By Dusty Donley
An 84-yard kickoff return for a touchdown with five minutes to go in the game put the visiting Columbus Grove Bulldogs ahead for good as they would go on to defeat Ada, 31-17 on Friday.
Ada freshman Aaron Everhart's 22-yard field goal tied the game at 17 a piece, but Grove junior Bailey Clement took the ensuing kickoff to the house, giving the visiting Bulldogs a lead they would not relinquish. The loss drops Ada to (1-2) on the season and (0-2) in the Northwest Conference.
Grove drew first blood in the contest, as senior Joey Warnecke rumbled 33-yards for the score, capping a seven play, 66-yard drive. Warnecke also handled the kicking duties and his extra point gave CG a 7-0 lead with 6:24 to play in the first quarter.
Ada responded on their next possession, marching 65-yards in 11 plays. The pay off came as freshman quarterback Seth Conley found sophomore Owen Conley on a 15-yard touchdown toss. Aaron Everhart's extra point tied the game at 7-7 with just over two minutes to play in the first quarter.
The Ada defense stifled Grove on their next drive, pushing the visiting Bulldogs into a fourth down punting situation, but a roughing the punter penalty gave CG an automatic first down.
Again, the Ada defense stiffened, forcing Grove to bring out the punt team, but an Ada fumble on the punt return gave Grove the ball deep in Ada territory. For a third time, the Ada D stopped Grove's offense, but this time Warnecke was able to convert a 28-yard field goal, giving CG a 10-7 lead with just over nine minutes to play in the half.
The Grove defense stopped Ada on its next possession, getting the ball back with just over six minutes to play in the second quarter. A ton of Ada pressure forced a hurried pass from Grove quarterback Reid Stechschulte and Senior Luke Long-Green capitalized, intercepting the ball and returning it 57-yards for the score. Aaron Everhart's extra point gave Ada a 14-10 lead going into halftime.
Grove opened the second half with a nine play, 63-yard drive that resulted in a 28-yard Stechschulte to Aiden Fortman touchdown pass. Warnecke's extra point gave the visiting Bulldogs a 17-14 lead with just under 10 minutes to play in the third quarter.
Both teams played exceptional defense, keeping the opposing offenses out of the end zone well into the fourth quarter. With eight minutes to play and Grove up by three, Ada senior Dylan Hannah intercepted Stechschulte, giving Ada the ball deep in CG territory.
Ada advanced to the six-yard line, but the Grove defense forced a fourth down. Ada head coach Bob Olwin called a timeout, ultimately deciding on a game tying 22-yard field goal. Freshman Aaron Everhart blasted his kick through the uprights, tying the game at 17 a piece with 5:18 left in the contest.
Any momentum Ada had generated was quickly dashed as Bailey Clement fielded the ensuing kickoff and took it 84-yards for the score. Warnecke's extra point gave Grove a 24-17 lead with just over five minutes to play in the game.
Warnecke would add a 54-yard touchdown run less than two minutes later, sealing a 31-17 Columbus Grove victory.
Ada out-gained the visiting Bulldogs 248 to 216. They also only turned the ball over once compared to Grove's four.
Seth Conley finished the game 26 of 40 for 205 yards and a score. He was also picked off one time.
Blake Ansley led the rushing attack with 41 yards on 11 carries. Grant McBride was the leading receiver, snagging 8 balls for 64 yards.
Ada looks to get off their losing skid this week as they host the (1-2) Ft. Loramie Redskins in a non-conference battle. Game time is 7:30.
