Sat Sep 14 05:36:00 UTC 2024: ## Columbia Falls Short in Home Opener Against Bay City
**West Columbia, TX** – The Columbia Roughnecks fought hard but ultimately fell to the state-ranked Bay City Blackcats 28-14 in their home opener Friday night. Despite the loss, Coach Earnest Peña saw signs of improvement in his team.
“We played better offensively,” said Peña. “The offensive line was better, the backs were better and the quarterback play is getting better.”
The Roughnecks got off to a strong start when senior Grant Thrasher recovered a fumble on the first play of the game and rushed for a touchdown on the very next play. Columbia’s offense moved the ball effectively in the first half, keeping the game close.
“We felt great at half,” said Peña. “A one-score game against a good, solid team and explosive offensively – we had an opportunity to tie the game up at half, but it didn’t work out that way.”
Bay City rallied in the second half, led by running back Jada Andrews who rushed for 176 yards and two touchdowns. Columbia struggled to keep pace, despite a strong performance by running back Dassi Abdullah, who led the Roughnecks with 121 yards on 19 carries.
Despite the loss, Coach Peña remains optimistic about his team’s future.
“I think we know who we are offensively,” said Peña. “Now, it’s about translating it on the scoreboard.”
Columbia will have another chance to prove themselves next Friday when they host Yoakum for their homecoming game.
First Piper 