Photo Courtesy of Hudl
The Columbus Wildcat football team saw their season come to an end Friday night in Alburnett, dropping the final contest of 2021 to the Pirates on the road 13-9. Columbus came into the contest with their playoff destiny in their own hands, needing not only to beat the Pirates, but do so by at least a 13 point margin to force their way into the class A postseason. It was a defensive struggle between the two teams, with the limited offense for Alburnett happening early, while the Wildcats got things going on that side of the ball late. The Pirates led 7-0 after the first quarter and tacked on another TD in the second to go into half up 13-0. The Wildcats found the endzone in the third quarter to get within 13-6 and added a 32-yard Yahir Ayala field goal in the fourth to get within four but could not finish the comeback. On Saturday’s KCII radio coaches corner, Wildcat head coach Dave Lekwa talked about the tough way to end the season and his 2021 team. “I think everyone involved in the program is feeling very good about where we’re at. Would we have liked to make the playoffs? Yes, there is dejection over not making it this year. Overall, we’re doing the right things. We’re making the right amount of progress and we’re a young team. We did have a very talented and important senior class but we also had some young guys in key positions get key minutes this year. I’m excited for the program and the direction that we’re going. We’re getting some excitement built within the program, around the school and in the community.”
The Wildcats were outgained on the night 266 to 253 total yards with Columbus winning the ground battle 227 to 112 but losing through the air 154 to 26. KCII Football JET Physical Therapy Athlete of the Week Kaden Amigon had a big night. The sophomore rolled up 171 yards and a touchdown on the ground, carrying the ball 23 times. Jeff Hoback was two of four passing for 26 yards and an interception. Triston Miller had seven tackles and a fumble recovery to lead the Cats. Robert Coil also recovered a Pirate fumble. Connor Rock led Alburnett to the win going eight of nine through the air for 154 yards and a touchdown. With the loss, Columbus ends their season at 3-4, Alburnett improves to 3-4, but holds the head to head tiebreaker over the Wildcats, allowing them to advance into the playoffs as the three seed out of class A district five when they travel to Wapsie Valley this week. Columbus says goodbye to nine seniors including Gerardo Orozco, Dyson Juhl, Andrew Gonzalez, Logan Bright, Yahir Ayala, Robert Coil, Gabe Alcala, Bryan Miranda and Donovan Avila.