By Cort Reynolds

In a battle of 2-1 teams, the Ada High School football team visits Crestview for the Northwest Conference opener, their last before joining the BVC, in week four Friday night.

Ada is over .500 heading into week four for the first time since 2017, when they started out 3-1. The Bulldogs finished 7-4 and made the playoffs for the last time that season.

Friday will be the first home game for the Knights after playing three road contests to start their campaign. 

The Knights improved to 2-1 with a 21-20 win at Wayne Trace last Friday. Crestview previously beat Parkway 41-27, and lost at powerhouse McComb 55-13.

“Crestview is very big up front,” said Ada head coach Toby Smith. “We are going to have our hands full with them. They are very similar to us. They run out of the gun a bunch.

“We have to build off of our win and have a great practice week. If we do, I think we will compete well,” he continued. “If we do not, then we will struggle.”

Ada beat the Knights 34-26 last year in week nine at War Memorial Stadium to register one of their two league wins.

The Bulldogs are ranked ninth in the latest Div. VII, Region 26 computer rankings, one spot ahead of the Knights in 10th. 

“There are a bunch of things we need to improve on if we expect to win games going forward,” Smith offered. “Our kids will watch the film this week and work hard to try and improve.”