LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Former NWC foes met again Friday night at Shawnee Stadium as Columbus Grove and Leipsic squared off in the Division VI regional final. The matchup marked the first meeting between the programs since 2022, when the Bulldogs earned a 28–14 win. Their rivalry dates back to 1924 — 101 years ago.

Columbus Grove wasted no time setting the tone. On 4th and 5 in the opening quarter, Landon Best connected with Brady Basinger for a 9-yard touchdown, giving the Bulldogs a 7–0 lead. Later in the first, Brody McCluer powered into the end zone to make it 14–0.

In the final minute before halftime, the Bulldogs’ defense came up with a key 4th and 1 stop, sending Grove into the locker room up 17–0.

Leipsic faced more adversity when starting quarterback Marc Kirkendall left the game with an injury before halftime. Freshman Mason Rader stepped in and delivered a spark in the third quarter, firing a 24-yard touchdown pass to Marquise Williams. The two-point try failed, but the Vikings pulled within 17–6.

Grove answered quickly. On 4th and 5, Best found Gavin Baxter deep for a 65-yard strike, pushing the Bulldogs’ lead back out and sealing control of the game.

Columbus Grove went on to win 31–6, advancing to the state semifinals for the fourth straight season and the eighth time in program history. The Bulldogs will face St. Henry next week.

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