For the third consecutive week, Columbia Academy (2-5) fell flat against a quality opponent, dropping its homecoming game 26-8 to rival Simpson Academy.
Head coach Randy Butler referenced before the season that the Cougars’ non-district schedule would be like facing the SEC West, and it has played out that way. Simpson was the latest in tough opponents on the CA schedule, and when the Cougars had the chance to get back in the game they failed to make the play.
“They were just better than us — big, strong and physical. We battled, and I liked the way we fought. We had a chance in the middle of the third quarter when it was 20-6. We faked a punt and dropped (the pass), and we could’ve really got back in the game right there,” Butler said. “All in all we’re just not executing offensively, and penalties are still hurting us a little bit. It’s back to the basics again this week, and we’ll try to get everything corrected.”
The Cougars offense failed to move the ball efficiently, completing just 32 percent of their passes and averaging 3.4 yards per carry, while turning it over twice.
“We have to protect (quarterback) Ras (Pace) a little better. He has to get the ball out; he can’t hold it. We have to catch it when we do get it off and run better routes. And we have to run the football better,” Butler said. “That’s been a big priority this week so far, just lining up, knocking people off the football and establishing a physical, hard-nosed run game. We’re going to try to do that Friday night. I’m not holding anything back. Anybody can read what they want to, but we need to be physical and line up and run the football. If we do that, we’ll have a chance to win the football game.”
Now the Cougars’ attention turns toward Sylva Bay Academy (5-2) as they head to Bay Springs Friday night. It will be the last non-district game for Columbia Academy before they head to Wayne Academy next week and close out the season at home against Bowling Green.
Butler said the Saints are one of the best teams in MAIS AA, and he has a lot of respect for head coach Terry Underwood, who Butler has hired once and tried to hire multiple times. Butler added Sylva Bay quarterback Hunter Sykes will be a handful to contain, and the Saints are much improved from a season ago.
“They have a quarterback that makes them go. He’s athletic, runs around and makes plays with his feet, and we’ll have to keep him in the pocket and not let him move around. He throws the ball well on the run,” he explained. “They’re going to take their shots. They throw it downfield several times during a game, and we’ll have to be at our best in coverage. When you’re your best in your coverage, you’re best in your pass rush, which has been an emphasis this week.”
While there are a lot of areas the Cougars are looking to improve in, Butler said they are taking a less-is-more approach.
“We’re simplifying this week on both sides of the football. We want to be simple so we can play hard and play as close to error free as we can. If we do that, we’ll be fine,” he said. “I want us to get back to having some fun and executing. When you make plays on both sides of the ball, kids get excited. When kids get excited, they play harder and that’s what we’re trying to do.”
Senior wide receiver Holden Smith hauled in the lone touchdown for the Cougars against Simpson, a 30-yard reception from Pace in the third quarter after Simpson had already taken a 20-0 lead. Pace added the two-point conversion on the Cougars’ go-to call near the goal line, a quarterback draw from an empty backfield.
One of the few bright spots for the Cougars was once again the play of junior Jordyn Mahaffey, who transferred from West Marion right before the season. He had 20 tackles, four tackles for loss, a sack and a forced fumble.
The Cougars’ trio of linebackers continued their torrid pace of racking up tackles as well, with Patrick Gill leading the way with 19, and Kris Ginn and Cole Rowell each having 18. Ginn also recovered two fumbles, and Gill forced one.
Pictured Above: Columbia Academy running back Drew Havard hits the hole while Cole Rowell blocks out in front. | Photo by Vince Havard
