Elco is first league foe

After four weeks of non-league games and a 1-3 record, the Columbia Crimson Tide gets to start all over again this week when they host the Elco Raiders in their first Section 3 game of the season.
The Raiders, who were expected to possibly challenge Lancaster Catholic for the Section 3 title, are an un-Elco like 0-4. They were beaten Friday night in their Section 3 opener by Northern Lebanon by a 33-28 score.
While Elco, coached by Mark Evans is 0-4, they have lost three of their games by a total of 15 points.
Part of Elco's problem is at quarterback. They lost their starting QB prior to their first game and were forced to move RB Tyler George to QB.
George, along with Dylan Hickernell, have combined for more than 300 yards rushing, while Eric Ondo has caught passes for ore than 300 yards.
The Tide is celebrating Homecoming on Friday and is looking for their first win over the Raiders in four seasons and just their third in eight seasons.
NOTES: Here's something to ponder. The combined records of Columbia's first four opponents was 10-6. The combined records of the Tide's next four opponents is 4-12. Columbia's last win over Elco was in 2007 by a 30-22 score. In the last two games, the Raiders have outscored the Tide 114-46.

After four games

Here are some news and notes on the Columbia football team after four non-league games, heading into Friday's Section 3 opener with Elco.
* The Tide has led in the first half of three of its four games -- the lone exception was Friday's game with Boiling Springs.
* Columbia has played teams in York, Cumberland and Berks County. They play the next three games against teams from Lebanon County.
* Last season after four games, the Tide was 0-4 and three of the four games ending in the Mercy Rule.
* Seth Lefever leads the tackle chart with 28 followed by Marcus Fischer with 26. Michael Burke leads the Tide in sacks and tackles for loss. John Marley leads the Tide with two picks.
* On offense, the Tide has rushed for 729 yards, with Brock Taylor leading the way with 216. QB Tyler Harrison has completed 46 of 73 passes for 636 yards and eight scores. Burke is the leading receiver with 23 catches for 385 yards and seven scores, followed by DJ Wells with nine and Nick Nobile and Seth Lefever with seven each.
 * Defensively, the Tide has given up 1,009 in four games on the ground and 517 through the air, 294 of them coming against Daniel Boone.

Week Four Columbia football notebook

Good looking turf field
Friday, the Tide played on turf for the second time in four games. The other was against Northeastern. It will be the best field the Tide will play on this year.
The helicopter flyover before the game was a planned event and added a nice touch to the opening.
I'm sure this will get some comments, but the concession stand food was good. The cheeseburger (yes just one, but it was a double cheeseburger) I had before the game was awesome and the chicken corn soup was good, but a little too spicy for me. Best upcoming stands will be Northern Lebanon, who usually has pretty good soups and Annville-Cleona, who has the best hot dogs in the league.
What I didn't like was the hundreds of young people walking around the "walking" track during the game, often interfering with people watching the game. It seemed more like a social event than a football game. My question  is why go to the game if you aren't going to watch it. Did notice the Bubblers had a student section.
Among those seen walking around was PIAA Executive Director Brad Cashman.

Injuries mount
Two players were injured. John Markley left the game early in the second quarter with an arm injury and was in a sling. Brock Taylor left the game late in the first half. Not dressed for the game were Lamar Porras, Quincy Mancotywa, Tyler Dietz, Dion Matthews, Chris Murray and Victor Rivera. Matthews and Dietz are out with shoulder injuries.

Offensive numbers
Quarterback Tyler Harrison, who is recovering from an ankle injury and didn't have a full week of practice, had a big game. He was 22 of 35 with one pick for 266 yards and one score. Michael Burke caught a season-high nine balls for 95 yards and a score. Harrison completed passes to have different receivers.
DJ Wells caught six balls for 92 yards and also rushed for 58 yards and a score.

Defensive numbers
Still not good. Columbia gave 246 yards on the ground, including 168 to Ryan Miller. QB Jared Bliss made the most of his seven pass attempts, completing six for 98 yards and two scores. Seth Lefever was the top tackler for the game with eight stops.

Extra points
The Tide continues to struggle with points after scores. They converted one of three, a two-point conversation late in the game from Harrison to Burke. They are 2 of 7 in one-point conversions this year and 3 of 8 in two-point conversions.

