For all members of Cougar nation, I have one question: do you believe?
Columbia football’s 21-7 win over the defending North I Group 4 state sectional champs on Thursday has to be the biggest statement made by this football program in decades. Now the boys must be asking themselves "who can’t we beat"?
Never mind that this is their best start in nearly two decades; look at the way they won these first two games. They’ve outscored their first two opponents (on the road mind you) 62-7. They have yet to allow a touchdown within the first three quarters. They could not be playing any better.
This week will be another test for the Red and Black, as they’ll head to Shabazz Stadium to face the East Side Ghosts in their home-opener this Friday. This will not be an easy one for the locals, as East Side is another team looking to shed its old losing image in the new Super Essex Conference.
The members of the girls soccer team have gotten a lot of time off since their 4-0 shutout of West Orange last Monday. It was good to see them bounce back with a dominant win, out-shooting the opposition in their home opener 24-6. With the first week of the season officially over now, it’s hard to say where the local girls are headed. With three games this week, the picture will soon become much clearer.
I must admit I’m worried about the girls field hockey team. I know it’s early, but they’ve been out-shot 45-11 in their first three games and are still looking for a win. Field hockey is a defensive game, and the Red and Black forwards have to put more pressure on the opposing defense, to take some pressure off of their own. You can’t win playing with your back against your own net all game.
Three most important games this week:
1. Football vs. East Side at Shabazz Stadium, Friday, Sept. 25: This was a no-brainer. How far can they go and how much more history can they make? The Cougar football team is picking up a lot of momentum and confidence. If they win on Friday, just think of the energy at Underhill for the home-opener on Saturday, Oct. 3.
2. Girls volleyball vs. West Essex at West Essex Regional H.S., Thursday, Sept. 24: After beating West Orange in their season opener at CHS, the Cougars have dropped two straight divisional match ups and need to rebound against the Knights.
3. Boys soccer at East Side H.S., Wednesday, Sept. 23: The Red and Black soccer boys can’t catch a break in the tough American Division of the Super Essex Conference. The Ghosts certainly will not be that break, but they need to get a division win to build off of.
