Baylen Blockberger on the run in Friday’s win over Valley View. In addition, he threw for 163 yards and four touchdowns. (Press Pros Feature Photos)
On an opening night with a tragic overtone, Coldwater’s quarterback put his emotions aside long enough to provide winning leadership…and tribute to a fallen friend.
Suffice it to say, there won’t be many do as much as Coldwater High School senior Baylen Blockberger did last Friday, or under the circumstances with which he did it!
Just 24 hours removed from the horrific news of teammate Cale Wenning’s passing due to a biking injury from a week ago, Blockberger threw for 163 yards and four touchdowns in a 38-0 shutout win over the Valley View Spartans to lead the Cavaliers to an emotional season-opening win.( https://pressprosmagazine.com/2024/08/24/the-twelfth-man-loomed-coldwater-blasts-valley-view-in-tribute-to-cale/)
“He was Baylen,” said Cavalier head coach Chip Otten, taking pause to collect his emotions and and express appreciation for a great performance under such stressful circumstances.
“He’s bigger, stronger…better than he was last year. The game has slowed down for him. He doesn’t panic when he scrambles. He just allows for adjustments and then puts the ball right on the money to an open receiver.”
Like his coach, Blockberger dealt with his emotions as well as he could in explaining how he was able to perform under such emotional conditions.
“It’s been emotional all week,” he said. “There were a lot of tough feelings to overcome. But we have a good senior group, we’ve stuck together well, and we had a great conversation before the game to make sure we came out and did this for him [Cale]. We’re definitely missing him.
“And there was anxiety,” he added. “But we were confident that we were going to win this game. We talked about settling down and not getting too hyped up. And a lot of guys made plays, all over the field…running backs, receivers…everyone. Everybody was connected.”
Blockberger is the reigning passing leader in the MAC Conference from 2023, and complemented his passing performance on Friday by rushing for 36 yards on just five carries.
And while there are bound to be nights when he throws for more yards – runs for more than 36 – there won’t be many that were more poignant than Friday, or more necessary that he perform his best.
For that, we’re pleased to recognize Baylen Blockberger as this week’s ‘Who’s Hot’ honoree on Press Pros Magazine…with appreciation for an extraordinary example of courage and leadership.
On behalf of sponsor, the St. Henry Bank, Press Pros is happy to recognize this week’s Who’s Hot honoree, Baylen Blockberger, from Coldwater High School.