The Columbus Wildcats won their third straight on the football field Friday night by defeating Van Buren County 48-7. Columbus scored a pair of touchdowns in the first quarter, but they would score four times in the second period to really take control and build a 41-0 lead going into halftime.

A huge night for the rushing attack powered the Columbus offense, which piled up over 350 yards on the ground. Riley Kaalberg led the way with 180 yards and three touchdowns on just nine carries, while fellow senior Juan Chairez had 67 yards and a TD on nine attempts.

Junior Tyson Kaalberg added six rushes for 96 yards and a score while also finding the end zone as a receiver. The Wildcat defense was paced by Drew Totemeier’s five-and-a-half tackles, and the junior joined Tyson Kaalberg and junior Kason Dopler in each having an interception.

Sophomore Lamar Ceant added a kickoff return for a touchdown as Columbus improves to 4-3, including a 4-2 record in Class A District 5. The Wildcats will finish up the regular season and look to secure a place in the playoffs when they travel to Danville this coming Friday.