Triad’s Wyatt Smth (1) is brought down by a Northeastern defender. The Cardinals lost, 23-16. (Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)

Jonathan Alder overcame a seven-point halftime deficit and several injuries Friday night to defeat Bellefontaine, 41-28, securing a 7-3 regular-season record and a playoff game. The Pioneers trailed 21-14 at halftime before taking control of the contest with a strong second-half performance. Alder head coach Brett Glass credited his team’s ability to overcome adversity throughout the night. “We handled some adversity,” Glass said. “We had a couple of starters go down during the game and had some other kids step up. A lot of things didn’t go our way early and we handled it. We were able to come back in the second half and finish.” Bellefontaine struck first with a quarterback touchdown run at the 9:34 mark of the opening quarter, taking an early advantage. Alder responded less than three minutes later when sophomore quarterback Drew Hughes found the end zone with 6:50 remaining in the first quarter, evening the score. Hughes added his second rushing touchdown of the night on a one-yard run with 10:18 remaining in the second quarter, giving the Pioneers their first lead. Bellefontaine answered with a passing touchdown at the 5:04 mark before its quarterback scored on a rushing touchdown with just 17 seconds remaining in the half. The late score sent the Chieftains into halftime with a 21-14 advantage. Alder came out of the break with renewed energy, quickly turning the game in its favor. Junior running back Christian Amann scored a rushing touchdown with 9:32 remaining in the third quarter, bringing the Pioneers even at 21. Less than a minute later, Alder’s defense delivered one of the biggest plays of the night. Junior Ben Petzinger intercepted a Bellefontaine pass and returned it for a touchdown with 8:34 remaining in the third quarter. The extra-point attempt was unsuccessful, but the defensive score gave Alder a 27-21 lead. The Pioneers continued to build their advantage when junior Trey Bentley scored on a jet sweep with 4:03 remaining in the quarter. Bentley made another important play defensively shortly afterward, intercepting a Bellefontaine pass in the end zone with 2:38 remaining to prevent the Chieftains from answering. Alder’s defense continued to create opportunities in the fourth quarter. Freshman Alex Boyd intercepted another Bellefontaine pass with 7:03 remaining, giving the Pioneers possession as they looked to protect their lead. Amann added his second rushing touchdown of the night on a one-yard run with 3:24 remaining, extending Alder’s advantage. Bellefontaine scored once more on a passing touchdown with 54 seconds remaining, but the Pioneers held on for the 41-28 victory. Despite the turnaround after halftime, Glass said the coaching staff made few adjustments during the break. “Not much,” Glass said when asked about halftime changes. “It was more about us just executing and doing things right.” Glass also credited Bentley’s return for helping the Pioneers overcome their early struggles. “Having No. 3 back out there helps out a little bit,” Glass said. “He really proved how tough he is.” The victory capped Alder’s regular season at 7-3 and secured the Pioneers a home playoff game. Glass praised the team’s seven seniors for their leadership, particularly as the Pioneers navigated injuries and a challenging stretch of games. “So proud of our senior leadership,” Glass said. “There’s only seven of them, and one’s out injured right now. The way they’ve helped us stick together and fight through the last month and get a big one tonight.” With postseason play approaching, Glass said the team’s immediate focus would be on celebrating the victory before turning its attention to the next opponent. “Enjoy tonight first,” Glass said. “See who’s healthy and figure out who we play.” Jonathan Alder will play its opening playoff game Friday, Oct. 30, at 7 p.m., with its opponent yet to be determined.

Griffen Beery (26) of the Monarchs picks up yardage against Hilliard Darby. The Monarchs ended the 2026 season with a loss. (Journal-Tribune photo by Chad Williamson)

North Union’s Wyatt Arver (21) leads the blocking for Brycen Delawder (44) against Graham. The Wilcats fell to the Falcons 35-21. (Photo submitted)

Marysville’s Gerald Amaglo (14) battles for possession of the ball in this file photo. The Monarchs fell to Dublin Coffman, 2-0, during the opening round of the Division I tournament. (Journal-Tribune file photo)

Jonathan Alder’s Grayson Adams (9) collides with the Columbus Independence keeper at the net. The Pioneers won their tournament opener 4-0. (Journal-Tribune photo by Josh Kaeser)

Marysville resident Kevin Boehm is pictured with the race car he has used in events since 2023. The car will be displayed for a month, maybe two at Performance Luxury Sport in Marysville. (Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)

Audrey Lange (20) of Jonathan Alder starts her swing toward a kill against Columbus Marion-Franklin. The top-seeded Lady Pioneers breezed to a three-set sweep in the opening match of the Division IV tournament. (Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)

Jonathan Alder’s JJ Weese (63) and Ben McCain (10) are pictured as a Kenton Ridge ball carrier is brought down. The Pioneers will look to snap a three-game losing skid when they travel to Bellefontaine on Friday. (Journal-Tribune photo by Josh Kaeser)

Carson Shope (2) and Connor Bjorkgren (23) bring down a West Liberty-Salem ball carrier. The Panthers will finish their season at West Jefferson on Friday. (Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)

Marysville’s Mamour Saidy (3) is among the defenders who are converging on an Olentangy Berlin ball carrier. The Monarchs will close out the 2026 season at Hilliard Darby on Friday. (Journal-Tribune photo by Chad Williamson)

Marysville’s Austin Call is pictured competing during the 2026 OCC cross country meet. (Photo submitted)

North Union’s Felix Plouck, left, is pictured during a 2026 cross country meet. Plouck helped lead the NU boys to the CBC Mad River Division title. (Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)

Fairbanks’ Brady Adams finishes down the stretch during a 2026 cross country meet. The Panthers competed in the OHC meet this past weekend. (Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)