By Dusty Donley
Behind a strong showing from Junior backup quarterback Phillip Coulson, the Bulldogs opened up a 30-0 first half lead en route to a 38-6 Northwest Conference victory over the visiting Delphos Jefferson Wildcats on Homecoming night.
Coulson accounted for five scores in the victory, which moves Ada to 1-0 in the NWC and 2-2 on the season.
Speedy Junior running back Ty Miller opened the scoring for the Bulldogs early in the first quarter when he plunged in for a 1-yard touchdown. Senior Noah Mattson’s extra point attempt was no good, holding the Ada lead at 6-0 with just over seven minutes to play in the opening period.
Tight defense from both sides slowed the scoring until early in the second quarter when Coulson connected with Junior Landon Blankenship for a 10-yard touchdown. Coulson’s 2-point conversion pass attempt was no good, leaving the Ada lead at 12-0 with 10:49 to play in the second period.
Minutes later, Coulson and the Bulldog offense would strike again, as the Junior gunslinger found Sophomore Zac Swaney for a 23-yard score. Coulson’s 2-point conversion run was stopped short, holding the Ada lead at 18-0 with 8:47 left in the second quarter.
Coulson would add two more scores before the half, breaking off touchdown runs of 2 and 23 yards, expanding the Ada lead to 30-0 at halftime.
Jefferson would add their lone score of the game midway through the third quarter when running back Tanner Mathewson rumbled in for a 1-yard touchdown. Wildcat quarterback Conner Anspach’s 2-point conversion attempt was no good, leaving Ada with a 30-6 lead with 5:40 to play in the third period.
Coulson added his third touchdown pass of the game in the fourth quarter when he tossed a 23-yard strike to Freshman Cayden Murphy. Coulson’s 2-point conversion pass to Zac Swaney was good, sealing the 38-6 Bulldog victory.
The stifling Bulldog defense finished the game with 9 sacks and held Delphos Jefferson to -8 yards of total offense. Coulson and the Bulldog offense racked up 223 total yards.
Bulldog quarterback Phillip Coulson finished the game 9 of 18 for 132 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also added 61 yards rushing and 2 more scores.
Sophomore Daniel Mattson led the receivers with 3 grabs for 55 yards. Zac Swaney added 4 catches for 44 yards and a touchdown.
Ada hosts Spencerville this Friday night in a tough Northwest Conference slugfest. The Bearcats (3-1, 1-0 NWC) are coming off a 27-15 conference victory over Allen East. Game time is 7:00 pm.
