Aquinas vs Columbus: Playoffs Level 3 Recap

Level 3 of the WIAA playoffs brought us a fantastic slate of games for us to choose from to watch live. Our final selection was the Aquinas Blugolds vs the Columbus Cardinals. Two teams who have a lot of playoff success over the past few years, including Aquinas winning three straight State Championships. This game was a rematch of a Week 2 thriller that saw Columbus win 20-16. That game was the difference on the season to this point as Columbus entered the game undefeated and Aquinas' only blemish was that Week 2 loss. So the hopes were high for an exciting game, but even with the high expectations we weren't ready for the game that was about to ensue.

The game started off with Aquinas establishing their running game behind their talented OL and spearheaded by RB Kyle White Kyle White 5'10" | 190 lbs | RB La Crosse Aquinas | 2025 State WI . White, a UW-La Crosse commit, showed off that vision, patience, and contact balance to grind out the tough yards between the tackles. After a sustained drive, Aquinas and Kyle White Kyle White 5'10" | 190 lbs | RB La Crosse Aquinas | 2025 State WI punched it in from 2 yards out to take an 8-0 lead midway through the first quarter. Not to be outdone, Columbus' offense was ready to battle. However, it wasn't with the usual overpowering run game that Columbus has dominated with all season. Instead, QB Peyton Powers Peyton Powers 6'3" | 175 lbs | QB Columbus | 2026 State WI went to the air and delivered a clutch deep shot on 3rd down. He hit Jordan Mobry Jordan Mobry 6'2" | 190 lbs | DB/WR Columbus | 2026 State WI , who was able to go up and high point the ball then trot in for the score. Columbus settled for the extra point giving us a 7-8 1st quarter score.

The second quarter was a repeat of the 1st quarter. Defenses made the offenses earn every yard with physical and flying around front seven defenders. Columbus was the first to finally add to the scoreboard in the second quarter when RB Conner Roche Conner Roche 5'10" | 180 lbs | RB Columbus | 2025 State WI found the endzone down on the goal line on 4th down. The defenses finished the half out strong as neither team were able to find the endzone again, sending us to the halftime break with Columbus leading 14-8. It was clear that this was still anybody's game. We noted that each team was able to find explosive plays in the first half, but the consistency was hard to find and so was the endzone. It was clear that whoever could find the rhythm to put together a complete drive after drive was going to win this game.

It felt like it was Columbus that was going to be the one to find that rhythm and take control of this game. They started the 3rd quarter with a fantastic drive that brought them to the Aquinas goal line again. RB Conner Roche Conner Roche 5'10" | 180 lbs | RB Columbus | 2025 State WI was able to punch it in after QB Peyton Powers Peyton Powers 6'3" | 175 lbs | QB Columbus | 2026 State WI was able to get the ball to the goal line with his arm and his legs on the drive. Aquinas showed absolute no quit despite the deficit. It only took a couple minutes to get down the field after the Columbus score. RB Kyle White Kyle White 5'10" | 190 lbs | RB La Crosse Aquinas | 2025 State WI was able to walk into the endzone after his OL opened up a huge lane to run through for the score. That is where we sat entering the 4th quarter, Columbus 21 Aquinas 14.

Columbus showed their dominant power run game on the next drive. They took a bunch of time off the clock leading up to another short rushing TD behind that big, physical OL. This time it was senior RB Kaleb Sime who punched it in and gave Columbus a commanding 28-14 lead with just 7:11 to play in the 4th quarter. It looked like the final nail had been put in the coffin when Columbus DB Axell Allain was able to grab an interception and put Columbus offense back on the field. However, Columbus wasn't able to find any success and instead it was Aquinas who got the ball back and quickly went down the field. With 2:50 to play QB Jacob Thornton scrambled around the right side of the formation and get in for the rushing TD. The 2 point conversion cut the deficit to 22-28 for Aquinas. Aquinas was going to need more big plays in a short amount of time, though. That is exactly what they got when senior ATH/K Treyton Bahr recovered his own onside kick. Aquinas didn't let the momentum slip away. They went to the air with Thornton and quickly worked down the field. With 1:58 to play, Thornton went deep downfield to Treyton Bahr who reeled in a fantastic catch despite being well covered for the 29-28 lead! It was an unbelievable swing in momentum in such a short amount of time. Columbus was able to have a final chance at winning the game, though. They quickly worked to near midfield, but that is where the Aquinas defense dug in and forced a turnover on downs. The insane comeback was enough to send Aquinas to Level 4 as they look for their 4th straight State title.

It is unfortunate that a team had to lose this game because both were so talented and have Title winning potential, but those high stakes is what helps make these games even better. Any mistake is magnified and mental toughness is just as important as physical toughness. In the end it was Aquinas who was able to make the big plays when needed most. Congratulations to the Blugolds on the outstanding win and good luck next week! Also, congratulations to Columbus on a fantastic season. They battled until the very end and should be proud of what they did this season. Next, head over to the Top Prospects of the Game to see all the individual talent that college recruiters need to know!