Columbus East High School

The Columbus East football team opened Hoosier Hills Conference play with an explosive performance Friday night, defeating Seymour 49-34 at Bulleit Stadium. The win marked the Olympians’ first of the season and gave them a 1-0 start in league play. After Seymour struck first with a long touchdown run, East responded in a big way, scoring on all five of its first-half possessions. JD Rotert found the end zone twice in the opening quarters, once on the ground and once through the air. Quarterback Kyson Villarreal added a rushing touchdown, while Keaton Lawson and Paxton Thompson each hauled in scoring passes to help the Olympians build a 35-13 lead at halftime. The defense also made its mark in the first half when Mykel Jones recovered a fumble to give East a short field and help set up another scoring drive. The scoring pace continued in the second half. Rotert collected his third touchdown of the night with a 15-yard run, and Villarreal added another rushing score in the fourth quarter to keep the Owls from drawing any closer. Villarreal finished with an efficient night under center, completing 13 of 17 passes for 218 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for two more scores. Rotert totaled 53 yards on eight carries with three touchdowns and added a receiving score. Lawson led the receiving corps with 78 yards and a touchdown on three catches, and Thompson matched him with three receptions for 66 yards and a score. The Olympians will look to carry momentum into next week’s conference matchup at Jennings County. Friday, September 12th - 7 p.m. Kick-off time