SHARONVILLE, Ohio — The Wyoming football team is returning to the state Final Four for the sixth time in program history.
Wyoming senior quarterback Evan Prater tied a career-high with five rushing touchdowns as the Cowboys defeated Germantown Valley View 33-0 in a Division IV, Region 16 final Saturday night at Princeton High School.
Wyoming (13-0) plays Clyde (9-4) in a state semifinal Nov. 30 at a location to be determined.
Wyoming earned its sixth shutout of the season Saturday night.
Sophomore linebacker Jared Hancock had seven tackles while senior linebacker Camden O'Gara had six tackles and a 28-yard interception return.
"Our guys just lock in every single week," Wyoming coach Aaron Hancock said. "The defensive staff puts the game plan together and they do a fantastic job of executing."
O'Gara's interception on the first play of the second quarter led to the Cowboys' first touchdown of the night almost three minutes later.
"Camden is absolutely the smartest football player I've ever coached," Aaron Hancock said. "The things that he can pick up on is incredible. His ability to understand all aspects of the game is incredible. Just a very impressive football player and leader for our program."
Wyoming, the 2018 Division IV state champion, appeared in its fourth consecutive regional final Saturday night. The Cowboys have won 28 consecutive games going back to last season.
Prater, a University of Cincinnati commit, had 22 carries for 125 rushing yards. Prater, an All-American Bowl commit, also had five rushing touchdowns in Wyoming’s 49-18 win over Milton-Union in the regional quarterfinal Nov. 9.
"The interesting thing about Evan is he is such an unselfish player," Aaron Hancock said. "And his ability to lead a program. Think about this for a second. You win a state title. Everyone is gunning for you. And each and every week you get everyone's best. And in the biggest games he performs at his best. I mean I don't know what else you can say."
Prater, who is 40-1 as a starting quarterback, said winning another regional title was a special moment for the Cowboys.
"I think it's great for our senior class and we are all confident in what we do and coming out next week, getting better next week and hopefully getting back to state," Prater said.
Wyoming also made it the state Final Four in 2018, 2009, 1998, 1977 and 1975.
Wyoming took charge early in the second quarter against Valley View.
The Cowboys took a 7-0 lead at the 8:57 mark when Prater scored on a 4-yard touchdown run.
The Cowboys went ahead 13-0 when Prater scored on an 8-yard touchdown run five minutes later. That scoring play occurred after Prater found junior Joop Mitchell for a nifty 51-yard pass connection. Mitchell finished with three receptions for 73 yards.
Wyoming went ahead 19-0 when Prater scored on a 25-yard touchdown run with 1:20 left in the first half.
The Cowboys took a 26-0 lead when Prater scored on a 1-yard touchdown run with 9:25 left in the third quarter.
Prater scored on a 5-yard touchdown carry with 8:28 left to help give the Cowboys a 33-0 lead.
Valley View (10-3) had 159 yards of offense. The Spartans had not been shut out since Oct. 10, 2014 (30-0 against visiting Monroe).
