Columbus North High School

October 8, 2023 - Class 5A top-ranked Bloomington North (8-0) jumped out to a 14-0 lead over Columbus North less than three minutes into the game, and extended the lead to 31-7 early in the third quarter. However, the Bull Dogs found a spark and came roaring back with touchdowns on their last four possessions before the clock ran out, giving the Cougars a 38-35 victory. Not surprisingly in a game whose final score was so close, the Bull Dogs and Cougars had nearly identical offensive stats for the game, with the Bull Dogs accumulating 472 yards of total offense (200 rushing, 272 passing), and the Cougars 476 (203 rushing and 273 passing). Quarterback Asher Ratliff rushed for 108 yards on 15 carries, and Gino Prescott added 92 yards on 16 attempts. Ratliff was 17-for-31 for 272 yards and a pair of touchdowns through the air, with Braylon Thoman grabbing eight catches for 154 yards and a touchdown to lead Bull Dog receivers. The Bull Dogs (3-5, 2-2) will host Terre Haute South on Friday, October 13 at 7:00 pm before preparing for Sectional play. Columbus North won both Saturday morning games, with the JV team (4-4) winning 32-14 and the freshmen getting their second victory of the season (2-6) 12-0 at Bloomington North. Photo: Drew Schifer celebrates an Asher Ratliff touchdown against Bloomington North on Friday, October 6. The Dogs fell to top-ranked Bloomington North 38-35.