By Cort Reynolds

After three home non-league games to kick off the season, the Ada High School football team begins the seven-game Northwest Conference portion of its slate at tough Leipsic Friday.

Both teams are 1-2 entering league play. Ada's three opponents thus far have a combined record of 7-2.

"Leipsic is very, very big and physical," said Ada head coach Toby Smith. "We will have our hands full. We will have to maximize our opportunities when we get them.

"Leipsic has played a tough schedule so far, like we have, so their 1-2 record is deceptive. We have played the teams ranked first (Arlington) and third (Waynesfield) in our region now."

The Vikings lost 33-21 at Pandora-Gilboa last Friday. Leipsic beat Fairview 48-6 in week two, and lost to Liberty-Benton 31-27 at home in their opener.

"Their running back returns, and their line play on both sides is back," Smith noted. "On defense they run out of a 3-3 stack with some different wrinkles.

"What their defense does well is funnel things to places they want. They play very aggressively and downhill. They have a lot of freedom to challenge you from different areas," he added.

Ada lost to Leipsic at home 49-14 in week four of the 2021 campaign. The Vikings went on to finish 8-4 and 6-1 in the NWC as a first-year member of the league.

The Bulldogs are tied with Delphos St. John's for 14th in the early Div. VII, Region 26 computer rankings. Leipsic is tied for 16th in the same region with Edon.

"We are still a long way from where we need to be," Smith said.

Leipsic is 0-1 at home, while Ada is 0-0 on the road.