November 6, 2021 – Columbus, WI – A tough night for the No. 5 Kewaskum Indians as the team took on No. 1 Columbus at Columbus in a Level 3 WIAA Division 4 matchup.
The Indians had another opportunity to make a run to state after Edgewood was forced to withdraw from the playoffs. Kewaskum showed up to play Columbus for the first time and got off to a great start by getting the Cardinals to muff a punt and got a second chance on offense by recovering it on the Cardinals 48-yard line.
However, the Indians were unable to capitalize on the ensuing possession. The Cardinals would open the scoring with a 35-yard touchdown run with 2:25 left in the first quarter.
Columbus’s running attack proved deadly in this game, especially when forcing Kewaskum defenders to miss tackles. This was exemplified with second touchdown run, which was 76 yards, scored with 9:20 left in the second quarter.
The Cardinals would get the ball back after a Kewaskum three-and-out and score quickly again, this time on a 45-yard touchdown run, with 6:44 left in the second quarter.
Columbus would continue to pour on the offense with a 67-yard touchdown with 4:26 left in the second quarter. Things did not get better for Kewaskum as starting quarterback, senior Matthew Buechel seemingly went down with an injury late in the second quarter.
Junior Ryan Cook took over at quarterback and while he moved the ball, he was victim of a fumbled snap, which he recovered, but was then stripped of the ball while attempting a pass that was recovered by Columbus, who ran it in for a score (the extra point attempt was missed, 1:53 left in the second quarter).
Thankfully for the Indians Buechel was able to shake off his injury and return to play on the next offensive drive. Columbus would carry a 34-0 lead into halftime.  
Columbus did not let up on offense in the second half, scoring one final touchdown in the opening minute of the third quarter. Columbus would close out its scoring in the final minute of the third quarter with a 36-yard field goal.
The Indians would not be shutout however, as a mere 10 seconds into the fourth quarter, Buechel would throw a 44-yard touchdown pass to senior Miles Surprenant.
The Indians may have been outscored, 44-7, but it should be noted Kewaskum never played badly, showcased a lot of heart and proved it deserved the opportunity to play in the third level.
Senior offensive lineman Matthew Blank spoke postgame about what it meant to play for Kewaskum football for four years. “it’s like a huge family, a brotherhood, every coach, every teammate is going to there for you no matter what,” he said.
Blank also made mention of several mentors who helped him become a better football player. “Sam Lemler and John Riekoff (two seniors a few years before) showed me how to be a great leader, and continue to work to be the best. Three coaches that helped me were coach Hall, coach Tennies, and coach Lass who always worked hard to help me be a great player and always get me to be my best.”
Blank’s work ethic was definitely present in every game this season and his future in football and beyond is going to one of his own making.
Columbus advances to the semifinals to face No. 1 Catholic Memorial.
