Coldwater Honors Fallen Teammate With A 31-7 State Championship Victory Over Kirtland

For Coldwater, Saturday was about more than just playing for its eighth state title.

It was about playing for a school and community that has overcome so much since the start of the season.

In August, just one day before the first regular season game, senior lineman Cale Wenning passed away due to a tragic accident.

The mission from this point on was very clear; win it all for Cale.

This mission was accomplished on Saturday, as Coldwater hoisted the Division VI State Championship trophy with a 31-7 victory over Kirtland.

Saturday was the first meeting between these two state powerhouse teams since 2012. With each team owning seven state titles, the winner would move into a tie for fourth most in OHSAA history.

Coldwater Gets Ahead

With one of Kirtland’s best attributes being the ability to chew clock with the lead, it was important for Coldwater to keep the Hornets off of the scoreboard early.

With Kirtland threatening on its opening drive, Coldwater came away with a critical pass breakup of fourth down to halt a solid drive.

Later in the quarter, Coldwater would take a 7-0 lead on a 14-yard fourth down touchdown run by Miles Pottkotter.

Division VI State Championship 🏆

1Q | 2:03
Coldwater – 7
Kirtland – 0

On fourth down, Baylen Blockberger tosses it to Miles Pottkotter, who goes 14 yards for a Coldwater touchdown.@NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/iRnCx41HPM

— NEO Zone HS Sports (@NEOZoneHS) December 7, 2024

Penalties Hurt the Hornets

Kirtland committed seven penalties in the first half, including two personal fouls and a pass interference call.

Roughing-the-kicker and pass interference on one drive doomed the Hornets, as the penalties helped set up a 5-yard touchdown pass from Baylen Blockberger to Mason Welsch to give Coldwater a 14-0 lead.

Division VI State Championship 🏆

2Q | 6:19
Coldwater – 14
Kirtland – 0

Coldwater extends its lead on a beautifully designed 5-yard touchdown pass from Baylen Blockberger to Mason Welsch.@NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/tZGMmhxJwg

— NEO Zone HS Sports (@NEOZoneHS) December 7, 2024

Then, in the closing seconds of the first half, Coldwater found the end zone on another touchdown pass from Blockberger to Welsch.

Division VI State Championship 🏆

*Halftime*
Coldwater – 21
Kirtland – 0

A 17-yard pass from Baylen Blockberger to Mason Welsch marks their second touchdown connection of the day.

Coldwater leads by three scores and will receive the second half kickoff.@NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/Gkf66YSzf8

— NEO Zone HS Sports (@NEOZoneHS) December 7, 2024

Coldwater Finishes The Job

After an impressive punt pinned Kirtland at its own 5 in the third quarter, a fumble resulted in a defensive touchdown by senior lineman Noah Welsch to extend Coldwater’s lead to 28-0.

To end the third quarter, Bryce Couchot converted on a 25-yard field goal to temporarily put a running clock into motion.

Kirtland was able to get in the end zone with 7:42 remaining in regulation, but Coldwater still went on to win, 31-7.

After tragically losing a teammate at the start of the 2024 season, Coldwater bands together and wins the state title.

Such a great moment for this team and community. pic.twitter.com/YSZhE7ja7V

— NEO Zone HS Sports (@NEOZoneHS) December 7, 2024

It was an emotional, unprecedented season for the Coldwater, but it was one that ended in a familiar success story.

The Cavaliers now have eight state titles, tying them with Cardinal Mooney and Newark Catholic for fourth most in OHSAA history.

With many key pieces returning next season, expect both of these schools to make yet another run for Canton in 2025.