The Columbus Community Wildcats lost a thriller in the battle of the A football District 5 championship, falling 32-31 to Alburnett on senior night Friday. Columbus responded from a halftime deficit to take a 13-10 lead into the fourth quarter. The game would be tied at 25 at the end of regulation, and both teams scored a touchdown in overtime. But only Alburnett converted on the extra point after, giving the Pirates the win.

The Wildcats were again led by running back Kaden Amigon on offense. The junior rushed for 232 yards and three touchdowns on a season-high 37 carries. Senior Triston Miller added 13 rushes for 74 yards and a TD. All 382 yards of offense for Columbus came on the ground. On defense, junior Trenton Hoback led the Wildcats with 10 tackles. Sophomore Riley Kaalberg also had nine stops and a sack, but Columbus couldn’t contain the Alburnett passing game, allowing senior quarterback Mason Neighbor to throw for 225 yards and four scores.

Columbus also had the game’s only turnover as their perfect season comes to a close. 7-1 is still easily the most wins the Wildcats have put together in a season in over a decade. An outstanding year for Columbus Community does continue in the A state playoffs, starting by hosting Maquoketa Valley this coming Friday evening.