Columbus East High School

Jeffersonville High School - On a crisp October night that finally felt like fall football, the Columbus East Olympians finished the job in convincing fashion. Holding a steady lead throughout the second half, East capped a dominant road performance with a 28-9 victory over Hoosier Hills Conference rival Jeffersonville. The fourth quarter began with East firmly in control, and the Olympians made sure it stayed that way. Brody Miller muscled his way into the end zone from four yards out to put the game out of reach, sealing a much-needed win that snapped a two-game skid. Jeffersonville’s only late points came on a safety in the final minute — a minor blemish on an otherwise complete effort from the visitors. The tone had been set much earlier by East’s punishing ground game. Running back JD Rotert spearheaded the offense, racking up 167 yards on 27 carries and a third-quarter touchdown that stretched the Olympian lead to double digits. Quarterback Kyson Villarreal contributed on the ground as well, plunging in from a yard out late in the second quarter to give East a 14-7 halftime advantage. East struck first on the final play of the opening quarter when Villarreal connected with Paxton Thompson for a 9-yard touchdown pass, capping a steady drive that gave the Olympians early momentum. By the time the third quarter ended, East had built a three-score cushion and never looked back. Offensively, the Olympians showed balance and composure. Villarreal finished 2-of-6 passing for 38 yards, including the touchdown toss to Thompson, while Kameron Combest went 3-for-4 for 18 yards in relief. Thompson led the receiving corps with three catches for 48 yards, and East’s rushing attack piled up consistent yardage behind a strong effort from the offensive line. With the victory, Columbus East improved to 4-4 overall and 3-1 in HHC play, keeping momentum alive heading into their regular-season finale. The Olympians return home next Friday to host Bedford North Lawrence for Senior Night, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. After that, it’s tournament time. The IHSAA State Football Championship pairings will be unveiled Sunday, October 12, at 6 p.m. East, competing in Class 5A, shares its sectional bracket with East Central, Franklin Community, Seymour, and Whiteland. Sectional hosting rules will follow the IHSAA’s standard format: First Round: The second-named team in the blind draw hosts (unless schools agree to switch). Semifinals: The team without a prior home game hosts; if both teams have, the second-named team hosts. Championships: The team with the most away games hosts; if equal, the bottom bracket team hosts. Columbus East appears to be finding its rhythm at the right time — and Friday’s road win was a step in the right direction as the postseason looms. Let's Go O's!!