as Wilcox found Ansley for a two-point conversion, giving the Bulldogs a 25-20 lead with 45 seconds left in the game.
Delphos made the most of the remaining time, advancing to the Bulldog 19. Jettinghoff spiked the ball with three seconds remaining to give the unbeaten Wildcats one last chance to win. On the next play, the stingy Ada defense flushed him from the pocket and his final pass fell incomplete, sealing not only an Ada victory, but also giving the Bulldogs at least a share of the Northwest Conference title.
Total yardage was pretty even, as the Bulldogs amassed 369 yard to the Wildcats' 317.
Matthew Wilcox finished 18 of 38 for 176 yards, 1 touchdown and 3 interceptions. Austin Dumbaugh went 2 of 2, throwing for 25 yards and a score.
Blake Ansley led the way on the ground, rushing 19 times for 89 yards and a touchdown.
Spencer Archer caught 4 balls for 60 yards and a score.
Ada travels to Lima Stadium this Saturday night to take on LCC (7-2). Win or lose, the Bulldogs have clinched both a share of the Northwest Conference title as well as a berth in the post season. If the Bulldogs win, they could garner enough computer points to secure a first round home game. Game time is slated for 7:30.
