Football in southeast Iowa is upon us, and what better way to kick off the 2017 season than two area schools duking it out on the gridiron? Columbus Community will host Winfield-Mt. Union tonight in a week zero matchup.

Both schools are coming off of a tough 2016 campaign but bring back some experience from a year ago. The Wolves will look to erase a 1-8 record last season with their line leading the charge. WMU brings back all five players upfront offensively and four on the defensive line led by senior Jayce Malone who recorded 39 tackles a year ago. The veteran group will have to pave the way for an inexperienced backfield, with first-year quarterback Christian Gerot and running back Graham Hagge taking over with a combined 160 yards on their careers.

Hagge and Gerot will have to get past the Wildcats’ top two tacklers from a year ago in Nick Hernandez and Abel Mena who collected a combined 97. The versatile pair will lead the Columbus bunch that is coming off of a 2-7 season. Mena is the top returning receiver with 92 yards and a touchdown and Hernandez recorded 270 yards rushing. The Wildcats lost some experience under center with dual-threat quarterback Carter Colby graduating. They will have to replace his 416 yards through the air and 550 yards on the ground.

The area matchup gets started at 7 p.m. tonight at Columbus Community High School.