Football Game Preview: Columbia Crimson Tide vs. Hamburg Hawks

Columbia is 0-3 against Hamburg since October of 2022 but things could change on Friday. The Crimson Tide will be playing in front of their home fans against the Hawks at 7:00 p.m. Hamburg took a loss in their last matchup and will be looking to turn the tables on Columbia, who comes in off a win.

Columbia will roll into the game after a wild two-game stretch: they didn't score any points two weeks ago, then bounced right back against Kutztown on Friday. The Crimson Tide managed a 40-35 win over the Cougars. The victory almost wasn't to be: the Crimson Tide were down 35-20 in the third quarter.

Columbia's success was spearheaded by the efforts of Kareem Nichols, who gained 219 total yards and three touchdowns, and Cameron McClair, who rushed for 92 yards and two touchdowns on only nine carries. McClair's passing game has become a key predictor of the Crimson Tide's success: the team is 4-2 when his passer rating is 100 or higher, but only 0-3 otherwise.

They were just one part of a punishing run game: Columbia was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 248 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've managed all season.

Meanwhile, Hamburg had to suffer through a 38-7 loss at the hands of Berks Catholic. The defeat continues a trend for the Hawks in their meetings with the Saints: they've now lost eight in a row.

Columbia will have to keep a close watch on Alex Soto and Ethan Horvath, a pair of players who had a big impact on Hamburg's prior game. Soto gained 83 total yards, while Horvath picked up 72 receiving yards.

Hamburg's loss dropped their record down to 2-7. As for Columbia, their win bumped their record up to 4-5.

Columbia took a serious blow against Hamburg in their previous meeting back in October of 2024, falling 59-0. Will the Crimson Tide have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.