TEAM FACTS
Coach: Derek Mertz, fourth season, 9-18
Last year: 3-6 overall, 2-5 4A SIC
Postseason: Did not qualify for playoffs
Stadium: Wildcat Stadium, Nampa
Postseason breakthrough: Columbia opened in the fall of 2006 and the Wildcats are still searching for their first playoff berth. Surviving three road games in early September may set a trend that finishes the playoff drought and makes school history.
SCOUTING REPORT
OFFENSE
Coach Derek Mertz believes there’s plenty of room for improvement from last year. Columbia ran the ball well (178.2 yards per game, fourth in 4A SIC), but failed to establish a passing threat (683 total yards, sixth in 4A SIC). Coaches hope an Austin Schaffer-to-Eric Cotton connection will boost those stats and open more options for the running game.
DEFENSE
The Wildcats were the 4A SIC’s most difficult team to throw against in 2010, holding their opponents to 89.2 passing yards per game. They were fifth in rush defense, however, allowing 173.1 yards per game. The tandem of Nick Edenfield and junior D’Makeo Williams on the interior could slow down opposing rushers.
OVERVIEW
Columbia failed to live up to last year’s high expectations, but wants to play to its potential in 2011. The Wildcats feature young players at some key positions, and their development will ultimately reveal the fate of this year’s squad. If they can produce early, the ceiling is high and Columbia may earn its first playoff berth.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Austin Schaffer
QB
Schaffer broke through in summer camp by making smart decisions and displaying steady composure, coaches said. “He is showing great poise and leadership in his new role,” coach Derek Mertz said. As a sophomore, Schaffer completed 7-of-29 passes for 85 yards and one TD.
Spencer Salinas
DB/WR
Possessing great size for a defensive back at 6-foot-2 and 180 pounds, the athletic Salinas earned a reputation for making plenty of noise with his pads. “He’s a brutal hitter, jumps very well and runs well,” Mertz said. Columbia will also utilize the senior’s athleticism on offense.
Nick Edenfield
OG/NT
The 6-3, 275-pound road grader anchors a young offensive line. His large frame also causes problems for opposing quarterbacks when he lines up across the center on defense. “He’s pretty athletic for a guy his size and moves laterally very well,” Mertz said.
Eric Cotton
WR/DE
The junior is improving every day and at 6-5, 215 pounds, may be a gigantic contributor for the Wildcats. “He was the best offensive player at camp and has a great skill set,” Mertz said. Cotton, who also plays basketball, is drawing interest from college coaches.
