The Columbus Wildcats will look to score a big football victory when they host the undefeated Pekin Panthers tonight. Columbus was on the verge of knocking off state-ranked Lisbon last week, rallying from a 13-point halftime deficit to take a fourth-quarter lead but seeing Lisbon score with just over a minute to play to win 34-28.

Despite a 1-2 start, the Wildcats have still gotten an excellent performance from all-state running back Kaden Amigon. The senior has rushed for 610 yards and eight touchdowns and is averaging over eight yards per carry.

The defense has seen some standout performers as well. Senior Cole Storm, junior Riley Kaalberg and sophomores Elliot Wessley and Tyson Kaalberg have combined for 58-and-a-half total tackles and five tackles for loss in the linebacker corps, while senior lineman Russell Coil has a team-high four tackles for loss.

Columbus will try to slow down a Pekin team that is averaging 400 yards and 36 points per game in its 3-0 start. Senior Sven Dahlstrom has been dynamic with the ball in his hands, rushing for 277 yards and receiving for another 115 while scoring six TDs.

Junior wide receiver Robert Brown has also been a big-play threat, racking up 200 yards and three scores on just seven catches. Columbus knocked off the Panthers 53-28 last season. The Wildcats take on Pekin this evening starting at 7.