Red Bud fell to rival Columbia Friday night as football returned to Southern Illinois high schools. It was a beautiful evening for a game. The team traveled north to face the Eagles with a limited number of practices and high expectations. The game began on a sour note for the Musketeers; the Eagles took the opening kick off and returned it 77 yards for a touchdown. Red Bud next took the ensuing kick-off and set up their offense but quickly turned the ball over on an interception by the Eagles cornerback that was returned for a touchdown. The PAT made it 14-0 early in the first quarter. Columbia put together a drive that moved the ball to the Red Bud 4 yard line where the Eagles were able to punch it in to extend the lead to 20-0.

The rout continued when the Columbia defense snagged another interception “Pick-6” to start the second quarter; the PAT kick split the uprights and the Boys were down 27-0. The Eagles offense took full advantage of Red Bud’s inexperience on defense adding TD passes of 12 and 14 yards, still in the second quarter to pad the lead at 41-0. Columbia added their final touchdown during the third quarter, final score of 47-0.

The Musketeers never did really hit their stride on the night and were forced to play from behind the entire game which will definitely change your gameplan. The Boys had six turnovers in the game; four interceptions and two lost fumbles. Frank Ford led Red Bud in rushing with 26 yards, Devin Hall and Easton Lucht ran for 14 and 15 yards, respectively.

The Musketeers travel to Carlyle this week to battle the Indians who won 12-0 at home last week against Dupo. “There is a lot to learn from the Columbia game film this week so we can improve for Friday’s game. The Carlyle game should tell us how we match up with many of the teams we will face this year” Head Coach Dave Lucht said Monday. “We will get better but we have work to do.” Watch for information on how to watch the game online, kickoff is at 7:00.