TIME-OUT: Blue Devils Dominate, Tigers Survive, and Champions Rise

It was another week across the Columbus sports scene one filled with grit, redemption, and championship pedigree. From high school gridiron glory to volleyball supremacy and flag football heroics, the energy across the city was nothing short of electric. Every whistle and snap told a story of athletes stepping into the spotlight and programs cementing their legacies.

The Columbus High Blue Devils stormed into the Midtown Showdown with unfinished business. After years of frustration against Hardaway, Columbus came ready to flip the script and did so in spectacular fashion. The Blue Devils powered their way to a commanding 38-7 victory, claiming the Midtown Showdown Championship and delivering a statement to the rest of the region. It was a night where Columbus left no doubt about who owned Midtown, winning their third game of the season by 31 points or more.

This game was all about power in the trenches, where Columbus asserted their dominance early and often. Running backs Rayshaun Glover and Grant Geringer carried the load, pounding the ball with precision and purpose. Glover posted 99 total yards and two touchdowns, while Geringer added 90 rushing yards on just nine carries — a new career high for the explosive back. Their relentless running opened up every aspect of the Blue Devils’ offense, making it nearly impossible for Hardaway to find an answer.

Special teams also made their mark, putting up 14 points on the night and energizing the crowd with one of the most thrilling plays of the season. Andrew Smith IV took a kickoff return to the house, bringing the stands to life and putting an exclamation point on Columbus’ dominance. Defensively, the Blue Devils continued to flex their strength, holding opponents to just 7.4 points per game at home this season. The win marked their seventh straight at home dating back to last year, pushing their record to an impressive 6-1. Hardaway, meanwhile, continues to search for answers, extending their losing streak to nine straight games. Columbus will look to keep their momentum rolling when they take on Kendrick on October 17th, while Hardaway faces rival Jordan in what could be a battle of pride and redemption.

Across town, the Carver Tigers found themselves in a dogfight with Sumter County in a matchup between two defensive juggernauts. The Tigers’ perfect record was on the line, and it took every ounce of effort to keep it that way. Carver held on for a narrow 8-7 victory to improve to 8-0, extending their incredible winning streak and reinforcing their reputation as one of Georgia’s most complete teams.

The Tigers’ offense was led by the dynamic duo of Zach Watts and Marte Sears. Watts exploded for a career-high 126 rushing yards on just 15 carries, while Sears added 88 receiving yards and a touchdown to spark the offense. But as has been the case all season, the Carver defense was the difference. The Tigers racked up three sacks, led by Daijon Daniels with two, and Jaiden Taylor continued to shine with 13 total tackles — four of them for a loss — along with two pass breakups. Sumter County pushed Carver to the edge, but the Tigers once again proved why champions find ways to win even when things don’t come easy. Carver now sets its sights on Jordan on October 23rd, while Sumter County will regroup to face Hardaway the same night.

In another local showdown, the Brookstone Cougars and St. Anne-Pacelli Vikings renewed their rivalry, and once again, it was Brookstone who came out on top. The Cougars battled to a hard-fought 19-14 win — their second straight victory — behind a tough defensive performance that saw four sacks and multiple impact plays. Charlie Peak was a force in the backfield, recording 1.5 sacks, while Savon Kelly added a sack, six tackles, and an interception that helped seal the win.

For Pacelli, the loss wasn’t without bright spots. Donovan “DJ” Colvin continued to impress, rushing for 155 yards and a touchdown while averaging over seven yards per carry. His consistency this season has been remarkable, now averaging 106 rushing yards per game. Jason Davis added 80 receiving yards to round out a strong offensive effort. The loss dropped Pacelli to 3-5, while Brookstone improved to 7-1 and continues to build momentum heading into the postseason.

Elsewhere, Northside fell 60-14 in a tough outing, and Calvary Christian suffered a heartbreaking 24-23 loss to Westfield in a game that came down to the wire. Meanwhile, the Central Red Devils continued their road dominance, rolling past Carver Montgomery 58-35. Running back Jayshaun Woodhouse was unstoppable, racking up 238 rushing yards and three touchdowns on only 12 carries, along with 30 receiving yards. Woodhouse’s monster night helped Central notch their sixth straight road win and move to 7-1 on the year.

Carver Montgomery put up a fight, led by Elijah Tarver’s 117 yards and two touchdowns, with help from Zion Crumpton’s 85-yard performance. Still, the Red Devils’ offensive firepower proved too much to handle. Central will return home to host Opelika this Friday in a must-watch matchup.

Switching gears to the girls’ flag football field, the St. Anne-Pacelli Lady Vikings continued to make noise. In a thrilling showdown, the Vikings outlasted the Carver Lady Tigers in overtime, pulling off a 14-7 win behind a clutch performance from Double Coverage Player of the Game, Shur’Kiyah Jackson, who delivered when it mattered most. The following night, Pacelli stayed hot, cruising past the Jordan Red Jackets 27-0 to remain undefeated at 4-0. Quarterback Kimora Jones was sensational, throwing for 138 yards and four touchdowns, with 92 of those yards and one score going to standout receiver KK Jackson. Defensively, Mia Camp anchored the unit with three of the team’s four sacks as the Vikings continued to dominate on both sides of the ball.

On the volleyball court, Columbus High’s dynasty continues to reign supreme. The Lady Blue Devils captured their fifth consecutive Region 1-AA Championship, defeating Shaw High in the finals. Shaw earned runner-up honors, while Kendrick finished third and Hardaway took fourth. Both Columbus and Shaw will host first-round matchups in the upcoming GHSA Volleyball State Playoffs as they aim to keep the region’s momentum alive on the state stage.

As the city moves into another jam-packed week of competition, fans can look forward to key matchups across every level. Columbus takes on Kendrick in what promises to be another fiery showdown, while Carver gears up for Jordan and Central hosts Opelika in a battle of powerhouse programs. On the volleyball courts, postseason play begins, and on the flag football fields, the Lady Vikings look to continue their undefeated march. As October rolls on, one thing’s for certain, champions don’t just play for the win; they play for pride, history, and the name across their jersey.