The Columbia High School football team returned to its winning ways with a 42-12 victory at home Friday night over Wood River.

“It was nice to be back on our home turf and our players responded well,” Columbia head football coach Scott Horner said.

Eagles running back Kyle McConachie rushed for three scores and quarterback Dom Voegele threw a pair of touchdowns in addition to running for another.

McConachie got the scoring started courtesy of his 33-yard TD scamper at 4:40 of the first quarter.

“It only took us four plays to score our first touchdown and we set the tone very early in the game,” Horner said.

The Eagles began to pull away in the second quarter. 

First, it was a Voegele 47-yard TD pass to Carter Hicks. That was followed by a one-yard Voegele QB keeper, so Columbia led 21-0 at halftime.

After Wood River scored on a 63-yard pass play, McConachie countered with a 12-yard TD run with just under four minutes left in the third quarter.

The fourth quarter started with a short TD pass from Voegele to Colin Cygan.

McConachie scored his third TD with 10:36 left in the contest, and the Eagles faithful went home happy on this night.

McConachie racked up 127 yards on the ground. He has scored nine total TDs in addition to throwing for a score. 

McConachie has gained nearly 600 yards of total offense so far this season.

Voegele was 8-of-12 passing for 102 yards and also rushed for 54 yards.

Columbia’s defense recorded two fumble recoveries and three sacks on the night. Owen Brewer was the top tackler with 10 stops and three assists.

“We had four different people score a touchdown and our defense locked them down for most of the game,” Horner summarized.

The Eagles (3-3) play at Salem (4-2) this Friday in a Cahokia Conference clash.

“We have to go on the road to Salem this Friday and this always poses a challenge because of the long bus ride,” Horner said. “Salem is a solid team with a 4-2 record and they are big and aggressive.”

Salem lost 7-6 at Breese Central this past Friday.