VAN WERT – Sometimes there’s not much difference between having a good season and having a fantastic one.
For Van Wert, the difference in 2015 of having a .500 season and an undefeated one, was just 14 points. That was the total point difference in the Cougars’ five losses (5-5 overall, 4-5 Western Buckeye League).
“It was disturbing and heart-wrenching,” Van Wert coach Keith Recker said. “To think we were within 14 points of being 10-0, but ended up 5-5. We have to get over the hump and win these close games.
“Coming into this season, it was a concern. Last year, we thought we could win more than five games, but then we lose some tough ones. But, this group has been very motivated this summer and has worked very hard. Our coaching staff looks at it as; last year we took it to 5-5, so this year, we need to take it to the next level. I really think if we would have gone like 7-3 the year before (2014), that maybe we would have won some of those close games last year. It’s just learning how to win.”
The Cougars lost several key players from last year, including quarterback Colin Smith, who will be playing collegiately at Davenport University, an NAIA school in Michigan. Last season, Smith passed for 1,285 yards (11 touchdowns) and rushed for 1,172 (19 TDs).
“Last year, teams would put eight up front and Colin (Smith) would just find a hole to run in,” Recker said. “This year, I think we will be able to pass it a little more, and not just be a running team.”
Also gone from last season is running back Justice Tussing, who rushed for 774 yards and nine scores.
Recker said there are viable replacements for these two key skill positions. Recker points to Jacoby Kelly as the starting tailback. At the quarterback position, sophomore Lawson Blackmore (6-4, 180) and junior Storm Pierce (6-0, 170) will be vying for the starting role.
“With Lawson, he hurt his shoulder playing ACME (baseball). So, he’s just started (working out). We will have to see how he does,” Recker said. “Storm has done a really nice job so far. So, we’re not sure who will start at this point.”
In all, Van Wert lost 19 letterwinners to graduation, while having just eight returning this season.
The Cougars will continue to run the spread offense. Besides having a new combination in the backfield, Van Wert will be trying to find the right mixture in the trenches.
“The biggest concern is replacing the five guys up front (offensive line),” he said. “We have some guys that can probably fill those spots. But, we have like three or four tackles, who might have to learn a new position up front. So, it’s going to take some time for them to learn their position.”
Defensively, Van Wert will employ a 3-3 scheme.
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