From the very first play from scrimmage, Columbia (9-2) asserted its will and dominated Morton from start to finish in the first round of the Class 3A playoffs Friday night to the tune of 42-7.
“I just thought from the get go our kids were more excited than theirs,” head coach Chip Bilderback said. “I thought our kids were excited to play, and when you play with passion, energy and enthusiasm — the last month has been playoff-type games, so we’ve been in this grind for the past five weeks since we play such good competition — our kids just got after it.”
With its first playoff win in nearly five years to the day, Columbia advances to take on Crystal Springs (7-4), which is coming off a 34-27 overtime road win over Wilkinson County, in the second round of the 3A playoffs on the road.
Bilderback said he wanted the Wildcats to use the first-round game to wash the bad taste out of their mouths from the Seminary loss and just enjoy playing football.
“They knew what a big deal this was, and we challenged them to come out and remind everyone who we are and play Columbia football,” he said.
On the first play from scrimmage, Columbia freshman Jaheim Oatis, who garnered national fame after picking up offers from Alabama, Ole Miss and Mississippi State while still in junior high, burst through the line and delivered a big hit to jumpstart the Wildcats. He did it again on third-and-long to force the Panthers to punt, and he continued to dominate in his best performance to date.
Columbia’s offense wasted no time getting the ball rolling as another freshman, Omarie Johnson, took a toss on the second play of the drive, cut back inside and accelerated for a 37-yard touchdown.
The defense then forced a turnover as Jeremiah Haynes pounced on the ball to set up another long touchdown run by Johnson. After picking up great blocks by Regan Davis and Ryan Luter, Johnson burst through a huge hole on a strong-side counter and was off to the races from 28 yards out.
Kevon Cloyd joined in on the defensive action with Oatis and Haynes, coming up with a big stuff on a Morton 4th-and-1 to precede yet another long touchdown for the Wildcats. This time it was through the air as Ralpheal Luter delivered an on-the-money deep ball to Jamison Kelly, who leaped over two defenders to high point the ball before breaking a tackle and scoring on the 44-yard connection. Harrison Foxworth drilled his third PAT of the quarter as Columbia led 21-0 with 2:24 still on the clock in the opening stanza.
With three front seven members already having shining moments for the Columbia defense, it was the secondary’s turn on Morton’s ensuing drive as Dylan Henry retreated into the end zone to intercept Morton’s Von Jennings.
Two possessions later, Columbia got another big play from the passing game that was set up by creative play calling by offensive coordinator Craig Cluff. On second down Johnson came in motion on a jet sweep to pick up a modest gain of eight. Columbia ran the same action again, but Ralpheal Luter faked the jet sweep and hit Teshonne Franklin on a pop pass up the seam that turned into a 52-yard catch-and-run touchdown.
Bilderback said he was proud of his team for a good week of preparation that led to the fast start.
“They’re excited about being in the playoffs and hosting a playoff game. We just challenged them to keep doing what they’re doing,” he said. “We have a great football team, and we want to see where this thing goes.”
De’Torres Lewis added to the lead with 19 seconds to go in the first half on a 6-yard jet sweep to make it 35-0. However, Jennings found Tra Davis for a 34-yard gain to set the Panthers up at the Columbia 1 with only four seconds to go after a Columbia penalty gave Morton great field position. Jennings capitalized on the next play with a 1-yard touchdown run.
Columbia added to its lead on the opening drive of the second half before putting in the junior varsity squad. Ralpheal Luter and Magee both had runs of 20-plus, and Cloyd capped off the drive with a 1-yard touchdown to make it 42-7.
Pictured Above: Columbia's De'Torres Lewis catches a quick screen pass from Ralpheal Luter. | Photo by Joshua Campbell
