Citizen Staff
Bryant Baker and the Columbus football team welcome Horicon Friday night.
Both Jason Brunell and Jim Trost feel Friday's football opener will be another close contest.
If it comes anywhere close to dramatics last year's contest provided, fans will get their money worth and then some. Horicon rallied from a 20-7 deficit, including the game-winning touchdown with 1 minute, 28 seconds to play, for a 21-20 victory over Columbus.
"It will be an entertaining game like last year," Brunell said. "Getting off to a big start is huge."
Last year, exactly the opposite happened. Columbus got pounded at Division 4 finalist Kettle Moraine Lutheran the following week and finished winless.
"We're happy we got through the scrimmage uninjured," Brunell said. "We found some guys that can play and we're pleased with some of the younger guys."
Trost feels that the Cardinals are much improved from last year. While Horicon has an experienced, improved club in its own right, Trost is taking nothing for granted after last year's nail-biter.
"They're very big and they have a huge offensive line," Trost said. "They're very active defensively and they've got a tackle that's tough to move.
"They're much better than last year. It'll be a tough game."
Trost was pleased with his defense following last week's scrimmage. Middle linebacker Nick Steffen is a returning starter and figures to have a huge year.
"I love to watch Nick play because he does it right," Trost said. "Our defense is definitely better and it's the strength of our team."
Brunell knows all too well the capabilities of Horicon quarterback Mike Michalovitz. Last year, he was 19 of 37 for 277 yards and two touchdowns while going 5-for-5 on the game-winning drive.
"Michalovitz is an animal," Brunell said. "I think they're good and it will definitely tell us where we're at.
"They're athletic and relatively quick. They'll apply a lot of pressure."
Trost tempered his scrimmage performance, particularly on the offensive side. Starting running back Cody Apfelbeck sat most of the scrimmage but is expected to play Friday.
"I was happy with the scrimmage but the bullets weren't live," Trost said. "We need to have some kids step up."