The 2017 Columbia High School football team.

The Columbia High School football program returns a handful of key players on both sides of the ball from a 10-1 squad that came within an eyelash of advancing to the third round of the Class 4A playoffs in 2016.

And while there is plenty of experience in the skill positions, Columbia head football coach Scott Horner has put a ton of focus on shoring up the relatively young offensive and defensive lines.

“We feel we are experienced at our skilled positions but have to get better on the line,” he said. “We do have more depth than we have had in the past on the line.”

Two seniors expected to lead the way on offense are running back Colton Byrd and wide receiver Jordan Holmes.
Byrd racked up more than 1,900 yards of offense (1,707 yards rushing) last season and scored 25 total touchdowns. He will also play at linebacker on defense.

“Colton is our workhorse. He will be the guy, along with the O-line, who will set the tone for each game,” Horner said. “He has an incredible set of feet and eyes, which give him a quickness that is special.”

Holmes had 1,020 yards receiving last season with 12 touchdowns. As a defensive back, Holmes grabbed seven interceptions.

“Jordan is, without question, one of the top wide receivers I have coached here at Columbia,” Horner said. “He has an extremely strong set of hands to go along with his uncanny ability to control his body. He makes plays on balls that most would not even have a chance to catch. He is special and a super great kid. He is a huge threat outside, and defenses will have to respect that.”

Other key returning players include senior wide receivers Jared Germain and Mitch Daniels, senior offensive tackle Mitch Huebner, and senior outside linebacker Dylan Hildebrand.

Shane Wilhelm, a junior who shined as a pitcher for the Eagles this past spring, will be counted on at quarterback this season, taking over for all-stater Greg Long.

“Shane is a very gifted athlete and a very poised quarterback,” Horner said. “He is still learning the system, but I fully expect him to be clicking on all cylinders by week one.”

Others expected to step into larger roles include junior wide receiver Conner Garcia, sophomore offensive guard Cade Napier, junior offensive tackle/defensive end Cole Khoury, junior defensive end  Matt Muehlher, and sophomore safety Sam Horner.

The team goals for 2017 are the same as in past years, Coach Horner said. His teams are 46-7 over the past five seasons.

“Take one game at a time, get better every week, and playing  relentless for four quarters,” he said.