Celina, Ohio – The Celina Bulldogs defeated the visiting Van Wert Cougars 49-28 on Friday at Celina Stadium, securing their unbeaten record for the season. The victory pushes Celina's overall record to 4-0 and their Western Buckeye League (WBL) record to 3-0. Van Wert, which also entered the game undefeated, slipped to 3-1 overall and 2-1 in league play following the contest.
Celina’s offense amassed 385 total yards, while its defense held Van Wert to 238 yards and recorded eight sacks against Cougars quarterback Zach Crummey. Celina coach Brennen Bader attributed much of the team’s success to the offensive and defensive lines. "It always starts with the offensive and defensive lines," Bader said, adding that the defensive front "brought it all night, and it looked like they had a lot of fun doing it. The pressure made a lot of difference.”
Sophomore quarterback Jett Warner led Celina’s offense, completing 12 of 21 passes for 158 yards and four touchdowns. Warner also demonstrated his rushing ability, gaining 131 yards on 13 carries, including a 48-yard touchdown run. Teammate Noah Talmadge contributed 96 rushing yards on 22 carries, with a 17-yard touchdown scamper of his own.
For Van Wert, Zach Crummey completed 27 of 45 passes for 269 yards and two touchdown passes. He also scored a two-yard rushing touchdown. Cougars receiver Xavier Kelly caught 10 passes for 123 yards and one touchdown reception. Kelly also made a significant special teams play, returning a punt 74 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter. Micah Cowan added 10 receptions for 66 yards for Van Wert. The Cougars faced significant challenges on the ground, finishing with -31 rushing yards due to the eight sacks recorded by Celina’s defense.
Celina took an early lead, ending the first quarter up 14-0. Quarterback Jett Warner connected with Simon Schwartz for a 15-yard touchdown pass, followed by a 48-yard touchdown pass to Brodee Schulte Arnold. Both extra points were made by Bridon Jeffries.
Van Wert mounted a comeback in the second quarter, tying the score at 14. Crummey threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Xavier Kelly, and later ran for a two-yard touchdown. Both extra points were kicked by Alex Benner. However, Celina responded swiftly, scoring twice in the final six minutes of the half. Warner broke away for a 48-yard touchdown run, and Talmadge added a 17-yard touchdown run, both with successful kicks from Bridon Jeffries, giving Celina a 28-14 lead at halftime.
The Cougars opened the second half strong, once again tying the game at 28. Xavier Kelly's 74-yard punt return for a touchdown and an 18-yard scoring strike from Crummey to Easton Putnam brought Van Wert level.
However, Celina regained control, scoring 21 unanswered points to seal the victory. Warner threw a six-yard touchdown pass to Caleb Schlater, and later a six-yard touchdown pass to Trey Anderson. Both were followed by successful extra points from Bridon Jeffries. Trey Anderson also contributed a 29-yard interception return for a touchdown, with Bridon Jeffries adding the final kick.
Celina’s season has been marked by emotion, especially after quarterback Parker Wynk sustained a serious spinal injury in Week 1. The team rallied to defeat St. Henry in that game, and according to Coach Bader, has continued to play at a high level. Bader noted the team's ability to overcome challenges. "I think what our biggest strength is now, is our ability to overcome adversity when it gets thrown at us," Bader said. "Our guys are doing it every single week."
Warner shared similar sentiments, acknowledging the team's collective effort. "Everyone has taken it to the next level," Warner stated, adding that he "knew I had to step up." He also referred to Parker Wynk as his mentor, stating, "We just knew we had to do it for him." Coach Bader echoed this sentiment, stating the team's purpose this season is "to play for Parker and do it how he would approach it."
