Football Game Preview: Van Wert Cougars vs. Memorial Roughriders

Van Wert hasn't had much luck against Memorial recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Cougars will face off against the Roughriders at 7:00 p.m. Van Wert has given up an average of 27.2 points per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

On Friday, Van Wert ended up a good deal behind Wapakoneta and lost 42-28. While losing is never fun, the Cougars can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Ohio football rankings (they are ranked 201st, while the Redskins are ranked 81st).

Xavier Kelly

Rushing Touchdowns

09/05/25 vs Bath	1
08/22/25 @ Bryan	2
09/19/25 @ Defiance	2
09/12/25 vs Celina	3
09/26/25 vs Wapakoneta	4

Despite the defeat, Van Wert saw an underclassman step up: sophomore Xavier Kelly rushed for 167 yards and four TDs while picking up 9.8 yards per carry. Those four rushing touchdowns set a new season-high mark for Kelly. Van Wert also got help from Micah Cowan, who showed off his sure hands for 114 receiving yards.

Meanwhile, Memorial didn't have too much trouble with Ottawa-Glandorf on Friday as they won 17-3. The Roughriders haven't had any issues with the Titans recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive victory against them.

The win got Memorial back to even at 3-3. As for Van Wert, their loss dropped their record down to an identical 3-3.

Van Wert was dealt a bruising 49-14 defeat at the hands of Memorial in their previous matchup back in September of 2024. Can the Cougars avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.