Other numbers
The Tide has been outscored  in the second quarters of games, 39-27 this season and 41-18 in the third quarters. They have dominated first quarters, outscoring their four opponents, 31-20. Columbia outscored the opposition, 37-36 in the fourth quarter.

Volunteers are needed

The Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce is in need of a couple of volunteers to assist with the admission areas at Saturday's Bridge Bust.
For more information, contact Amy at 684-5249.

Weekly college update

Here is the weekly update of Columbia graduates playing college football.
At Kutztown, Colby Tuell caught six passes for 84 yards in a 52-14 win over Cheyney. For the year, he is second on the team in receptions, 16 for 211 yards.
At Juniata, Brandon Felus started at defensive end in a loss at F&M.
Lebanon Valley was off this week.

Missed opportunities for the Tide

The difference in a win and a loss for the Columbia football team came down to a couple of missed opportunities. Those opportunities added up to a 35-20 non-league loss to Boiling Springs.
On the turf at Boiling Springs, the Tide was moving the ball on offense, but didn’t come up with many big plays on defense until the second half.

The Bubblers scored their first points of the game on their first drive. BS went 76 yards in nine plays, scoring on a 6-yard run by Ryan Miller to take a 7-0 lead with 6:37 left in the first quarter.

After punting on their first possession of the game, the Tide got its offense untracked on their second offensive series.

Starting at their own 20, the Tide behind the passing of Tyler Harrison moved to the BS 4. On the Harrison, the Tide junior quarterback completed three passes to Michael Burke and one to Seth Lefever.

But with four cracks to score inside te four, the Tide couldn’t dent the goal line and gave the ball back to the Bubblers.

After both teams traded punts, BS went in for another score. This time, the Bubblers started at their own 25 and 75 yards and 14 plays later, QB Jared Bliss found Roland Miller and the Bubblers were ahead 14-0 with three minutes left in the first half.

Right before half, the Tide had its second opportunity to score. Columbia got to the Bubbler 11, before self destructing.

The Bubblers went ahead 21-0 on their opening drive of the second half. Starting near midfield, the Bubblers scored with 9:46 left in the quarter on a second Bliss touchdown pass.

Back came the Tide. Behind the running of DJ Wells, Harrison and Johnny Vazquez, the Tide reached the BS 11. On first down, Wells sprinted in from the 11. The Tide botched the PAT and trailed 21-6 with 4:40 left in the third quarter.

Inspired, the Tide forced the Bubblers to punt and got something going again. Starting near midfield, the Tide scored again, this time on a 24-yard pass from Harrison to Burke. Again, Columbia failed to convert the two-point conversion and trailed 21-12 with 68 seconds left in the third quarter.

But the Bubblers answered. Bliss scored, ending a 12-play, 84-yard drive, scoring with 6:33 left in the fourth quarter to take a 28-12 lead.

Columbia answered the score again. Harrison hit passes to Burke, Wells and Nick Nobile to move to the BS 1. Harrison scored on a 1-yard sneak. This time, Columbia converted the two-point conversion as Harrison found Burke in the end zone. With 3:35 left in the game, Columbia trailed 28-20.

But BS iced the game, needing just three plays against a gambling Tide defense, scoring on a 25-yard run by David Cook with 2:22 left.

Columbia tried to comeback. They moved to the BS 11 but a Harrison pass was picked off in the end zone to end the game.

Columbia mentioned on Eagles' show

Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell was asked Thursdayt when he visited Columbia High School is he would show a mug he was given on Eagles' Post-Game Live.
Not only did he do it, but spoke highly of his speech and visit to Columbia High School.

Game video of Tide's game

The Carlisle Sentinnel has posted video of the Tide's game with Boiling Springs: http://cumberlink.com/sports/high-school/football/article_d55f92b4-c84d-11df-a982-001cc4c002e0.html?mode=video

Tide is on Fox

Here is a link to this morning's visit by Fox 43 to Columbia: http://www.fox43.com/sports/hsff/spirit-visit/

Columbia to be featured

Attention Columbia: The football team will be featured on Fox 43 morning news tomorrow at like 7 a.m., along with the band and cheerleaders. Also, Gov. Rendell promised today, he'd showcase the mug he got at the high school Sunday on Post Game Live after the Birds beat the Jaquars. Roll Tide!!!!

Rendell visits Columbia

Governor Ed Rendell smiles as he enters Columbia High School this afternoon.

