Post Season Review: Columbia Wildcats

Photo: Columbia High School

Christian McAlvain

January 24, 2023 @ 09:34 PM

Key Loses: Ramon Caballero, Manny Variz, , Ikaika Ho, Manny Variz   Key Returners: Alejandro Waters, [player_tooltip player_id='1135843' first='Jared' last='Payne'], Talan Crandall, Ryan Foster   2022 Record: 3-6   2022 Season Result: 4th in 4a SIC   Review:   Columbia is another 4A program that is working to improve every single year. As the improved from last years record they are still looking for their break out season. With some turnover at head coach in the last couple of years the football program is looking for a solid leader that will be there for awhile. Even with some of the coaching turmoil the Wildcats were able to lean heavily on a running game that had one of the most dynamic players in the state of Idaho at running back. On his way to being a first team all league player the Wildcats leaned heavily on the senior who ran over and around defenses all year. With a talented signal caller they were able to keep defenses honest enough for the wide receivers to make plays along with their tough offensive front to open holes. Using a tough defense who flew all over the field the Wildcats were able to compete with some of the top teams in the league. Overall this defense showed some major signs of improvement throughout the year. They have some talented returners coming back at linebacker who showed some major tackling prowess. A defensive line that will be more stout against the run in the next year along with causing problems for opposing quarterbacks. Their secondary will also show more improvement with another year under their belt but in the ever run heavy 4A ranks they will be relied upon to play man to man and tackle well in space. This team is on the verge of really becoming a contender if they can get the leadership right.

Key Loses: Ramon Caballero, Manny Variz, , Ikaika Ho, Manny Variz