La Marque is 0-8 against Columbia since September of 2016 but things could change on Friday. The Cougars will welcome the Roughnecks at 7:00 p.m. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
For whatever reason, it's the away team that's had the advantage when La Marque and Sweeny meet (three straight games heading into this one) and that held true again on Friday. The Cougars were the clear victors by a 36-10 margin over the Bulldogs.
Cory Hosea had another great game (as he tends to do), rushing for 190 yards and three touchdowns while picking up 9.5 yards per carry, and also picking up 38 receiving yards. Deuce Walker was another key player, throwing for 225 yards and one TD while completing 72.2% of his passes.
They were just one part of a punishing run game: La Marque was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 206 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 160 rushing yards in six consecutive matchups.
Meanwhile, Columbia entered their tilt with Sweeny last Friday with three consecutive wins but they'll enter their next game with four. They claimed a resounding 41-7 win over the Bulldogs. The contest was pretty much decided by the half, when the score had already reached 27-0.
La Marque better keep an eye on Cade Thoe. He was instrumental in Columbia's win, throwing for 240 yards and a pair of touchdowns while completing 73.9% of his passes, and also punching in one score on the ground. Those 240 passing yards gave Thoe a new career-high. Isaiah Williams helped Thoe out on the ground, rushing for 55 yards and one TD.
Special teams played a big role in the game for Columbia, adding 11 points to the final score. The biggest highlight from special teams (and perhaps the team as a whole) came courtesy of Mudassir Abdullah, who ran a punt back for a touchdown.
Columbia's victory bumped their record up to 5-3. As for La Marque, their win bumped their record up to 8-1.
Friday's game might be decided on the ground. La Marque has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 249.7 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Columbia struggles in that department as they've been averaging 160.4 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's matchup turns into a tough fight on the ground.
La Marque couldn't quite get it done against Columbia in their previous matchup back in November of 2024 as they fell 28-17. Will the Cougars 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.
