The Columbia Eagles kept their hopes of an undefeated season alive with a 21-14 victory at Freeburg on Friday night.

Down 7-0 early, Columbia was energized following a dazzling touchdown catch by Brendan Wilhelm on a pass from quarterback Brock McGowan to tie the score at 7.

“It kind of gave us some life right before halftime,” Columbia coach Scott Horner said.

The Eagles then were able to establish the line of scrimmage at the start of the second half, driving for a score by mostly running the ball to take a 14-7 lead. That lead grew to 21-7 late in the game, but Freeburg scored with just 3:11 remaining in the fourth to make it close.

The Eagles’ defense held Freeburg in the final minute, however, and Columbia emerged victorious to improve to 6-0 on the season.

Waterloo tried their best to spoil Jerseyville’s homecoming Friday night, but came up just short of an amazing come-from-behind win.

Jerseyville jumped on top 7-0 midway through the first quarter, only to have Waterloo answer on the next possession. Rick Wiegand capped off the drive with a 7-yard TD to tie the game for the Bulldogs. Already up 14-10 going into the second half, Jerseyville piled on more points for a 21-10 lead late in the third quarter.

But Waterloo mounted a fourth quarter comeback, scoring two touchdowns — the second coming on an 8-yard run by quarterback Zach Schaab to give the Bulldogs a 24-21 lead with 1:10 left in the game.

Jerseyville started on their own 28, and following a 14-yard run, Panthers QB Billy Ritchey connected on a 47-yard pass to give them first and goal on the 3 yard line. Jerseyville scored on the next play to win it, 28-24.

In other area football action, Dupo won its third straight game in convincing fashion, 52-6 on the road at Metro East Lutheran. For more on these games, read the Oct. 9 edition of the Republic-Times newspaper.