Having played with fellow senior Kylin Hill for virtually all of his football career, Columbus High School senior quarterback C.J. Gholar knows when he is on the verge of seeing something special.
A Mississippi State commitment, Hill has turned in many special performances on the way to being considered one of the state’s best running backs.
“When he gets going, it’s special,” Gholar said. “After he breaks that first run, you can see a different person when he comes back to huddle. If he sees a team he can dominate, it leads to big night. It’s just fun to hand the ball off and to watch the magic happen.”
Hill again reached special status Friday night when he ran for a season-best 239 yards Columbus’ 59-13 victory against DeSoto Central in the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 6A, Region 1 opener for both teams.
Columbus finished with the most points and yards in a game under third-year coach Randal Montgomery.
Gholar was pretty special, too, as he went 9 of 13 for a career-best 308 yards and two touchdowns.
For their efforts, Gholar and Hill are The Dispatch’s Prep Players of the Week.
“We had been waiting for a night like that,” Hill said. “The offensive line played great, and that really opened up everything for us. When we have the balance on offense of both running and passing, we have a chance to be a really good team.”
When the season started, Columbus wasn’t sure how much it was going to be able to count on an inexperienced offensive line. As the line has matured, the Falcons’ skill players have taken flight.
In the last three games, Columbus has rushed for 1,137 yards. The Falcons had a big night Friday without fellow senior Kendre Conner, who was ejected from the West Point game and had to sit out the first three quarters. Conner, Gholar, and Hill have formed a three-headed monster that has fueled the rushing attack.
“The biggest thing is we are having fun,” Hill said. “Whether it is (Conner) or me, there is a chance to break a big play at any time. C.J. can run the ball, too. We are also getting a big lift from (junior) Patrick Jackson. If you are a big-time player, you want to make plays. However, it is great knowing the pressure is not on you on every snap.”
Against DeSoto Central, Hill’s 76-yard run was one of three rushing scores. He also had a receiving score to give him nine touchdowns on the season. Hill also has returned a kickoff and a punt return for a touchdown.
“The thing with Kylin is he can break it (for a touchdown) on any snap,” Montgomery said. “That is why we put him in as many positions as possible to touch the ball, whether it’s as a receiver, runner or kick returner. We want him to have touches. He can make something great happen on any play.”
Jackson had a 78-yard run. Gholar also had a 77-yard pass to senior Michael McCloud.
Columbus finished 8-4 last season and advanced to the MHSAA Class 6A playoffs. With as many as 15 starters returning, high hopes led Columbus to be ranked in the preseason top 10 by The Clarion-Ledger.
This season, Columbus (3-2) has lost to West Point and Noxubee County by a combined five points. To make a Class 6A state title push, many felt like the Falcons would have to throw the ball with more consistency.
Gholar has delivered with a 35-of-76 worksheet for 787 yards. He has thrown six touchdowns and one interception.
“He really took the initiative of becoming a better passer,” Montgomery said. “Whether it is going to camps or putting in more work at our field. Last year, he quickly became a leader. The players really respond to him. Now, he has pushed himself from a physical standpoint to be a leader and to be a player capable of making plays through the air.”
A year ago, Gholar threw for 1,270 yards.
“It has been a challenge, but it has been very rewarding,” Gholar said. “Football is a team sport, but it’s an honor to be the quarterback. The coaches have put a lot of faith in me, and I have tried to deliver with being a leader on the field.”
Columbus likely will need another strong offensive showing this week when it plays host to sixth-ranked Tupelo (5-0). Columbus is still looking for its first home win of the season.
“Our support has been great,” Gholar said. “The crowds are always into the game. It’s rewarding to see everybody come out and pull for us. It’s gratifying we have changed the attitudes around here. We have made football fun for the fans.”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Scott Walters on Twitter @dispatchscott
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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