Columbus North High School

November 4, 2023 - For the eleventh time in thirteen seasons, the Trojans of Center Grove have knocked Columbus North (5-6) out of the Sectional football tournament, this time handing the Dogs a 35-12 loss. The second-ranked Trojans (10-1) are the three-time defending State champions and have won ten straight games after a season-opening loss at St. Edward (OH). This was Center Grove’s thirteenth-straight Sectional championship. Center Grove scored on their opening possession, and then took advantage of a Bull Dog fumble deep in their own territory to build a quick 14-0 lead. The lead grew to 35-0 just before the end of the first half, but the Bull Dogs showed some grit, outscoring the Trojans 12-0 in the second half. Quarterback Asher Ratliff was 13-for-24 passing for 123 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. Braylon Thoman (shown above) had four catches for 56 yards to lead the Bull Dogs in receiving. Gino Prescott had ten rushing attempts for 37 yards and one touchdown to pace the Bull Dogs’ rushing attack. Eli Smith had a touchdown reception for North. The Bull Dogs finished the season 5-6 (3-2 in Conference Indiana). The game was the last for eight Bull Dog seniors. Congratulations to head coach Logan Haston and the Columbus North football team on a fine season.