Bath vs. Elida: Game Preview
September 20, 2024 – 7 p.m.

In a Western Buckeye League (WBL) showdown, the Bath Wildcats will travel to face the Elida Bulldogs this Friday at 7 p.m. The Wildcats are looking to remain unbeaten in conference play, having won their last three WBL games after starting the season 0-1. Elida, on the other hand, is searching for its first WBL victory, sitting at 1-4 overall, with their lone win coming in Week 1 against non-conference opponent Toledo Rogers.

Bath is coming off a thrilling 42-35 home victory over Kenton. The game was tightly contested, with Kenton nearly matching Bath in total yardage—470 yards for Kenton to Bath’s 463. At halftime, Kenton held a 28-14 lead, but Bath rallied in the second half. Mikey Hale played a key role in the comeback, rushing for two touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters. Bath’s defense stepped up, allowing just one score in the second half, securing the Wildcats’ win and maintaining their momentum in the WBL.

Elida, meanwhile, is hoping to turn their fortunes around after a challenging three-game road trip, which ended with a 28-7 loss to Ottawa-Glandorf. The Bulldogs managed 189 total yards against the 3-1 Titans and forced one turnover with an interception, but ultimately couldn’t overcome the deficit. Now back on their home turf, Elida aims to break their losing streak and earn their first conference win.

In their last three matchups, Bath has won twice, claiming victories in 2023 and 2021, while Elida earned a hard-fought win in 2022. Both teams have taken different paths to reach this point in the season, but both will be determined to come away with a crucial conference win on Friday night.

-David Mansell