Archer Cechowicz Shines in Ottawa’s Dominant Win Over Plano

Archer Cechowicz made a triumphant return to the field, leading the Ottawa Pirates to a resounding 35-6 victory against the Plano Reapers on September 29, 2023. After enduring a season-ending injury in Week 2 of the previous season, Cechowicz’s comeback was marked by an impressive performance, rushing for 136 yards and scoring three touchdowns on just 14 carries.

Cechowicz’s journey back to the gridiron was not just about individual accolades; it involved supporting his teammates off the field as well. “Before the game, I like to envision the best possible outcome in my head,” he explained. “I don’t want to say that’s what I thought was going to happen, but it’s what I hoped was going to happen.” His hopes became a reality as he showcased his skills in Ottawa’s season opener.

Strong Offensive Performance

The Pirates wasted no time asserting their dominance, scoring on each of their first three drives. The opening drive culminated in a 14-yard touchdown run by Cechowicz, followed by an 85-yard drive that ended with a three-yard touchdown from Ethan Poutre. Cechowicz returned to the end zone with a 10-yard touchdown after Ottawa orchestrated a 74-yard drive.

The Ottawa offensive line played a crucial role in this success, propelling the team to a total of 331 rushing yards. Coach Chad Gross noted the line’s performance, stating, “We’ve challenged our line all summer. I knew they had it inside of them, and tonight they were able to unleash that on another team.” This powerful display included seven rushes of 15 yards or more, highlighting the effectiveness of the offensive line in creating opportunities.

The line’s strength also shone through in pass protection, allowing quarterback Mark Munson to connect with Bryson Valdez for a 27-yard touchdown pass that wrapped up a 99-yard drive. Cechowicz expressed gratitude for the offensive line, saying, “I can’t give them enough credit.”

Challenges for Plano

The Plano Reapers, starting their season at 0-1, struggled to maintain momentum throughout the game. Although their offense displayed brief moments of promise, they were unable to capitalize on critical opportunities, resulting in three turnovers. Coach Kyle Tutt acknowledged the challenges, stating, “Sometimes when the ball is in your hands and it’s all new to you, it becomes a lot, and I thought most of our guys did an excellent job dealing with that.”

Plano’s only score came during their second drive, featuring a 10-yard touchdown pass from Dylan Saunders to Cooper Beaty. This play, a product of Saunders’ improvisation, provided a fleeting highlight amid a challenging night for the Reapers. Tutt noted, “We did a lot of things nicely. Our guys played hard,” emphasizing the positives despite the defeat.

As the game progressed, Ottawa maintained control, leading 21-6 at halftime. The Pirates further solidified their grip on the game by forcing a fumble on the opening kickoff of the second half. Cechowicz capitalized on this opportunity, scoring his third touchdown from nine yards out.

Coach Gross praised Cechowicz, remarking, “He’s not the biggest kid, but he’s one of the best football players I’ve ever seen.” With this victory, Ottawa matched their win total from the previous season, a significant achievement considering their struggles in 2022.

Looking ahead, Gross emphasized the importance of setting goals, stating, “Our goal from Day 1 has been the playoffs. We know we have to get at least five to get there, and we play in a really good conference, so we’re taking it one week at a time, that’s all we can do.” Cechowicz shared this ambition, expressing confidence in the team’s capabilities. “I think we have a good chance to win at least six games,” he concluded, setting an optimistic tone for the remainder of the season.