Just the facts
Conference: Lorain County League
Coach: Jason Ward, 16th year (101-58)
OHSAA: Division IV, Region 21
2020: 7-3 (4-2)
Twitter: @_CHSFootball
Home field: Columbia Raiders Stadium
Outlook
Columbia’s defense was the story a year ago. The Raiders pitched two shutouts and held opponents to under 12 points eight of the 10 times they took the field. A Week 1 loss to Firelands cost them the opportunity to finish second in the Lorain County League, giving them the motivation to avenge that loss in 2021. On offense, Columbia has impact players at all of its skill positions, starting at wide receiver with Owen Menge. Running back Marco Cirigliano takes over for workhorse Joe Governale this season, with high praise from his head coach.
Player to watch
The last two seasons of quarterback Andrew Champagne’s career haven’t gone as planned. They’ve both started with injuries that have knocked Champagne off track during what otherwise were successful years. If the senior can stay healthy for a full season this year, the Raiders could make a run at the LC8 crown.
Underclassman to watch: Marco Cirigliano is what head coach Jason Ward called a “special back”. He’s got the speed as a member of Columbia’s state-qualifying relay teams in track and he’s added weight this offseason to help break through tackles. The junior gives the Raiders special talent at quarterback, running back and wide receiver, setting Columbia up for a very special season.
Bottom line
IF … Columbia can stay healthy for the full season; THEN … the Raiders have a legitimate shot at making a run at the LC8 title.
Schedule (subject to change)
Aug. 20: Independence at Columbia, 7
Aug. 27: Columbia at Vermilion, 7
Sept. 3: Northwestern at Columbia, 7
Sept. 10: Columbia at Black River, 7
Sept. 17: Brookside at Columbia, 7 (HC)
Sept. 24: Clearview at Columbia, 7
Oct. 1: Columbia at Wellington, 7
Oct. 8: Oberlin at Columbia, 7
Oct. 15: Columbia at Keystone, 7
Oct. 22: Columbia at Firelands, 7
Projected lineup
OFFENSE
QB: *Andrew Champagne, Sr., 6-2, 170
RB: Marco Cirigliano, So., 5-10, 170
FB: *Tom Reljin, Sr., 5-10, 190
TE: *Drexton Friscone, Sr., 6-2, 170
WR: *Owen Menge, Sr., 5-8, 155
WR: *Cody Davis, Sr., 6-3, 170
LT: *Nick Stopiak, Sr., 6-6, 270
LG: CJ Dupaski, So., 5-10, 200
C: *Michael Chapman, Jr., 5-9, 190
RG: *Nick Reljin, Sr., 6-0, 220
RT: *Anthony Fatica, Jr., 6-5, 275
K: *Frank Washburn, Jr., 6-0, 180
DEFENSE
NT: *Nick Stopiak, Sr., 6-6, 270
DT: Erik Pepsin, Jr., 5-10, 210
DE: *Nick Reljin, Sr., 6-0, 220
ILB: Carter Peabody, Jr., 6-0, 180
ILB: *Hayden Garrow, Jr., 6-0, 200
OLB: *Tom Reljin, Sr., 5-10, 190
OLB: *Dominic Governale, Sr., 5-8, 160
CB: *Eli Goodman, Sr., 5-10, 170
CB: *Cody Davis, Sr., 6-3, 170
S: *Andrew Champagne, Sr., 6-2, 170
S: Chris Davis, SR., 5-9, 160
P: *Cody Davis, Sr., 6-3, 170
*: returning starter; Key reserves: Vince Berardi, Jr., 6-2, 175; Tony Governale, Jr., 5-9, 180;
Best in the classroom: Nick Reljin, 4.2
Best bench press: Nick Stopiak, 335
Best 40 time: Marco Cirigliano, 4.63
Best squat: Nick Stopiak, 455
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