News Update - October 3, 2009

Columbia Connects For A Victory Over Freeburg

The Columbia Eagles were able to hold off a strong Freeburg Midgets team and post a 47-36 victory to the delight of the many Columbia fans who traveled to the game. The high-scoring affair featured several deep passes, long punts landing in the coffin corners, numerous turnovers, painful injuries and a fierce battle between the offensive and defensive linemen which lasted every minute of all four quarters. Columbia came out of halftime with a 21-20 lead and soon pulled ahead 41-20 going into the fourth quarter. Led by quarterback Alex Fricke, the Midgets mounted a surge which resulted in 16 unanswered points to tighten the game to 41-36 late in the final quarter. The Eagles were able to put the ball in the end zone one final time to assure the win. Columbia improves their record to 5-1 overall and are in first place in the Cahokia Conference with a perfect 4-0 record. Freeburg falls to 3-3 overall and are now in second place behind Columbia in the conference at 3-1. Columbia is at home next Friday to take on Breese Central.

Columbia quarterback Tanner Hall, right, eyes up receiver Billy Haag and connects the pass in the second quarter. Haag caught the ball and raced down the sideline for a 50-yard touchdown.

Following a reception, Columbia receiver Kyle Breitenstein uses his arm to keep his balance to regain his footing after being nearly tackled. While playing defense in the fourth quarter, Breitenstein was hit hard during a tackle and was taken out of the game for several plays with injuries to his back and side. The hard hitting senior soon strapped on his helmet and Coach Scott Horner got him back in the game.

Columbia’s Wilson Baab makes his way downfield after a key third quarter interception. The Eagles scored on their next play from scrimmage when running back Clayton Revelle plowed his way past the defense for a touchdown.

Columbia defensemen kneel down in support of their injured teammate Nick Sitzel, at right, who suffered an apparent broken leg in the first quarter. Dr. Jay Picket and the CHS training staff helped Sitzel onto an ambulance.

Waterloo Comes Up Just Short In Loss At Jerseyville

Jerseyville jumped ahead early Friday night on the football field and were able to hold off the visiting Waterloo Bulldogs for a 26-21 victory. Going into the fourth quarter, Jerseyville held a 19-7 lead, but the Bulldogs attempted to mount a comeback. They were able to score 14 points in the final quarter, but a failed onside kick put the momentum on the side of the home team. Waterloo is now 3-3 overall and 1-2 in the Mississippi Valley Conference. The win gives Jerseyville a record of 2-4 and now are tied with Waterloo with a 1-2 conference record. Waterloo heads to Highland next Friday night.

Waterloo quarterback Tim Kassenbaum, left, dives in for a touchdown in Friday’s loss to Jerseyville.       - photo by Bob Haentzler / game photos online at www.gatewayphoto.net

Dupo lost to Northwest Academy 20-6 Friday night dropping the Tigers record to 2-4 on the season.

June Valentine celebrated her 50^th birthday Friday evening with 38 friends at the Cardinals baseball game in St. Louis. They watched the 12-6 loss in the friendly confines of the Jack Buck Party Box complete with a buffet of hot dogs and nachos, brownies, decorated cookies and drinks.