Ridgefield 63, Columbia High 0

"It was our worst effort of the year," Bruins Coach Scott Ross said. "It's an old theme, but they were bigger, stronger and more physical than us. And, after the first quarter, they pretty much ran the ball right over us."

Ridgefield, led by seniors Brad Puhich and Reese Christopher, rushed for 369 yards and seven touchdowns.

The Puhich-Christopher, inside-outside combination gained 253 yards and crossed the goal line five times in helping Ridgefield improve to 3-2 in the Trico and 4-3 overall.

Freshman quarterback Nick Green complemented the Spudders' overpowering running game, completing 5-of-7 passes for 94 yards and two scores.

"It was a struggle for us all night," Ross said. "We couldn't stop them when they had the ball, and when we had, we couldn't get anything going to keep it away from them."

Columbia (1-4, 2-6) ran four more offensive plays than Ridgefield (60 to 56), but managed only 199 total yards, 189 on the ground, and turned the ball over three times.

Ross said the turnovers weren't a factor in the outcome, however.

"What was a factor was that, on offense, we didn't block very well for each other and defensively, we didn't tackle very well," he said, "the fundamental things we need to do to win football games."

Freshman Devin Dean--who took over at fullback after senior Alex Riley left in the second quarter with an injury--led the Bruins with a career-high 89 yards on 15 carries.

CHS also lost senior quarterback Jon Bryan to injury in the second quarter, Ross noted.

Both, however, are expected to play in Friday's home and regular-season finale against Woodland.