Columbus Junction used a big second quarter to jump ahead of WACO and they stayed there for the win.

The Wildcats beat the Warriors 21-12, thanks to an effective ground game and the ability to replace the players that went down with cramps because of the heat.

The game started out in WACO’s favor, getting a six point lead in the first quarter off of a nice drive that led to a Tucker Janecek one yard touchdown run, but the PAT was no good.

In the second quarter it was all Columbus Junction, taking the lead 7-6 off of a three yard Ethan Leyden touchdown run, extending the lead with a four yard Zach Gaddy touchdown run and then a 18 yard run from Gaddy to make the score 21-6 at the half.

WACO almost had another touchdown just before half off an interception, but was stopped with no time on the clock at the one and a half yard line.

In the second half WACO kicked off and held Columbus Junction to a punt, which led to a nine minute plus drive by the Warriors down the field and a touchdown past to Mason Barnhart from Braden Blake to make the score 21-12.

Both teams got locked up in a stalemate after the drive and the game ended 21-12.

Offensively for Columbus, Gaddy had 87 yards, while Mauricio Ramierz had 63. Leyden was 3-10 with 18 yards and an interception.

For the Warriors Bryce Achen had 89 yards, and Janecek had 79 yards on just nine carries. Blake was 2-7 with 26 yards a touchdown and an interception, and Alex Hulme had one catch for 21 yards.

Columbus Junction now moves to 1-0 on the season while WACO falls to 0-1. Columbus will play a rivalry game against Wapello next week, while WACO takes on North Mahaska.