The Columbia High School football team posted an impressive 35-0 victory at Mater Dei to open its 2024 season on Friday night.

The Eagles rushed for 301 yards while holding the Knights to just 47 yards on the ground. Columbia’s defense forced five Mater Dei turnovers. 

Leading the rushing attack for the Eagles on Friday was junior running back Jase Nelson with 146 yards. He ran for two touchdowns and added a receiving score.

His 61-yard TD run put Columbia up 21-0 in the second quarter.

Columbia quarterback Mason Voegele rushed for 100 yards and a score in addition to throwing a TD pass to Nelson. Voegele’s 62-yard TD scamper opened the scoring at 4:36 of the first quarter. 

Logan Hicks also had a stellar game for the Eagles. The senior made two interceptions on defense and closed out the scoring on offense with a 36-yard TD run at 4:51 of the third quarter. 

Other stars for Columbia on defense included junior Broedy Furlow with eight total tackles and a sack, and fellow junior Keegan Thompson also with eight total tackles. 

Thompson also kicked five extra points. 

Yet another junior, Cooper Weik recovered two fumbles on defense for the Eagles.

Up next for Columbia is a highly anticipated home contest against Monroe County rival Waterloo this Friday night. 

After winning five straight games over its rival  from 2015 to 2019, the Eagles have lost two of three games to the Bulldogs. 

Waterloo downed Columbia, 49-6, at home in 2021. 

Columbia won the 2022 matchup at home by a score of 9-0. 

Last season, Waterloo emerged victorious over the Eagles at home, 14-0. 

The Bulldogs also opened their 2024 season with a win Friday night, meaning this week’s rivalry title will be a battle of unbeatens.