Columbia High started the season on the right foot by blowing out Richton 41-8 Friday and now is preparing for the annual in-county battle with East Marion.
The Wildcats (1-0) and Eagles (0-1) will clash at 7 p.m. Friday at East Marion.
Columbia has a three-game winning streak in the rivalry, including defeating East Marion 41-14 last year, a season in which both teams only won one game.
But the Wildcats showed spark Friday, scoring on their first four possessions and not allowing an offensive touchdown.
Running back Kentrell Bullock frequently bounced outside for big gains.
The sophomore ran for 126 yards and a score in the first half alone. Bullock averaged nearly 11.5 yards per carry on 11 rushes.
The first-team rested in the second half with a running clock going, a welcome sight for fans at Walter Payton Field after a difficult 2016 season.
Quarterback Rafael Luter turned in an efficient performance, completing 4-of-5 passes for 50 yards and a touchdown. He also ran three times for 16 yards and a touchdown.
Sophomore wideout Jameson Kelly was his main target, hauling in three catches for 45 yards that included a 30-yard touchdown.
Jermaine Barnes returned a punt back 60 yards for six points.
Daquan Ball rushed five times for 43 yards and a touchdown. Freshman Ladarrius Watts ran twice for 16 yards, including a 14-yard score.
The defense didn’t allow Richton, which is coming off a 1-10 season, to move the ball much at all.
The Rebels only points came on a fumble return in the fourth quarter when Columbia’s offensive backups were on the field.
Cornerback Zakelldrick Brown intercepted a pass for Columbia in the game’s closing moments.
