By Abram Escamilla | RadioAbe Network
(10-14-26) One year ago, Ottawa-Glandorf finished a football season without a victory. Now, eight games into this season, the Titans have yet to lose.
That turnaround sets the stage for Friday night’s showdown with unbeaten Celina. But how did O-G get here? In this Q&A, the Titans’ head coach discusses the work behind the record, the leadership throughout his roster and why his pride in this team reaches beyond Friday nights.
RadioAbe: Coach, a year ago, your team finished 0–10. Now you’re 8–0 and preparing for a matchup between unbeaten teams. Take us back to the beginning. What changed first?
Coach Kaufman: The biggest thing was getting our players and coaches to buy into the vision we had for this program. Our coaching staff has done an outstanding job of developing our players and setting expectations, but the players deserve the most credit. They have bought in, worked extremely hard, and held each other accountable. We knew it wasn’t going to happen overnight, but the guys have continued to put in the work and trust the process.
RadioAbe: When you’re coming off a season like that, believing in the work before the wins arrive is a big step. Was there a moment during the offseason or early this season when you thought this group could be special?
Coach Kaufman: I don’t know if there was one specific moment. Our week one win shed some light on the hard work the guys had been displaying all offseason. Throughout the offseason, we saw the commitment these guys were making in the weight room and in everything we asked them to do. We had a lot of guys pushing each other and holding each other to a high standard. As coaches, you start to see that commitment carry over onto the field, and we felt like we had a chance to have a good team. We still have a lot of work to do, but the guys have continued to improve each week.
RadioAbe: You’ve mentioned players pushing each other and holding each other accountable. Where is that leadership coming from, and how has it shaped this team?
Coach Kaufman: We have a lot of great leaders on this team, and it’s not just our captains or guys who get the most playing time. We have guys who might not see the field much on Friday nights but still make a big impact through their effort, attitude, and commitment every day. They understand their role and do whatever they can to help the team succeed. Our guys care about something bigger than themselves, and that’s a big part of what makes this group special.
RadioAbe: That trust was tested against Van Wert. Your team came up with key stops and a late touchdown. What did the way your players handled that finish tell you?
Coach Kaufman: It showed the toughness of our kids and their ability to stay composed when things get difficult. Football is a game of momentum, and there are going to be times when things don’t go your way. Our guys didn’t panic. They kept competing, trusted each other, and made plays when we needed them. We’ve talked a lot about our next-play mentality, and that finish was a good example of our guys continuing to fight regardless of the situation.
RadioAbe: Let’s turn to Celina. When you look at Friday night’s matchup, what does Ottawa-Glandorf need to do well to control the game?
Coach Kaufman: We’re going to have to be physical and do a good job of taking care of the football. Celina is a good football team, and we’re going to have to execute in all three phases. Offensively, we need to stay balanced and continue to spread the ball around. Defensively, we need to be disciplined, tackle well, and limit their big plays. Ultimately, it comes down to doing our jobs and playing together for four quarters.
RadioAbe: Two unbeaten teams meeting this late in the season naturally brings excitement. How do you let your players enjoy that opportunity while keeping preparation consistent?
Coach Kaufman: We understand it’s a big game, and our players are excited about the opportunity. At the same time, we can’t let the record or the attention surrounding the game change how we prepare. Our routine stays the same. We have to focus on getting better every day, preparing the right way, and taking care of the things we can control. Once Friday night gets here, we’ll be ready to compete.
RadioAbe: Finally, Coach, everyone sees the change from 0–10 to 8–0. You see these players every day. Beyond the record, what makes you proudest of this group?
Coach Kaufman: I’m most proud of the way these guys have come together and bought into being a family. They’ve put a lot of time and effort into this program, and they genuinely care about one another. We’ve had a lot of guys step up and do things for the team without worrying about individual recognition. We’ve also had opportunities to give back to our community, and our players have done a great job representing OG. The record is great, but seeing the growth in these young men and the way they carry themselves is what means the most to me.
Coach Ben Kaufman and his staff have done a fantastic job guiding a remarkable turnaround at Ottawa-Glandorf. In just one year, the Titans have gone from 0–10 to 8–0, a testament to the coaches’ leadership and the players’ hard work, belief and commitment to one another. RadioAbe wishes the Titans good luck Friday night against Celina as they look to keep their unbeaten season rolling and move one step closer to finishing the regular season the way they started it with a win.
