Van Wert struck first and held the momentum Friday night, defeating Bryan 42-7 on the road. The Cougars grabbed a 7-0 lead after the first quarter before Bryan answered in the second on a 31-yard touchdown pass from Jake Arnold to Easton Kerr, knotting the game at 7-7. Van Wert responded just before halftime with a two-yard rushing score, sending the Golden Bears into the locker room trailing 14-7.
The second half belonged to Van Wert, as the Cougars pulled away with two touchdowns in the third quarter and two more in the fourth to secure the win. Arnold finished 10-of-15 passing for 150 yards and a touchdown, while Cade Carlin led Bryan’s rushing attack with 28 yards. Top targets through the air were Jacob Uran with three catches for 45 yards and Aaden Wallace with four receptions for 40 yards.
Bryan (0-1) will look to bounce back next Friday when they travel to Bowling Green.