Columbus East High School

The Columbus East Olympians saw their season come to a close this Friday, falling 63-30 to the #4 (USA Today) / #5 (IFCA) East Central Trojans in the IHSAA Sectional Championship at Stafford Field at Bob Gaddis Stadium. Offensively, the Olympians found success moving the ball, compiling 506 yards of total offense and only punting once on their opening drive. However, the defensive unit struggled for the entirety of the game. After forcing a three-and-out on the Trojans' opening possession, the Columbus East defense was unable to consistently contain East Central's rushing and passing attacks, conceding 21 points in each of the first three quarters. Turnovers also proved costly for the Olympians, who gave up three interceptions and a fumble while the Trojans played a turnover-free game. The Olympians got on the board when quarterback Kam Combest connected with Carson Gallion for a 21-yard touchdown pass. Combest later called his own number, scoring on a 1-yard touchdown run. Running back Owen Hatfield added to the board with a 1-yard rushing touchdown of his own. In the second half, Combest and Gallion connected for their second scoring play of the night on a 48-yard touchdown strike. The Olympians' final scoring drive was capped off in the closing minute of the game when backup quarterback Gavin Wilcox found his brother Jayden Wilcox for a 10-yard touchdown pass. Columbus East Offensive Statistics: Passing: Kam Combest (17 of 25, 269 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs); Gavin Wilcox (2 of 2, 28 yards, 1 TD); Owen Hatfield (0 of 1). Rushing: Owen Hatfield (22 carries, 138 yards, 1 TD); Dallas Dykstra (4 carries, 66 yards); Connor Fudge (2 carries, 16 yards); Asher Scott (2 carries, 3 yards); Kam Combest (3 carries, -14 yards). Receiving: Carson Gallion (7 catches, 135 yards, 2 TDs); Jackson Miller (4 catches, 108 yards); Jayden Wilcox (2 catches, 28 yards, 1 TD); Paxton Thompson (3 catches, 14 yards); Connor Fudge (2 catches, 12 yards). A sincere thank you goes out to the Columbus East seniors for their hard work, dedication, and lasting contributions to the Olympian football program. We wish you the best of luck in all of your future endeavors.