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COLUMBIA STATION, OH – The Columbia Raiders put away the Vermilion Sailors tonight by a final score of 25-14. Marco Cirigliano had an exceptional night running the ball with a total of four touchdowns. While junior Jacob Sanders tallied three interceptions to end the game. Cirigliano and Sanders knew precisely how to put Vermilion to rest tonight; it showed in how they played.
It was a close first quarter for Vermilion and Columbia. Both teams held each other on a tight leash. Two quick fumbles by Columbia early in the game allowed Vermilion an opportunity to capitalize on the early mistakes. Vermilion wide receiver Keegan Frey scored the first touchdown. Sophomore kicker Caleb German tacked on the extra point.
A sack by Vermilion senior Hayden Valenti added to Vermilion’s energy for the quarter.
After a slow methodical drive for Columbia, they scored their first touchdown of the night. Junior tailback Marco Cirigliano punched it home.
At the end of the first quarter, Vermilion held an ever so slight 7-6 lead.
Columbia came out strong in the second quarter. Senior quarterback Carter Kalamasz threw a huge 20 yard pass to senior wide receiver Vince Berardi. Nothing came of the drive after the big play though.
A fumbled snap by Vermilion returned the ball right back into the hands of Columbia. Quickly, Cirigliano scored a touchdown for the Raiders and senior kicker, Frank Washburn, added the PAT making the score 13-7 Columbia.
Jacob Sanders intercepted Vermilion’s QB AJ Mathis with 48 seconds left in the second quarter and returned it for 35 yards. Columbia kept pushing and utilized the excellent field position. Cirigliano added his third touchdown on the night right before the halftime break. The second quarter ended with a score of 19-7 in favor of Columbia.
The 3rd quarter started off with an interception by Columbia junior, Danny Corrigan, on the 23-yard line. Cirigliano then scored his fourth and final touchdown with a 43-yard run, making the score 25-7 Columbia. The 2-point conversion attempt by Columbia was no good.
Vermilion sophomore running back Cohen Mooney picked up a crucial first down on a 15-yard run. Mathis then carried the ball for a seven-yard touchdown. The third quarter then wrapped up with a score of 25-14 Columbia.
The final quarter of the night was slow for both teams and the game concluded with a scoreless fourth quarter.
Sanders added two more interceptions in the 4rth quarter, making that three total for the entire night for him. Cirigliano sealed the game with a 32-yard run getting Columbia their final first down of the game.
Players of the Game
Columbia Tailback Marco Cirigliano
Columbia Wide receiver Jacob Sanders
Miss Liberati, Great article! 😉