Photo Courtesy of Columbus School District Social Media

It’s been a remarkable turnaround for Columbus Wildcat football, as a team without a winning record since the turn of the century is getting ready for a second straight year with a playoff game when they start the Class A postseason tonight by hosting Maquoketa Valley. Columbus ensured a second straight year with a winning record by finishing the regular season on a five-game winning streak to push their mark to 6-2.

The Wildcats continue to run the football with authority, averaging over 355 yards per game on the ground. All-state senior halfback Kaden Amigon has almost 1,600 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns, while junior Riley Kaalberg has piled up over 900 yards and 14 TDs carrying the ball.

Columbus also continues to dominate opposing offenses. Whether it’s sophomores Tyson Kaalberg and Elliot Wessley leading the team in tackles and combining for 10 interceptions; or the dominance of senior lineman Russell Coil with 15-and-a-half tackles for loss, the Wildcats keep opponents under control, giving up less than 18 points per contest.

Columbus will be looking to win a playoff meeting with Maquoketa Valley for a second straight season. The road Wildcats are 6-2 and lean on two veteran stars. Running back Lane McShane has rushed for 1,779 yards and 28 touchdowns, while fellow senior Aidan Salow has piled up 18.5 tackles for loss and nine sacks on defense. Columbus defeated Maquoketa Valley 62-14 in last season’s playoff matchup. The battle of Wildcats kicks off this evening at 7.