BEAR GRASS — The Columbia High School Wildcats fell behind early Friday night, then scored 34 of the game’s next 38 points in a 34-14 win over Bear Grass Charter.
Bear Grass Charter (1-8) took a 6-0 lead on the first scoring drive of the night. Columbia answered with a passing game that produced three touchdowns of 48 yards or more, and the Wildcats pulled away before halftime.
“We were down 6-0 and before you knew it the score was 34-6,” Wildcats Coach Ron’Dayle Floyd said.
Sophomore quarterback Ethan Sawyer threw all three of those touchdown passes. The first went to junior Jaimarcus Whitley for 48 yards and gave Columbia its first score. Floyd called it the turning point of the game.
Sawyer later found freshman Jayden Sykes for a 62-yard touchdown. He then connected with senior Yahuan Sykes for a 53-yard score.
Yahuan Sykes also did damage on the ground, scoring twice on rushing touchdowns. Senior Maurcus Holloway added a rushing touchdown of his own.
Once the lead was safe, Floyd emptied the bench. The reserves scored late to make the final 34-14.
The Wildcats won without several players who are out for the season. Sophomore Avery Voliva (OT/DT), senior Evan Torres (WR/DB) and junior Ayden Morris (OT/DT) have all been lost for the year.
“I am so proud of this team,” Floyd said. “We have lost some key starters for the season and our coaching staff and kids continue to find a way. We still show up daily and find a way.”
Panthers next on schedule
Columbia (2-4, 1-3 in the Atlantic 1A conference) hosts Washington County High School next week in the first round of the 1A state playoff tournament.
The winner of the Columbia-Washington County game will go on to play No. 1-ranked Northside-Pinetown on Nov. 13.
The Panthers arrive having split their last two games. They won at Rocky Mount Prep, 40-20, about a week ago. Then they lost 12-6 at home Friday to Sallie B. Howard.
Panthers Coach Ben James called the Rocky Mount win a quality, hard-fought victory and probably his team’s best performance of the season.
“We actually started strong and finished strong,” James said. “Proud of the guys for their effort and determination. This group has been resilient with everything that they have had to face this year.”
Clough doing well after scary moment
Friday night also included a frightening scene on the field involving Wildcats player Braxton Clough, who wears No. 6. His mother, Karen Clough, shared an update on his condition Saturday and said he is home and recovering.
Braxton was discharged from the hospital at 7:25 that morning after a long night, she said. All scans and X-rays came back clear, nothing was broken, and doctors believe he most likely suffered a mild concussion. Karen Clough said the neck collar finally came off, and he was able to eat around 5:30 a.m.
The family thanked Dr. Manning and the other first responders who assessed Braxton and stayed with him until EMS arrived. She said the emergency room physician was relieved that his helmet and pads had been left on, because removing them could have caused further injury. Hospital staff commended those on the field for treating the situation as a possible head and neck injury, she said.
“We know what everyone witnessed was frightening,” Karen Clough said. “It was a scary moment for everyone watching, and we know many of you were worried about Braxton.”
Editor's Note: This is a shorter version of the full article that appears in the Nov. 4, 2026, edition of the Roanoke Beacon.
