Columbus High Football Off to a Hot Start

Despite opening the season with a defeat to Omaha Central, the Discoverers Football team has since rebounded with four consecutive wins to roll through the first half of the regular season.  

In the season opener, Omaha Central flew to a 24-7 first-half lead they never relinquished.  While Columbus put 21 additional points on the board in the second half, Central responded by adding 21 of their own, contributing to the Eagles soaring to a win over the Discoverers.

Luckily, the Discoverers did not let this early season setback carry over to the following week against Maroon Cup rival Norfolk.  Columbus jumped out to an early 21 point advantage after the first half.  They would hold on to that advantage until Norfolk found the end zone with less than a minute to play making the final score 28-14.  

Continuing the team’s stream of victory, Columbus dominated Northstar Lincoln in their first home game of the season. The 49-13 final score, cemented the start of a Discoverer winning streak that, upon writing, they have yet to drop. 

The third in the line of Discoverer wins came against the Rockets of Lincoln Northeast. In the first half of the game, Columbus scored 40 points, solidifying their advantage over Northeast’s 6 points. The second half, however, was more competitive. Northeast scored 26 points to Columbus’ 7, though it should be noted that Columbus played their JV squad through the remainder of the evening.  Despite the second-half onslaught, the JVs held on to the varsity’s lead, adding a 47-32 win to the ledger.

The most hotly contended contest in the Discoverers’ string of wins came on the road against Lincoln High. The first half closed favorably for The Discoverers, carrying a 21-10 lead into the locker room.   In the third quarter, however, the Discoverers were held scoreless, while the Links scored 6 points. The final period saw matching touchdowns from both squads, allowing the Discoverers to maintain their lead at the final buzzer, 28-23.

Leading the Discoverers in passing through the first half of the season, is senior Brody Mickey with 760 yards across 53 completions, resulting in 12 touchdowns to 2 interceptions. Mickey's favorite target was senior Ernest Housman gathering 26 receptions for 407 yards and 7 touchdowns. The rushing attack has been anchored mainly by junior Liam Blaser hauling the rock 84 times for 463 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Defensively, the Discoverers, are lead in tackles by senior and Husker prospect Earnest Hausman with 42 tackles, 17 of which came as solos, and two of which came against opposing quarterbacks. Liam Blaser has intercepted the sole pass for this season, While Hausman and senior Matt Bierman have contributed turnovers in the form of fumble recoveries.  Finally, Sophomore Dylan Crumley scored on special teams returning a kickoff 77 yards for a touchdown.

For those Football Fanatics, future home games, include Kearny, Bellview West (10/15), and North Platte (10/22). Kearny will be this Friday at 7. Belleview West is next Friday (10/1) at 7. Follow Anchor News to find out more about our football games this season.