One and done
The Columbus Cougars ended the season last Saturday with a tough loss, losing in the fourth quarter when Ronan was able to capitalize on two errors.
The final score was 29-43.
Columbus got on the board in the second quarter on a 28-yard pass to sophomore Dylan Raihl from junior quarterback Eddie Foos and an extra point kick by Mario Sabo.
Ronan answered with a touchdown with a 2-point conversion, followed by an interception return and another score to go up 7-22. Cougar senior Chuck Miller found the end zone on a 25-yard pass from Foos and a Sabo kick, putting the score at 14-22 at halftime.
Miller scored on a 1-yard run in the third quarter to bump the score to 20-22, which was answered by a Ronan TD. Raihl added another TD to the Cougar total, putting the score at 26-28 at the end of the third quarter.
A Sabo field goal gave the Cougars a 1-point lead in the fourth quarter, but that quickly vanished with 15 more Ronan points.
“Ending the season on a loss is always tough,” said Cougar Coach Blake Hoge. “Though we were able to take the lead in the fourth quarter we were unable to finish the game on top. Our guys gave it their all and it simply wasn’t in the cards. I wish Ronan the best of luck as they continue forward.”
Foos totaled a season high 222 passing yards and two touchdowns. Raihl had a standout game, catching the ball seven times for 125 yards and one touchdown.
Defensively, seniors Cody Wegner led in tackles with 13, followed by Connor Solomon with 12. “Solomon also had a gutsy performance on special teams, taking some big hits returning the ball, but always bouncing right back up,” said Hoge.”We also did something we haven’t in the two years I’ve been head coach – make a field goal. Props to Mario Sabo for kicking it through and all the guys up front for giving him time.”
Hoge said he was proud of the team and the season it was able to put together.
“We had a tough start, but our guys never faltered. We got better every single week and it’s a testament to our guys’ heart and work ethic that we were able to come away as the 4B conference champions,” said Hoge.