2020 VW Cougars: a magical season

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports editor

Van Wert’s 2020 football season will forever be considered a magical one by Cougar players, coaches and fans.

It ended with Sunday’s incredible 31-28 comeback victory over Mentor Lake Catholic in the Division IV state championship game at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium in Massillon, a win that gave Van Wert High School its first ever Ohio High School Athletic Association team championship.

While reflecting on Sunday’s championship game, head coach Keith Recker searched to find a key moment or play that sparked Van Wert’s rally, but he couldn’t come up with just one, noting it was different plays made by different players at different times.

“When we were down 21-7 and 21-14, Owen (Treece) kept the play alive while Connor (Pratt) and Maddix (Crutchfield) made a couple huge third and fourth down catches,” Recker said. “Dru’s (Johnson) interception was huge at the end of the game and then the first play of the final series when Owen hit Connor for a big gain to get us moving. Then I’m so proud of Damon (McCracken) hitting that field goal. He showed a ton of confidence going in and making that field goal.”

Recker also noted the Cougars shook off some late second quarter struggles, including a fumble deep in Van Wert territory that led to a touchdown that gave Mentor Lake Catholic a 14-7 halftime lead. It was the first time all season that the Cougars appeared to be out of sync.

“We told the guys they need to focus on things they can control,” Recker explained. “We were getting frustrated in the first half because of our play which magnified some negative aspects of the game. We needed to continue to do our best each play and then move on to the next one.”

Sunday’s championship victory ended with a gold trophy being passed to the Cougars. It also marked the end of the high school football careers of eight seniors on the squad – Treece, Johnson, Ian Cowan, Ries Wise, Jacob Place, Zach Mason, Spencer Blue and Killian Sudduth.

“Our senior class was exceptional this year,” Recker “There are eight seniors on our team and their game roles ranged from starters, to subs, to guys who didn’t see the field. But as a group they were great leaders by example and were all willing to do whatever it took for our team to be great.”

Treece finished with a rare 3,000-1000 yard season. The senior quarterback, who’s in the running for Ohio’s Mr. Football award, completed 235-of-348 passes for 3,099 yards, 37 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, while rushing for 1,036 yards and 20 touchdowns on 198 carries. Classmate Dru Johnson caught 55 of Treece’s passes for 1,236 and 16 touchdowns.

A pair of juniors also played key roles in Van Wert’s explosive offensive attack. Running back Nate Jackson rushed 520 yards and 10 touchdowns on 85 carries and caught 53 passes for 375 yards and eight touchdowns, while wide receiver Connor Pratt hauled in 53 passes for 798 yards and four touchdowns.

The defense held opponents in check all season by forcing 35 turnovers and just 250 yards per game, while sacking opposing quarterbacks 19 times. Aidan Pratt and Turner Witten each had four sacks, and Cullen Dunn and Ty Jackson each had three.

Recker also made sure to praise his assistant coaches – Cole Harting, Steve Sealscott, Josiah Poletta, Bryce Crea, Demond Johnson, Eric Hohman and Jordan Danylchuk.

“We have a very committed, hard working staff,” Recker stated. “Each of our coaches puts so much time into making sure their position performs at the highest level it can. Our staff has a great understanding of our scheme and does a great job of teaching it to our players. The best thing, though, about our staff is they truly care about our players and want what’s best for them on and off the field.”

While many fans weren’t able to attend games because of COVID-19 restrictions, support by those fans didn’t diminish at all, something that very apparent to Recker, the coaches and players.

“I am so proud and humbled that our team was able to provide a state championship to our community,” Recker said. “The best I can say is thank you, thank you for allowing us to coach our players, for supporting us during the good times and bad times, and for being a huge part of what makes a successful program.”

From the shortened six-game regular season to five straight playoff wins on the road (three over top eight teams), 2020 is a season Recker won’t forget.

“I will remember how much fun this team had together,” Recker said. “Whether it was during games, practices, meetings, in the locker room, or during workouts, this group had a great camaraderie. We are so fortunate as coaches to be able to coach players who are willing to change their best every day.”

Notes from Van Wert’s 2020 season

Van Wert’s 11 wins set a new school record.

The Cougars outscored the opposition 475-234, or 39.5-19.5 per game, and out gained their opponents 5,056-3006, or 421-250 yards per game.

The fewest points scored in a game by Van Wert this season was 28, against Cincinnati Wyoming.

In addition to converting his only field goal attempt of the season to help the Cougars win the state championship, Damon McCracken was perfect in his final 16 extra point attempts of the season. He finished the year 52-of-64.

Van Wert turned the ball over 16 times during the season, while forcing 35 turnovers.

Van Wert’s playoff record now stands at 11-4.