Just a minute remained in the game as Columbus quarterback Dkyren Henderson led the Falcons into Trojan territory. Receivers Tavion Bandy and Tylan Brown each made big plays to move the ball downfield quickly, and a defensive pass interference call had the Trojans reeling.
The game was nearly won with an end zone shot to Cortney Petty, but the receiver got turned around trying to locate the football as it landed just beyond the goal line. Three incompletions later and the game was decided, New Hope held on to win 27-25.
It was just New Hope’s sixth win all time against Columbus, their first since 2014 and their first win at Columbus since 1998. The Trojans, now 4-1, are two wins away from their best total since 2016.
The Falcons, now 2-3, have some work to do to get back to .500, but the two wins coming into the rivalry game on Friday demonstrate this team has the ability to finish that they lacked last season. They were just one catch away from being 3-2.
“Hats off to Coach Simpson and his group,” Trojans head coach Allen Glenn said after the win. “They’re doing a good job and they’re going to win a lot of football games.”
“Coach Glenn is doing a great job over there,” Columbus head coach Barrin Simpson said.
Both are correct.
In recent years it has been few and far between where New Hope and Columbus are rallying for October and November football. This year, both seem likely to make a run for postseason ball thanks to the work of first-year head coaches. It isn’t just the fact that both programs have already managed to win more games than last year, there is a noticeable difference in confidence and execution for both teams.
Each week matters a bit more with the start of district play on Friday, but both New Hope and Columbus are looking up. Disappointment in recent years isn’t deterring either group from fighting to change its identity.
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