Cougs hope to get win, Knights seek 2nd

SCOTT TRUXELL/VW independent sports

It doesn’t get any easier.

After a 28-19 season-opening loss to Bryan, the Van Wert Cougars will open Western Buckeye League competition Friday night, hosting the St. Marys Memorial Roughriders.

While watching last Friday’s game film, Van Wert Head Football Coach Keith Recker saw some good things, and some areas that need work.

“We played better offensively than I initially thought after the game,” Recker said. “We were typically one or two guys away up front from having a big play.”

“We need to continue to get push (up front) and give our skill guys holes to get through so they can use their speed,” Recker added.

The Cougars rolled up 399 yards of total offense, but were plagued by five turnovers. In his first start, sophomore quarterback Lawson Blackmore threw for 286 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.

The focus in practice this week has been St. Marys Memorial. The Roughriders opened their season with a wild 43-39 victory over Sidney. The game featured several lead changes and a 90-minute lightning delay.

“Their physicality is a bit concerning,” Recker said. “We are going to have to be ready to stick our nose in and not back down at all.”

“St. Marys, especially offensively, comes off the ball with reckless abandon,” Recker added. “We are going to have to match that willingness to throw our body into people and really play a physically and mentally tough football game.”

Friday’s game can be heard live on WERT, 1220 AM.

On the west side of the county, the Crestview Knights opened their season with a 40-27 win over non-conference rival Parkway, a victory that pleased Head Coach Jared Owens.

“We executed fairly well up front, and were able to play physical and smart on the offensive line,” Owens said.

Thanks in part to the play of the offensive line, Knights quarterback Drew Kline enjoyed a big night. The sophomore finished with 116 yards passing and two scores through the air, along with 80 yards on the ground and two rushing touchdowns, with the second one being a 43-yard run that sealed the victory.

However, Owens believes there is room for improvement.

“We need to cut down on penalties and turnovers, and execute in the red zone,” Owens said.

The Knights will hit the road Friday night for a non-conference matchup against Hicksville. The Aces dropped their season opener, 17-6, to Archbold.

“They run an offense similar to ours,” Owens said. “They look to use the option to gain a numbers advantage.”

The Aces run a 43 defense, featuring four down linemen and three linebackers.

“They play very hard and are extremely well coached like they are every year,” Owens added.

Friday’s Crestview-Hicksville game can be heard live on WKSD, 99.7 FM.