Lekwa, O-line has Wildcats in end zones

COLUMBUS JUNCTION - A new coach has brought a new offensive attack to the Columbus High School football team.

Last season in 10 games, Columbus scored 58 points on seven passing touchdowns and three rushing TDs. In two games this season, the Wildcats have seven rushing touchdowns and two receiving for 60 points.

Under new head coach Dave Lekwa, Columbus is 1-1 after a 34-28 home win Friday against Louisa-Muscatine and a 63-26 road loss at Cardinal Aug. 21.

The new coaching staff has placed a number of different players on the offensive side of the ball that can make plays.

'I feel like our offense has that versatility to get the ball in multiple players' hands to make plays,” Lekwa said.

For those plays to be made, the blocking has to be there.

'Our offensive line has done a tremendous job thus far, really that's been the key,” Lekwa said. 'The boys have completely bought in to our offensive system.”

Left tackle Joey Zaehringer, left guard Logan Bright, center Robert Coil, right guard Gabe Alcala, right tackle Bryan Miranda and tight end Mason Hodges constitute that O-line.

Will Schwab ran 44 times for 178 yards and three scores against L-M after rushing for 102 in the opener.

Columbus led 21-14 at halftime, but trailed L-M 22-12 after the third quarter.

'We were able to grab momentum from L-M through some great defensive series,” Lekwa said. 'They moved the ball on us early and, I felt, controlled the game. Once we started getting some real good penetration defensively, we were able to get stops, and then the ability to move the ball down the field ourselves.”

Schwab was outstanding as a workhorse running back late in the game and had a great game at linebacker.

'Really, everyone played a big role,” Lekwa said. 'We had boys coming out cramping left and right.

That forced the coaching staff to adjust on the fly with personnel. It resulted in some younger players being inserted into the game, sometimes in positions they may not have intended on playing. Experience is important regardless how achieved.

'Friday night was a lot of fun, a great atmosphere for the boys and a nice way to open the season at home,” Lekwa said. 'My hats off to the entire roster on that win.”