Football Recap: Braden Wagoner Key Part of Team Effort in Warhawks Win + How To Watch

Ridgevue hadn't done well against Columbia recently (they were 1-6 in their previous seven matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Friday. The Warhawks sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 23-21 win over the Wildcats. For the Warhawks, this counts as revenge for the 7-6 victory the Wildcats walked away with the last time they faced one another back in September of 2024.

Multiple players turned in solid performances to lead Ridgevue to victory, but perhaps none more so than Braden Wagoner, who rushed for 80 yards and one touchdown. Wagoner really tore up the turf during one magnificent 80-yard run. Hunter Schmittel was another key player, rushing for 63 yards.

They were just one part of a punishing run game: Ridgevue was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 257 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 163 rushing yards every time they've taken the field this season.

Warhawks

Interceptions

Cohen Arsers	1
Cameron Johnson	1
Braden Wagoner	1

Ridgevue didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off three passes before the game was over. It was truly a group effort as Cohen Arsers, Cameron Johnson, and Wagoner picked up one apiece. Johnson got in on the action too, converting a pick into a touchdown.

Columbia's loss shouldn't obscure the performances of Jackson Cheslak, who rushed for 57 yards and a pair of scores, and Easton Zickgraf, who threw for 184 yards and one TD. Cheslak is also crushing it when it comes to rushing touchdowns: he's punched in at least two every time he's taken the field this season. Tyson Winkelman also helped out with an impressive 85 receiving yards.

Ridgevue's win bumped their record up to 3-1. As for Columbia, their defeat was their first of the season and also makes their record 3-1.

Ridgevue wasted no time getting back out on the field and has already played their next contest, a 56-15 victory against Caldwell on the 26th. As for Columbia, they have also already played their next matchup, a 22-20 loss against Bishop Kelly on the 26th.