By Dusty Donley

The Ada Bulldogs got back to their winning ways last Friday night as they welcomed the Pirates of Bluffton to the friendly confines of War Memorial Stadium. Despite a furious fourth quarter Bluffton rally, the Bulldogs were able to pull out a 36-24 Northwest Conference victory. The win raises Ada's record to 3-1 overall and 2-0 in the conference.

The Bulldogs were in control of the game for three quarters, building a 29-0 lead before Bluffton roared to life in the fourth, scoring a furious 24 points. Two Mitchell Ault touchdown passes and an Ault quarterback keeper got the game close for the Pirates, but Ada's bend but don't break defense sealed the deal and closed the game out for the Bulldogs.

Ada began its three quarters of dominance late in the first when sophomore Blake Ansley scampered 2 yards for a touchdown. The successful two-point conversion gave the Bulldogs an 8-0 lead after one.

The Bulldogs struck again late in the second quarter as senior quarterback Matthew Wilcox connected with senior wide-out Spencer Archer on a beautiful 41 yard touchdown toss. The Dogs again went for two with success, giving Ada a 16-0 lead.

After a quick Bluffton possession, Wilcox broke off a monster punt return, advancing the ball to the Pirate 25. Three plays later, Wilcox found freshman Owen Conley for an 11 yard touchdown strike. The two-point try was no good, leaving the Bulldogs with a 22-0 halftime lead.

Ada's first possession of the second half started off with a bang as Wilcox connected with Ansley on a slick 54 yard pass. That set up Wilcox's third touchdown throw of the day, a 5 yard pitch and catch to Archer. Senior Austin Dumbaugh converted the extra point, giving the Bulldogs a 29-0 lead after three quarters.

And that's when things got interesting.

A late third quarter Wilcox interception set up Bluffton's first score of the night, an 18 yard Mitchell Ault touchdown pass to Isaac Little. The two-point try was good, giving Ada a 29-8 lead.

The Bulldog offense stalled on its next drive, quickly giving the ball back to the Pirates who would march 76 yards in just five plays, ending with a 15 yard Ault touchdown toss to Robbie Stratton. Again, the Pirates went for two with success, bringing them closer at 29-16.

Facing a game that was slipping out of their control, Wilcox and the Bulldog offense responded with an 8 play, 42 yard drive, capped by a 1 yard Ansley touchdown run. Dumbaugh's extra point kick gave Ada some breathing room at 36-16.

Bluffton again scored on its next drive, a 15 yard Mitchell Ault quarterback keeper. The two-point conversion brought the score to 36-24, which would be your final.

Ada had 408 yards of total offense to Bluffton's 332.

Matthew Wilcox was 17 of 39 for 197 yards, 3 touchdowns and 1 interception.

Wilcox also led the way on the ground, rushing for 150 yards on 20 carries.

Ada celebrates homecoming this Friday night as they entertain the Paulding Panthers (2-3, 0-3). Game time is 7:30.