After routing the Highland Huskies last Friday night, the Columbus Wildcats football team (2-1 overall; 1-0 Class 1A District 6) has a chance to match their win total from last season tonight. The Wildcats are celebrating homecoming this evening, stepping out of district play to face their county rivals the Wapello Indians (1-2 overall).

The Wildcats forced seven Huskies turnovers in a 51-18 victory last week in Columbus Junction. Senior running back Mauricio Ramirez amassed 210 yards of total offense and scored five total touchdowns in the win.

Columbus’s primary running back has been an offensive machine for the Wildcats this season. Ramirez leads the district in rushing yards with 525, total offensive yards with 688, and total touchdowns with 12.

The Wildcats’ special teams recorded a rare stat last week versus Highland. Columbus junior Ruben Paz connected on a 25-yard field goal, the first successful field goal attempt for the football program in 11 years.

The Wapello Indians have lost their previous two games after starting the season with a 41-14 victory over New London. Sophomore quarterback Logan Belzer has thrown for 260 yards, connecting on four touchdown passes and tossing six interceptions. Senior Adrian Lanz leads the Indians rushing attack, recording a team high 420 yards and two rushing touchdowns this season.

Kickoff of tonight’s nondistrict showdown between Louisa County rivals Columbus and Wapello is set for 7:30 p.m. at Columbus High School. Listen tomorrow morning for results from the game.