Columbia falls to Presbyterian 34-13 Presbyterian took the opening kickoff and quickly picked up two first downs on two Brantley Hudson runs. After a 13 yard touchdown pass was negated due to a holding penalty the Bobcats made up for the error as senior quarterback David Roberts hit tight-end Coy Carter for a 21 yard score with 9:26 left in the first quarter. Presbyterian’s two point attempt failed.
(Above)Presbyterian's Clay Phillips (#12) forces a Cougar fumble
On the ensuing kickoff Columbia turned the ball back over to PCS on a fumble in Cougar territory. What looked to be a solid Columbia defensive stand turned sour as Presbyterian would turn a 4th and nine into a 25 yard hookup between Roberts and running back Cole Vickers to put PCS up 12-0 with 7:42 left in the opening quarter. PCS was denied on another two point attempt. Columbia’s first offensive play came at 7:38 of the 1st quarter but the Bobcat defense would force a four and out to regain possession. Columbia would get their first 1st down at the 3:04 mark on a 19 yard scamper by senior quarterback RJ Thomas and a five yard facemask infraction tacked on would move the ball down to the Bobcat 33 yard line. The Cougar drive would then stall as the first quarter ended.
(Above) Columbia's Josh Broom upends PCS running back Brantley Hudson
With the Columbia defense forcing Presbyterian into a 3rd and long the Bobcats would cash in on another big play as David Roberts hit wide receiver Kavius Nelson for a 53 yard strike. A few plays later Roberts would collect his third touchdown pass on the night as he connected with Coy Carter for a 5 yard strike. Roberts then hit wide receiver Cade Martin for the two point conversion as the Bobcats extended their lead to 20-0 with 10:38 left in the half. Columbia would get moving on offense as the Cougar rushing attack began to pick up steam. Minutes later the Cougars hit pay-dirt on an 8 yard touchdown run from junior Cole Oglesbee with just over six minutes left in the half to trim the deficit to 20-7. As the rain came the Presbyterian offense would net a 79 yard drive capped off by a one yard run by senior running back Blake Sullivan at 1:07 and a Brantley Hudson two point conversion to build the lead to 28-7 at the half.
Presbyterian would score again in the third quarter when Hudson hauled in a 12 yard td pass from Roberts to take a 34-7 lead into the final quarter. The run game was the primary focus for both teams in the 4th quarter on a wet field but with time running out Columbia scored on a 19 yard touchdown pass from RJ Thomas to sophomore Robert Whitehead as the contest ended at 34-13.
(Above) Columbia quarterback RJ Thomas (#18)Presbyterian’s David Roberts threw for 176 yards and 3 touchdowns, Brantley Hudson ran for 88 yards and caught a pass for a touchdown and tight-end Coy Carter had touchdown receptions of 21 and 5 yards.
Columbia’s new head coach Bruce Merchant has been sidelined recently following heart by-pass surgery and wasn’t able to be on the sidelines tonight. We wish him a speedy recovery. Complete stats were not yet available for Columbia. While the Cougars were on the losing end last night some good things did happen. Columbia’s passing game needs work but their rushing attack is solid and will only get better. If you haven’t heard the name Josh Price yet chances are you will soon. The senior, who I’m guessing is around 6’4” and 255 lbs, is an animal at the linebacker position. He also administers punishment running the ball for the Cougars. This kid can play and should get a chance to keep playing after he graduates from Columbia.
Columbia will host Salem next Friday night and Presbyterian will take on Sumrall in Hattiesburg.
Big game tonight…..The Centreville Tigers at Oak Forest!
See ya somewhere………