Pennsylvania's number one politician Gov. Ed Rendell spoke for about an hour this afternoon to the students and staff at Columbia High School.
Rendell was visiting the school as part of a promise made a couple of years ago to Principal Virginia Babic. The school administrator met Rendell in a McDonald's and asked him to visit her school. He was going to fulfill the promise last year, but cancelled out at the last minute.
Thursday, the governor was greeted warmly. As he entered the auditorium, Rendell was greeted with a loud ovation from the students and music provided by the high school band. As he made his way to the front of the auditorium, Rendell shook hands with students and staff.
During his talk with those in attendance, the governor spoke about the importance of education, mandated test scores and lauded the Columbia School District on their improvement with making Adequate Yearly Progress. The governor said the district's two elementary schools -- Park and Taylor, made the AYP, while the high school missed out by not achieving one of the 19 sub-headers, but in his opinion, the high school reached its goal.

After speaking for about 20 minutes on educational issues, Rendell talked about his future after he leaves office at the end of the year and what his accomplishments have been as governor and the future of jobs not only in Pennsylvania, but nationally. He told the students he never speaks from a prepared speech, rather choosing to use index cards or a sheet of paper to highlight what he wants to say. Rendell said the only time he uses a prepared speech is when he presented the state's budget.
"I would say the recession is not over. In my book, we cannot have a recovery until we start creating new jobs, but economists view the recession on the stock market success," Rendell said.
The governor said businesses might be making profits again but they are doing it with less people. "We need to create jobs and there are ways to do it."
Rendell, who has served the last eight years as Pennsylvania's governor, also served two terms as mayor of Philadelphia and prior to that was the District Attorney for Philadelphia. The governor said he's been in public life for 33 years.

He also took questions from the students such as what is his favorite jelly bean flavor and if he wasn't governor, what would he be? Rendell said he's not a big jelly bean eater and wanted to be a basketball player, but settled as a sportscaster. For the last 10 years, Rendell has been part of Philadelphia Eagles' coverage on Comcast Sports Net. After receiving a Columbia High School mug, Rendell promised to show it on the Eagles' Post-Game  Live coverage Sunday.
Rendell also gave the students an example as the way to succeed and get better grades in the classroom.

Royal Farms still has plans for Wrightsville

The location is at the former Myers and List car dealership: http://www.ydr.com/ci_16145616

A drug arrest

There has been a drug arrest in Columbia: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/292847

Susquehanna Glass owner meets Obama

The owner of Susquehanna Glass,Walt Rowen, got a chance of a lifetime this week: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/291810

Fourth Friday

The art galleries of Columbia will present Fourth Friday in Columbia on Friday, Sept. 24, beginning at 5 p.m. and continuing to 9 p.m. and beyond.

Attendees may experience Columbia's art galleries, participating antique shops, specialty shops, and local eateries. This self-guided tour provides participants with the opportunity to view exhibits from local and visiting artists and to enjoy refreshments.

The Fourth Friday event is free and suitable for people of all ages. For more information,  call 405-0604 or visit www.fourthfridays.org.

An event across the river

There's a big event in Wrightsville: http://www.engleonline.com/AdDesk/Htmlfiles/Readers/article.epc?id=39745

Car and art at Pig Iron Fest

An event to attend this week: http://www.engleonline.com/AdDesk/Htmlfiles/Readers/article.epc?id=39651

Volleyball pictures from tonight

Here are a few pic from tonight's vollryball match with Lancaster Mennonite. Results will come later.

Comments from in town

In case anyone hasn't noticed, there is no "police" vehicle following the street sweeper for the last couple of weeks.
This leads to a question that when the borough hired extra crossing guards and parking enforcement officers, the idea was not to have police fill in as crossing guards and always have someone follow the sweeper.
So, why are we short a crossing guard in the afternoon at the intersection of Ninth and Walnut streets? Why isn't there a vehicle following the sweeper? Seems, the borough's parking enforcement people have told the borough they won't follow the sweeper.
So the questions are why do these people have a job, because as we were told at a council meeting, this was the idea to have people cross trained. Secondly, why aren't borough officials making these people follow the sweeper.
So, are we giving up writing the $10 tickets for a $5 ticket?
Business friendly!

