Columbus East, Columbus North battle

COLUMBUS, Ind. (WISH) - In the past 12 meetings between these two teams the series is an even split at 6-6. The best rivalries are the ones where you never know who is going to win. This is another one that the kids look forward to, playing against a school that shares the same town. Last season North won a high scoring thriller 45-40 that was nationally televised. While there won’t be as much national interest this season, the feeling for the players and students is likely no different than normal. Everyone should be sure to wave at Chopper 8 when it flies in to the game.

Columbus North fell to the state’s No. 1 ranked team, Carmel, in week one 27-7. That one was close a lot of the way though, with the Bulldogs trailing just 7-0 at the half. QB Michael Vogel went 11-26 for 100 yards with no TDs and no Interceptions. On the ground they had three different players carry the ball 12 or more times. Jamaal Halliburton led the way with 18 rushes for 95 yards, but also lost two fumbles. Defensively Shaquille Ash led the way with 18 tackles. They can’t go -2 in the turnover battle if they want to win many games though.

Columbus East won 31-28 over Bloomington North in week one at Lucas Oil Stadium. They survived a scare after being up 24-7 at the half, they gave up 21 unanswered points in the second half. RB Markell Jones got them back on top for good with a 41 yard TD run in the fourth quarter. QB Alex Cowan went 6-15 for 137 yards, two TDs and one interception. On the ground Cowan and Jones split the load, Cowan running 22 times for 118 yards and one TD, and Jones running 21 times for 138 yards and one TD. Defensively they picked up two sacks, forced one fumble and grabbed one interception.