VAN WERT, Ohio (WLIO) — Three close losses decided by seven points or less kept the Van Wert Cougars from a winning season and a playoff berth in 2025. This fall, entering head coach Keith Recker’s 15th year, getting back to the postseason is the major goal.

The Cougars have a strong foundation to build on, returning 14 starters. Key among them is the state of their offense, as Coach Recker welcomes back his top passer, rusher, and receiver. That group is led by returning quarterback Zach Crummey and first-team All-Western Buckeye League wide receiver Micah Cowan.

But before Van Wert can focus on their week one opener against Bryan, the absolute top priority remains defensive improvement. The Cougars are locked in on shoring up a unit that allowed a league-worst 213.1 rushing yards per game last season. If the defense can match their experienced offensive attack, the Cougars expect to be a major force in the WBL.

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