COLUMBUS, Ind. – Fall is coming and that means football. On Friday, high school teams will face off against each other during scrimmage week. Players and coaches will get their first real look at how they will do against other squads in a controlled environment.
The Columbus North Bulldogs host Greenwood for their scrimmage. North is coming off a 5-6 record last year and returns 19 of their 22 starters, including junior quarterback Asher Ratliff and a strong offensive and defensive line. The offensive line is headlined by 6’3″, 320-pound center Bryce Harriman, and 6’4″, 310-pound tackle Drew Schiefer. North opens their season next Friday night, August 23, on the road against Decatur Central, the 5A State runner-up from the 2023 season.
The Columbus East Olympians head to Martinsville for their scrimmage. The Olympians are a veteran team coming off a 3-7 record last year. They look to improve with the help of dual-threat quarterback Kyson Villarreal. Villarreal scored 15 touchdowns last season, five of which were rushing scores. East opens their season at home against Bloomington South next week, looking to flip the score following a 45-10 loss to the Panthers last season.
Jennings County has dropped down to class 3A following the restructuring last spring. They will play Shelbyville in their scrimmage. The Panthers are led by new head coach Jason Burton, who is in his second stint with Jennings County. The Panthers were 5-6 last season and will travel to South Dearborn next Friday for week one.
Tune into MOJO 102.9, as Tom Rust and Jim St. John bring listeners the high school “game of the week.” The call will be North at Decatur Central for the first week of action on August 23. Jennings County football fans can listen to WJCP (AM 1460 and FM 97.7) for weekly coverage of Panther football. Joe Ammerman calls the play-by-play.
