Columbia at Independence tonight

High School Football returns tonight and I will be in Independence, Ohio as the Blue Devils host the Columbia Raiders.

The game resumes a week one rivalry that started in 2013 and the home team has won every match-up:

• 2013: @ Columbia 34, Independence 33, 
• 2014: @ Independence 40,  Columbia 35,
• 2015: @ Columbia 48, Independence 7, 

Columbia

The Raiders graduated a senior class that went 39-6 including playoff appearances all four years including a 10-1 record last year.  There is still talent returning including:

• all conference G Matt Caraballo
• leading tackler ILB Mike Jacobucci
• leading rusher Brandon Coleman (800 yards rushing, 10 TDs in 2015)

Cody Schwartz takes over at QB, Dylan Risdon returns at FB and Lance Boise will start at TE.  Coach Jason Ward is in his 11th season.

Independence

The Blue Devils are a team heading into the other direction.  The 3-7 record in 2015 represented their worst season in seven years.  Coach Rick Adams returns for his 2nd year - he was the Head Coach at Columbia from 2000-2004 which included two playoff appearances.  From 2012 to 2015, Independence had four different head coaches.

Both schools are competing in the Division 6, Region 21.