An area matchup on the gridiron takes place in Columbus Junction tonight, as the Wildcats welcome Highland to town in week one.

Columbus was stymied last week in their opener against Cardinal falling 38-0. In his first career start Bawi UK was four of 13 passing for 67 yards. Will Schwab was a workhorse with 27 carries for 92 yards and had a fumble recovery. This marks the first game for Highland after an 8-3 season and a program’s first playoff win. They graduated a big senior class, but bring back Mason McFarland on the outside with 367 receiving yards and five touchdowns. All-district player Zack Lasek returns on the line. Wildcat head coach Tyler Kibbee tells KCII Sports what he expects from Highland. “They are going to run the rock and try to control the line of scrimmage. Defensively they are going to play a 3-5 and they are going to play fast. They might try to bring the house and we have to pick it up to get some yards.”

The action gets started at 7 p.m. tonight at Columbus Community High School.