Midseason report: Van Wert Cougars

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports editor

Just like that, exactly one half of the 2018 high school football season is over, with second half set to begin this Friday night.

The Van Wert Cougars (3-2, 2-2 WBL) had their share of ups and downs during the first five games, with a season opening victory over the Bryan Golden Bears (Bryan’s only loss), followed by back to back losses to former No. 5 Wapakoneta and current No. 1 St. Marys Memorial. The Cougars bounced back with an overtime win at then-state ranked Ottawa-Glandorf and a convincing 39-6 homecoming win over Shawnee.

Head coach Keith Recker noted that the team’s offensive line has gelled, especially in the last two games.

“I think they are in a good position as we hit the halfway mark on the season and move forward,” Recker said. “There was a lot of competition in the pre-season for who would fill some of the voids we had from graduation, which could be a reason why it took us a couple weeks to start really working well together.”

“The five guys in there now – Austin Clay, Colin Place, Mason Place, Nathan Temple and Garrett Black – have started and played the same position all five weeks and that helps with continuity and they learn how to play with each and how to communicate with each other so everyone is able to get their assignment done.”

Continuous improvement by the offensive line has meant the running game has improved as well. Against Ottawa-Glandorf, running back Jake Hilleary had 30 carries for 177 and a pair of touchdowns, while quarterback Nate Place finished with 18 carries, 94 yards and a touchdown. Against Shawnee, Hilleary pounded out 89 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries, while Place had 15 carries for 208 yards and three scores.

“I am pleased that our run game has been very effective the last two weeks,” Recker said. “We want to be able to run the ball and I feel like our offense has done a good job of that lately.”

Through five games, Hilleary has 81 carries for 402 yards and six touchdowns, while Place has 69 carries for 559 yards and seven scores. In addition, Place has completed 69 of 102 passes for 520 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions, while Owen Treece has connected on 9 of 19 passes for 124 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions.

Drew Bagley is the team’s leading receiver with 34 receptions for 221 yards and a touchdown. Tanner Barnhart has 12 catches for 124 yards and two touchdowns, Treece has 10 catches for 81 yards and Dru Johnson has 9 receptions for 90 yards and a touchdown.

As a team, Van Wert is averaging 26 points per game while allowing 25, and the Cougars are averaging 332 yards of offense (203 rushing, 123 passing), while allowing 273 yards per game (158 rushing, 115 passing).

“Defensively we are playing well,” Recker said. “We have been very consistent in taking care of our own assignments which has allowed us to play good team defense.”

Parker Conrad leads the team with 35 tackles and three sacks. Joey Schaufelberger and Keagon Hammons each have three sacks, while Bagley has forced two fumbles.

While pleased with what he’s seen on offense and defense, Recker wants more consistency from special teams.

“We have given up two punt returns for touchdowns and have struggled with kicking the ball, specifically on extra points, which is on not just the kicker, but also the holder and our guys protecting the kick,” Recker explained. “We all have to do a better job on that unit.”

The Cougars will begin the second half of the season at Kenton (3-2, 3-1 WBL).

“Everyone knows Kenton for their air attack, but they have been able to run the ball well this year also,” Recker said. “We have to do a great job in coverage of matching up with receivers and not giving them room to find open windows.”

After Kenton, the Cougars will return home to play Elida, followed by back-to-back road games at Bath and Celina. The regular season will come to a close in Week No. 10 against Defiance.

The Cougars are currently ranked No. 9 in Division IV, Region 14. The top eight teams in the region qualify for the playoffs.