Quantcast
skip to Main Content
Columbia Central Football Team

By Mike Moore                                                 Photo By Ryan Kerwin, JTV Sports

Staff Writer

 

Brooklyn — In 13 attempts before last Friday night, the Columbia Central football team had never beaten Ida.

 

And then, last Friday, well, the Golden Eagles went out and beat Ida.

 

“We have a lot of guys who have bought into the concept of next-guy up,” coach Josh Kubiak said. “We’ve had guys hurt. We’ve had guys miss a week. To be honest, we haven’t played a complete game yet, and we’re still 3-1. That says a lot about this team.”

 

Yet, as Kubiak spoke, he was very blunt about last weekend’s 46-38 win and this weekend’s home date with Blissfield.

 

“This game is a huge opportunity for us,” Kubiak said. “Last week was the first time we’ve ever beaten Ida, but if we don’t turn around and win this week, that win means nothing. It’s on us to follow up with another strong game.”

 

The key this week, the Golden Eagles’ coach said, rests on the defense.

 

“We have to stop them running the football,” he said. “This is a league where teams want to run.”

 

Columbia held Ida to less than 100 yards in the first half last week on the ground, and then got blitzed for more than 200 in the second half, which goes back to putting a whole game together.

 

“Ida is the straight-T, while Blissfield (2-2) has more formations and likes to spread things out,” Kubiak said. “The defense has to recognize the formation and line up correctly. After that, it’s about doing your job.”

 

Defensive end Lucas Mendez, who’s “been under the radar for a few weeks,” Kubiak said, is one huge key for the defense.

 

Senior linebacker Conor Davenport leads the team in tackles with 51, while defensive lineman Hunter Trumble also has to be key.

 

On the offensive side of things, the Golden Eagles will continue to rely on veteran QB Cole Partridge.

 

The senior signal caller was 9-of-16 passing last week for 123 yards and two scores, and rushed 14 times for 193 yards.

 

“Everything we do is based on him,” Kubiak said. “But we have the skilled guys we can spread the field with and take advantage of. We expect to be able to move the ball. We feel confident we can throw the ball on anyone.”

 The game will air on JTV on Saturday at 3:30pm and 9:30pm and again on Sunday at 9:30pm

Mike Moore is a play-by-play commentator and Sports Writer for JTV Sports.

 

He’s also a Real Estate agent with Real Estate One, specializing with buyers and sellers throughout Michigan, from the Jackson area to metro Detroit. You can reach him at mmoore@realestateone.com or by calling (313) 770-6365 with any inquiries.

Guthrie Ford
Back To Top
Search