The Salem Wildcats took a 7-3 lead six seconds into the 2nd quarter, but were outscored 43-0 the rest of the way in a 46-7 loss to Columbia on Senior Night and Homecoming at Jim Finks Field. After a 29 yard field goal made it 3-0 Columbia after their first drive, Salem would take their first possession and would take it into the start of the 2nd quarter capped off by a Cayden Harris 2 yard scoring run that put a bow on a 7:36 drive going 80 yards. But on the next play from scrimmage, Dominic Voegele went 63 yards to the end zone to start the scoring run by the Eagles that would see Salem trail 32-7 at the halftime break.
Offensively Salem was outgained 349-136 including 265-88 on the ground. Brayden Smith rushed for 44 yards and Harris added 21. Sam Greene finished 10-of-19 for 48 yards and 2 interceptions. Kyle McConachie led Columbia with 128 yards on the ground with 2 scores to go with Voegele’s 106 on the ground and 2 scores. He was also 6-of-8 through the air for 84 yards. Salem falls to 4-3 overall and 2-2 in the Cahokia which eliminates them from title contention. Columbia will need a win next week against Central to clinch a share.
At halftime, the Homecoming King and Queen were announced. Brayden Smith and Emily Brandon were crowned for retiring royalty Jullian Huggins and Delaney Kell.
Breese Central clinched at least a share of the conference title by holding off Roxana 42-35 in a game where the Shells outgained Central for the game, but 2 first half turnovers hurt the Shells. Freeburg is 3-1 in the league after their 42-6 win over Wood River and can win the conference with a win and a Central loss to Columbia next week which would create a 3-way tie for the title.
Scoreboard:
Benton 48 Massac County 12
Carbondale 31 Althoff 21
Carlinville 48 Litchfield 0
Carlyle 26 Sparta 20 (3 OT)
Carmi 44 Eldorado 30
Christopher 26 Edwards County 13
Dupo 54 Chester 14
East St Louis 68 Alton 0
Effingham 34 Lincoln 22
Flora def. Vienna – forfeit
Highland 48 Waterloo 14
Hillsboro 40 Staunton 7
Johnston City 35 Sesser 14
Lawrenceville 12 Robinson 9
Marion 37 Centralia 6
Mascoutah 70 Civic Memorial 28
Mattoon 32 Charleston 27
Mt Carmel 43 Newton 7
Mt Zion 36 Collinsville 21
Murphysboro 64 Harrisburg 14
Nokomis 35 Gillespie 12
Normal 61 Granite City 0
O’Fallon 51 Belleville West 0
Pana 68 Greenville 21
Paris 36 Olney 12
Red Bud 27 Wesclin 21
Red Hill 16 Marshall 14
Triad 38 Jerseyville 13
Vandalia 42 Piasa 6
