COLUMBUS GROVE — The Bulldogs left no doubt in their pursuit of another Northwest Conference crown, defeating Bluffton 48-38 on Friday night to claim the outright league championship.

Columbus Grove jumped out to a 7-0 lead before Bluffton quarterback Tayte Giesige tied it up with a short touchdown run. The Bulldogs answered as Brody McCluer powered in from 24 yards out to regain the lead.

Moments later, Gavin Barraza intercepted a Bluffton pass and returned it for a touchdown, giving Grove a two-score advantage. Bluffton trimmed the margin to one possession, but Trevon Baxter broke free on the ensuing kickoff for a 99-yard touchdown to swing momentum back to the Bulldogs.

Giesige and the Pirates kept pace with a pair of scores, but Columbus Grove’s offense continued to roll as Brady Basinger hauled in a touchdown pass to seal the win.

With the victory, Columbus Grove secures its third straight undefeated conference season and another outright NWC title.

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