The first playoff appearance for the Columbus Wildcat football team (3-7 overall) in nearly two decades came to an end in the opening round. The Wildcats began the Class 1A playoffs in West Branch, battling the No. 2 Bears (10-0 overall).

Columbus found the endzone three times, but couldn’t stop West Branch defensively, falling 55-20. The Wildcats’ output was the second best against the Bears this season.
Senior Mauricio Ramirez collected 177 yards of total offense, 102 receiving yards on four receptions and 75 rushing yards on 16 carries. He scored two of the three touchdowns in his final high school football game. He ended his high school football career with a program best 4159 yards and 45 touchdowns.

Junior Carter Colby threw for 199 yards, connecting on two touchdown passes and one interception in the setback.

Columbus’s season ends at 3-7 overall, making their first appearance in the playoffs since 1997.