2021 season preview – Morning Journal

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