It’s a good old rivalry matchup between the ‘Cats and Dogs tonight on the KCII3 Stream, as the Columbus Wildcats are set to battle the Highland Huskies on homecoming in the latest edition of the KCII Area Game of the Week.
The ‘Cats of Columbus come into tonight’s matchup 1-3 overall and 1-2 in district competition after last week’s 48-0 loss on the road at Pekin. Trevor Phillips went 4/7 for just 25 yards and an interception. Star running back Riley Kaalberg failed to reach 100 yards on the ground for the first time this season, finishing with 84 yards on 24 carries. Angel Venzor caught two passes for just 12 yards. Drew Totemeier led the charge defensively with five tackles. As a team, Columbus puts up 19 points-per-game and gives up 38.3. The Wildcats are 18/30 through the air for 228 yards, including three touchdowns and three interceptions. On the ground, Columbus has racked up 768 yards on 139 carries and has scored eight times. Defensively, Columbus has 136 tackles, 19-and-a-half for loss, five sacks, and three fumble recoveries. On special teams, the Wildcats have made their lone field goal this season, and have made seven of their eight PAT’s.
The Highland Huskies arrive in Columbus 2-2 overall and 1-2 in district play after a loss at home to top-5 ranked in Class A Lisbon last week 49-6. Logan McFarland threw just four passes all night, completing two for 81 yards and an interception. Garrett Beeson finished as the leading rusher, tallying 61 yards on 20 carries. Jose Ramirez added a rushing touchdown, the only score of the night for Highland. Liam Roberts and Hunter Seibel combined for 111 yards receiving on three catches. Colten Sypherd was the top dog on defense, recording seven tackles, one for loss, and a sack. Jared Diaz added to his impressive defensive resume with a pick, his fifth of the season. As a team, Highland puts up 13 points-per-game and gives up 15.8. They are 11/26 passing for 233 yards, one touchdown and five interceptions. Much like their counterparts from Columbus, the Huskies are strong on the ground, and have notched 729 yards on 174 carries, having found pay dirt six times. Defensively, Highland has recorded 160 tackles, 21-and-a-half for loss, five-and-a-half sacks, four fumble recoveries, and a whopping nine interceptions. The Huskies have attempted three field goals, with two being successful, and are 4/6 on PAT’s.
Columbus Head Coach Dave Lekwa joined us on the latest edition of the KCII Radio Coaches Corner to preview their homecoming matchup with district foe Highland. “Highland is playing really good football this year. They’re much improved. They’re kind of a feel-good story. We’ve got to get ourselves focused in the right direction. We’ve got to get these upperclassmen embracing the season and get back to playing some good football,” Lekwa said.
Highland Head Coach Cory Quail also joined us on the KCII Radio Coaches Corner this past Saturday to give his thoughts on tonight’s rivalry matchup with Columbus. “We’ve just got to focus on us right now. We’ve got to be able to get our guys back on the roster, get a quality week of practice in, and be able to play the football we do at Highland,” Quail said.
In the Varsity Bound era, Columbus leads the all-time series between these two teams 8-6 dating back to 2008 and have taken the last four matchups. Last year’s edition saw Columbus spoil Highland’s homecoming with a 55-0 victory on September 22nd.
You can hear all of the action live tonight between Columbus and Highland streaming exclusively online at KCIIRadio.com on the KCII3 Stream beginning with the pregame show at 6:30, and kickoff at 7 p.m. from Columbus Junction.