Preview: Cougs have high expectations

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports

Despite losing 23 seniors and 19 lettermen from last year’s team, Van Wert Head Football Coach Keith Recker says expectations are high for the upcoming season.

“We have a group of guys that expect us to continue to move forward as a program and take another step ahead in the win column,” Recker said.

The key to that success is up front.

“We have to replace all five offensive linemen from last year,” Recker said. “That aspect will tell the tale of how good we can be. We have some good yet unproven offensive linemen who possess good athleticism.”

Recker said coaches will rotate offensive linemen during practices and three preseason scrimmages in hopes of finding a starting five by the season opener.

Along with finding a new offensive line, the Cougar coaching staff must replace the entire offensive backfield, along with two leading receivers, but Recker is confident.

“We have good speed and athleticism at our skill positions,” he said.

Big shoes must be filled at quarterback. Last year’s starting QB, Colin Smith, passed for nearly 1,300 yards and 11 touchdowns and ran for just under 1,200 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Two players are competing to run Van Wert’s spread offense in 2016: junior Storm Pierce and Lawson Blackmore, a sophomore who’s recovering from a baseball injury.

Recker said he’d like to name one of them as the starting quarterback, but added both could see action once the season begins.

According to the coach, “both are different types of players than Colin, not quite as mobile, but a bit better passers.”

At running back, Evan Williams and Jacoby Kelly will likely split carries, and, when not in the backfield, one will line up as a slot receiver.

On the defensive side of the ball, Recker said the Cougars appear to be in good shape up front and in the secondary, with several lettermen back and ready to go.

Evan Williams will anchor at the middle at “Mike” linebacker, but the other spots are up for grabs.

Another big graduation loss is kicker Gavin Gardner, now a member of the University of St. Francis football team.

Last year, Gardner converted 38 of 40 extra point tries, along with two of three field goal attempts.

His kickoffs resulted in 31 touchbacks, which Recker said “was huge for us.”

At least two players are in the mix to handle this year’s kicking duties.

The Cougars will scrimmage three times before the season opener: August 9 versus Parkway and August 12 against Versailles, both at 6 p.m. at Eggerss Stadium. The final scrimmage will be at Crestview on August 19, starting at 7p.m.

The regular season will begin at home on Friday, August 26, versus Bryan.