West Hempfield Township police

Police have charged Michael Carson, 23, of Lancaster, with DUI, as the result of an incident on Prospect Road, north of Route 30, Sept. 18.
Police have charged Dale Duffy, 43, of Lancaster, with harassment, as the result of an incident in the 600 block of Summit Drive, Sept. 17.
Police have charged Darnell Franks, 19, of Lancaster, with disorderly conduct, as the result of an incident on Breezy View Road, Sept. 19.
Police have charged Tommy Lee Hills, 41, of Columbia, with DUI, as the result of an incident in the 700 block of Kinderhook Road, Sept. 18.

Donegal blanks Tide

Singles

Brubaker, Donegal, def Geesey, Columbia 0-6, 0-6
Gainer, Donegal def Lydon, Columbia 0-6, 0-6
Noble, Donegal def Ulrich, Columbia 0-6, 0-6
Farmer, Donegal def Beshara, Columbia 0-6, 0-6
Tufarolo, Donegal def Barton, Columbia 0-6, 0-6
Doubles
Heistand/Vardament, DHS def Geesey/Beshara CHS 8-0
Zern/Nickchen, DHS def Lydon/Ulrich CHS 8-2

Tide girls blank Reading

The Columbia girls' volleyball teamm won its first match of the year last night defeating Reaadingin straight sets, 26-24, 25-17 and 25-13.
Ashlyn Phillips had six aces and kills during the match and Katie Will had six kills and three blocks.
The Tide is scheduled to host Mennonite tonight.

Columbia Police reports

EDWARD J. FLICK, JR., AGE 78, OF MOUNT JOY, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES AT NORTH THIRD AND LINDEN STREETS, SEPT. 15.
DOUGLAS CLAIR GARNER, AGE 43, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS IN THE FIRST BLOCK OF PLEASANT AVENUE, SEPT. 16.
MICHAEL K. BLIZZARD, AGE 28, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES AT ROUTE 462 AND CHESTNUT STREET, SEPT. 18.
XIOMARA BURGOS, AGE 25, OF LANCASTER, WAS CITED FOROBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES AT 3RD. AND LINDEN STREETS, SEPT. 19.
ASSHUR RAAMAH BEATTY, AGE 30, OF YORK, WAS CITED FOR MAXIMUM SPEED LIMITS AT ROUTE 30 WEST AND ROUTE 441, SEPT. 19.
MITCHELL A. SHUE, AGE 20, OF YOE, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES IN THE 100 BLOCK OF NORTH NINTH STREET, SEPT. 17.
JENNIFER L. JACKSON, AGE 53, OF MIDDLETOWN, WAS CITED FOR DRIVING WHILE OPERATING PRIVILEGE IS SUSPENDED OR REVOKED, IN THE
500 BLOCK OF MILL STREET, SEPT. 19.

JUAN CARLOS COLON, AGE 49, OF LANCASTER, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES ON ROUTE 30 EAST, SEPT. 20.
THE FOLLOWING PERSONS WERE CITED FOR STOP SIGNS AND YIELD SIGNS, IN THE 400 BLOCK OF LINDEN STREET AT THE EXIT RAMP, SEPT. 20:  CRYSTAL E. STAYMAN, AGE 18, OF MARIETTA; DAVID ALLEN SNAVELY, AGE 22, OF MANHEIM; SHANIZE LYNN WINKEY,  AGE 22, OF MOUNT JOY.

LNP correspondent dies in crash

He covered Columbia council and school board meetings: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/291562

Vote for the Tide

It's time to vote, not for a new governor, but for the Columbia football program to be featured on Fox 43 on Friday night at Boiling Springs. Congratulations, your matchup, Columbia at Boiling Springs is one of
four games selected for FOX43's High School Football Frenzy "Game of the Week." We encourage you to let your students, alumni and fans know that they can go to our website www.hsfootballfrenzy.com and vote for your game.
The matchup receiving the most votes will be designated as our "Game of the Week" for Friday Night, Sept. 24. If your matchup wins, FOX43 will come out to Boiling Springs and be live for our 30-minute preview show and have a report on location after the game for our highlights at 10 p.m.
Keep in mind we will be there to showcase both schools in the game and would like to have cheerleaders, band members, alumni and fans from both teams with us during our show at 6 p.m. This is your chance to shine as a school and program and show viewers all across our area your school pride. http://www.hsfootballfrenzy.com/