Raiders Eliminated in Playoff Opener: Dalton Defeats Columbia 34-15
UPDATE: In a stunning playoff opener, the Columbia Raiders faced a crushing 34-15 defeat against the Dalton Bulldogs on November 7, 2023. The third-seeded Raiders, coming off a bye week, saw their season abruptly end in the Division VI, Region 21 quarterfinal at home.
The game took a disastrous turn early for Columbia as a fumbled exchange on the opening play led to a quick touchdown for Dalton. Quarterback Carter Hignight capitalized on the miscue, scoring with a 1-yard run. Despite this setback, Columbia responded with a strong drive, culminating in a 43-yard touchdown run by Jose Rivera, giving the Raiders a brief 7-6 lead.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the second quarter as Dalton exploded for 21 unanswered points. Hignight connected with Reese Lecon for a 4-yard touchdown, followed by a stunning 75-yard run from running back Jaxon Ryder. Columbia struggled to regain its footing, suffering multiple turnovers that shifted the tide heavily in Dalton’s favor.
As the clock wound down to halftime, Columbia’s woes continued. A blocked punt resulted in a safety, and Ryder’s second touchdown just before the break pushed the Bulldogs to a commanding 27-7 lead.
Columbia could not turn the tide in the second half, failing to secure a single first down until late in the game. Dalton extended their lead further when Ethan Raber rushed for a 45-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Despite the defeat, the Raiders ended their season with a late touchdown drive, capped off by a 2-yard run from Hendon following a 39-yard pass from Wesley Sanders to Jacob Reust. Rivera, in his final game, led Columbia’s rushing attack with 82 yards.
“This honestly meant absolutely everything,” Rivera reflected. “It really hit today thinking about all four years and what’s come with it — the good, the bad, the great. Tonight definitely hurt, but I couldn’t appreciate this program more.”
Dalton (9-3) will advance to the semifinals, set to host Sugarcreek Garaway at 7 p.m. on November 14. Coach Mike Rice acknowledged the difficulty of facing such a formidable opponent, stating, “We didn’t play our best game tonight by any means.”
The Raiders finish their season with a record of 9-2, leaving fans with a bittersweet farewell as they reflect on a season filled with promise. The emotional impact of the loss resonates deeply within the Columbia community, marking the end of a chapter for its senior players.
Stay tuned for more updates as Dalton prepares for their next challenge in the playoffs.
